EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION – ONLINE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION – ONLINE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
Who Is the Online Early Childhood Education Certificate Designed For?
The online certificate in early childhood education is for people who want to formalize their early childhood education training. Often, students who choose this option have a degree in another field but need to show an employer the knowledge and skill specific to early care and education. If you’re looking for even more in-depth training in the field, we also offer a nationally ranked and accredited online associate degree in early childhood education.Get more information

Why Earn Your Certificate in Early Childhood Education Online at UAF?
- Benefit from best practices demonstrated at our on-campus Early Childhood Lab School.
- Engage in a focused curriculum that emphasizes application of skills in early childhood learning environments.
- Learn from award-winning faculty and access the best experts and the most recent research in the field.
Example projects in the early childhood education online certificate program
Emphasizing development of the whole child, this program includes activities to help you think creatively and collaboratively about early childhood education. Examples include:
- Observe children ages birth-8 years to determine developmental progress.
- Create activities to encourage a child’s maximum potential.
- Take part in field trips (in person or virtual) to learn the many different career options in this profession.
Experience online education at the University of Alaska Fairbanks
Earn your certificate in early childhood education online at UAF for in-state tuition no matter where you live. Our online programs use a variety of videos, virtual field trips and individual activities to bring the experience to life, including an e-book developed by our early childhood education faculty.
Cost breakdown for the online certificate in early childhood education
The estimated cost for the early childhood certificate program based on current rates is $10,256.
See what your dollars go toward on the UAF eCampus Tuition and Fees page.
Earned Badges
What Can You Do With an Early Childhood Education Certificate?
Most of our certificate program students go on to earn their online Associate of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education and pursue one of the following career paths:
- Preschool teachers and aides
- K-3 classroom aides
- Before- or after-school child care providers
- Education and disabilities coordinators
- Family advocates
- Family child care home providers
- Home visitors
- Parenting educators
- Program director and assistant directors
- Recreation leaders
Early childhood education salary
How much can you earn in the early childhood education field? Here are national salary averages for a selection of careers based on recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Childcare workers: $24,230
- Preschool teachers: $30,520
- Child, family and school social workers: $49,460
- Instructional coordinators: $66,290
Early Childhood Education Certificate Requirements
The online certificate in early childhood education at UAF is a 34-credit program that helps prepare you to work with young children and families. Classes explore topics such as child development, math skills and writing for early childhood educators, healthy learning environments, positive social and emotional development, and nutrition and physical wellness.
Other Online degree Programs to Explore at UAF
Get Started on Your Early Childhood Education Certificate
Earn your early childhood certificate online at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. We’re here to help.Talk to an admissions counselor
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Apply now
Earn your certificate in early childhood education at UAF. Apply online today.