Complete a high school diploma or GED. You cannot enroll in an online associate's degree program without a high school diploma.
Enroll in an online early childhood education program that provides an associate's degree. See resources for a list of accredited programs.
Complete the general education requirements. Most associate's degree programs require 60 credit hours and general courses in writing, literature, math and science.
Fulfill the early childhood education course requirements. Each school has specific classes that usually include fundamentals of early childhood education, language and literacy in young children, math for young children, early childhood curriculum, special needs children, and child psychology.