B.S.
Bachelor's of Science

Early Childhood Education

If you’re passionate about shaping young minds, SUNY Empire’s online bachelor’s in early childhood education can help you make a lasting impact.

This flexible program combines research-based teaching strategies with hands-on experience to prepare you for a rewarding career as an early childhood educator. You’ll learn how to create inclusive, developmentally appropriate learning environments for children from birth through grade 2. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible for New York State B-2 Initial Certification to teach in early childhood settings across the state. 

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Program Overview
Career Outcomes
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Bachelor's of Science in Early Childhood Education

Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education

B.S.
Earn your degree in early childhood education online.

Format

100% Online

How it Works

Tuition

$295 / credit

Tuition & Fees

Credits

60 – 120 Credits Depending on Transfer Credits 

Course Catalog

Next term starts

Fall 2025 

  • SOSC 2005

    • If Your First 60 Credits Completed at SUNY Empire 

    • SOSC 2005

      Schooling in America

       

    • EDST 2005

      Schooling in America

       

    • HUDV 1005 

      Child Development: Introductory 

       

    • ECET 1010 

      Introduction to Early Childhood Education 

       

    • ECET 3037 

      Professional Preparation for Early Childhood Education 

       

    • HUDV 3060 

      Early Childhood Development  

       

    • EDSP 2025 

      Introduction to Special Education 

       

    • ECET 3080 

      Assessment in Early Childhood Education 

       

    • ECET 2075 

      Early Childhood Curriculum Planning and Assessment 

       

    • PSYC 3015 

      Educational Psychology: Advanced 

       

    • ECET 3090 

      Early Childhood Experience: Special Education 1 

       

    • ECET 3040 

      Emergent Literacy 

       

    • ECET 4030 

      Early Childhood Curriculum Planning Across the Content Areas 

       

    • ECET 3085 

      Early Childhood Experience: Language and Literacy  

       

    • ECET 3060 

      Young Children & Technology 

       

    • ECET 3070 

      Issues and Advocacy in Early Childhood Education 

       

    • EDST 3037 

      Culturally Responsive Engagement in Home, School, and Community 

       

    • ECET 4140 

      Early Childhood Practicum: Student Teaching I  

       

    • ECET 4150 

      Early Childhood Practicum: Student Teaching II  

       

    • If Your First 60 Credits Completed Elsewhere 

    • Foundations of Education (transferred) 

       

       

    • Child Psychology (transferred)  

       

       

    • Introduction to Early Childhood Education (transferred) 

       

       

    • ECET 3037 

      Professional Preparation for Early Childhood Education 

       

    • HUDV 3060   

      Early Childhood Development

       

    • EDSP 2025 

      Introduction to Special Education 

       

    • ECET 3080 

      Assessment in Early Childhood Education

       

    • ECET 2075 

      Early Childhood Curriculum Planning and Assessment 

       

    • PSYC 3015 

      Educational Psychology: Advanced 

       

    • ECET 3090 

      Early Childhood Experience: Special Education 1 

       

    • ECET 3040 

      Emergent Literacy 

       

    • ECET 4030 

      Early Childhood Curriculum Planning Across the Content Areas 

       

    • ECET 3085 

      Early Childhood Experience: Language and Literacy  

       

    • ECET 3060 

      Young Children & Technology 

       

    • ECET 3070 

      Issues and Advocacy in Early Childhood Education 

       

    • ECET 4140 

      Early Childhood Practicum: Student Teaching I  

       

    • ECET 4150   

      Early Childhood Practicum: Student Teaching II

       

    • EDST 3037 

      Culturally Responsive Engagement in Home, School, and Community 

       

Ready to Apply?

The deadline for the Fall 2025 term is August 1. How to Apply

Prepare to Inspire and Educate Young Learners

What you'll learn

  • Design developmentally appropriate learning experiences
  • Support diverse learners and their families
  • Apply best practices in assessment
  • Integrate technology into early childhood classrooms

Get Ready for Your Early Childhood Education Career 

This online program prepares you to lead, teach, and make a difference in the lives of young children. Possible careers include: 

  • Early Childhood Teacher (Birth - Grade 2) 
  • Preschool Teacher 
  • Early Intervention Specialist 
  • Childcare Center Director 
  • Early Childhood Program Coordinator 
Career Services
student smiles for a photo in the classroom
I chose SUNY Empire because they have the best online programs, and you can take it at your own pace. I am always busy, and that I can still get my college work done is a plus for me.
'24 A.S., Current Student B.S. Early Childhood Education
Accounting, ‘22.

Interested? Take the Next Steps

1

Start Your Journey to a Successful Early Childhood Education Career 

We're here to support you every step of the way, making your journey to an early childhood education degree as smooth as possible. Our dedicated advisors provide the guidance and information you need to make confident choices and move closer to your goals. 

 

Request Info
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2

Check for Prior Learning Credits

Put your past experience toward your degree. Use transfer credits, work experience, or life skills to get a head start, save money, and earn your degree faster.

How To Get Credits

Normal Program Length
Your Prior Learning
Your Prior Learning
3

Apply for Your Online Early Childhood Education Degree

Make sure you have all the admissions requirements and complete your application to be ready for our next term! 

How To Apply

Next start term

Fall 2025  

Deadline to apply

August 1 

Start Your Degree

as soon as September 2, 2025.
 

Meet Our Professors

Our faculty have decades of real-world experience as early childhood educators, administrators, and advocates, and they’re here to support you every step of the way. They won’t just help you earn your online early childhood education degree; they’ll challenge you to think creatively, understand the unique needs of every child, and develop the knowledge and confidence to become an inspiring educator in today’s classrooms. 

All Faculty
Professional portrait of a professor

Joan Buzick

Assistant Professor
Dr. Joan Buzick began her career as a K-12 music teacher and later co-founded Little Fiddler Academy Child Development Center, where she supported young children and families through arts-integrated learning. During her 20 years at the center, she deepened her expertise in curriculum, child development, and the science of learning. Dr. Buzick also brings nine years of higher education teaching experience, having taught in the Education Division at Bloomfield College. 
professor takes a photo of himself outside of SUNY Empire

Charles Infurna

Visiting Assistant Professor
Dr. Charles Infurna brings leadership, research, and coaching experience to SUNY Empire, having served as a principal, college athletics coach, and researcher at the University of Rochester Children’s Institute. His work focuses on improving classroom quality, student outcomes, and the well-being of both educators and students. Dr. Infurna holds degrees in childhood education, curriculum and instruction, and a Doctor of Education in executive leadership. 

Interested in Early Childhood Education?

Learn more and get started.

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