BestOnlineCollege.org is an advertising-supported website. Many of the school and program listings that appear on this site are from partners who compensate us, and this compensation may affect how, where, and in what order listings appear (such as featured placements). This compensation does not influence our editorial content, evaluations, or rankings, which are determined independently using publicly available data. We do not review or feature every school or program available in the marketplace. Our goal is to provide accurate, unbiased information so you can make informed decisions. Read our full Advertiser Disclosure.
Early Childhood Education Concentration in Education
An early childhood education concentration focuses on teaching and development for young children, typically from birth through age eight. It builds on the education program core and adds courses that deepen knowledge of child development, play-based learning, and age-appropriate instruction.
Quick Answers
What is an early childhood education concentration in education?
An early childhood education concentration is a focused set of courses within an education program that emphasizes teaching methods and developmental theory for young children.
What do you typically study in this concentration?
Coursework varies by school, but most programs cover child development, early literacy, classroom environments for young learners, and family engagement strategies.
Is this concentration available online?
Many schools offer this concentration online, but availability depends on degree level and start-term scheduling.
Back to Education Concentrations
At a Glance
- Focus area: Teaching and development for children birth through age 8
- Key career: According to the BLS, Elementary School Teachers earned a median annual wage of $63,970 (May 2025)
- Job outlook: 91,000 annual openings, -2.0% growth (2024-2034)
- Employment: 1,393,310 elementary school teachers nationally (BLS, May 2025)
- Degree levels: Available as bachelor’s concentration or graduate specialization
For an overview of all degree paths, see the Education Program Guide.
What you typically study
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| Child Development Theory | Cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development from birth to age 8 |
| Early Literacy and Numeracy | Strategies for building foundational reading and math skills in young children |
| Play-Based Learning | How to design and facilitate learning through structured and unstructured play |
| Classroom Environment Design | Creating developmentally appropriate spaces that support engagement and safety |
| Family and Community Engagement | Building partnerships with families and connecting to community resources |
| Assessment in Early Childhood | Observation-based and formative assessment methods for young learners |
Questions to ask before choosing this concentration
- How many courses are required versus elective options?
- Are there prerequisite courses for this track?
- Does the concentration include a capstone or applied project?
- Is the concentration available online and in your desired term?
How education concentrations compare
| Concentration | Key Career | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education | Elementary School Teachers | $62,340 | -2.0% |
| Elementary Education | Elementary School Teachers | $62,340 | -2.0% |
| Secondary Education | Secondary School Teachers | $64,580 | -1.6% |
| Special Education | Elementary School Teachers | $62,340 | -2.0% |
| Curriculum and Instruction | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $72,090 | +2.1% |
| Educational Leadership | Education Administrators, K-12 | $104,070 | -1.5% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Early childhood education is commonly offered as a bachelor’s concentration. Educators weighing nearby age groups often compare it with the elementary education and special education concentrations.
Next Steps
- See how this specialization is delivered in our online education format guide.
- Browse online colleges offering education programs.
- Considering a related field? Explore the psychology program.
Data verified: June 7, 2026. Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.