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Best Online Early Childhood Education Programs in California (2026)
Updated July 30, 2026BLS dataCollege ScorecardOn this page
California offers competitive wages for early childhood education professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing Body
California Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation Required
Institutional + Regional
Earning an online early childhood education degree in California offers a flexible path into early childhood education careers. California offers competitive wages for early childhood education professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a nationally available program, California students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.
Online Early Childhood Education Schools in California
The following schools offer accredited online early childhood education programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in California.
How We Rank Schools
Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most
recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS).
To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the
U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked
against schools at the same credential level:
BOCSCORE
Graduation rate 30%
Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
Average net price (lower is better) 20%
Retention rate 15%
Fully online availability 10%
Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score.
Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.
BOC
Ranked by BOC Score — U.S. Dept. of Education outcome data. Advertising never affects rankings.
Source:Accreditor: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission · IPEDS · College Scorecard
Career Outlook and Salaries in California
Early Childhood Education professionals in California experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for California.
Occupation
Median Annual Salary (California)
Preschool Teacher
$47,400
Kindergarten Teacher
$82,550
Preschool and Childcare Center Director
$67,100
Teaching Assistant
$46,490
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Why Pursue an Online Early Childhood Education Degree in California?
Choosing a program in California can provide several advantages:
In-State Tuition: Many public universities in California offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
Regional Relevance: Curriculum often incorporates data and case studies relevant to the California economy and job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are online early childhood education programs in California accredited?
The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.
How does Early Childhood Education pay in California compare to other states?
California offers competitive wages for early childhood education professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes California a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.
What is the primary licensing board for early childhood education in California?
The California Professional Licensing Board oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in California. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.
Online Early Childhood Education Programs by City in California
Explore city-level guides with local salary data and school options:
