If you’re exploring leadership roles in childcare or early learning, an early childhood administration degree online can open the door to some of the most in-demand positions in the field. As childcare centers, preschools, Head Start programs, and early learning organizations expand nationwide, the need for qualified administrators continues to grow—making early childhood education administration programs one of the fastest-rising education pathways in 2026.

Online programs offer flexible, career-friendly options for working educators, childcare professionals, and career changers who want to move into director-level roles. Whether you’re aiming for a childcare director online degree, a bachelor’s that prepares you to lead early learning centers, or a master’s focused on curriculum, licensing, budgeting, and staff development, today’s accredited online childcare administration degrees provide both convenience and strong career outcomes.

In this guide, we highlight top programs, compare costs and timelines, and explain what you can do with an early childhood administration credential.

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What Early Childhood Education Administrators Do

Early childhood education administrators play a critical leadership role in childcare centers, preschools, Head Start programs, and early learning organizations. Their work combines instructional leadership, operational management, and family engagement.

Key responsibilities include:

• Curriculum Planning & Implementation
  Selecting or designing developmentally appropriate curricula, aligning lesson plans with early learning standards, and ensuring teachers receive support in delivering high-quality instruction.
• Hiring, Supervising & Training Staff
  Recruiting qualified teachers, conducting evaluations, providing coaching and professional development, and maintaining a positive, collaborative work environment.
• Managing Budgets & Operational Resources
  Overseeing tuition structures, payroll, classroom resources, grant funding, and long-term financial planning for sustainable program operations.
• Ensuring Licensing & Regulatory Compliance
  Meeting state childcare licensing rules, maintaining safety and health standards, documenting required procedures, and preparing for program audits or inspections.
• Overseeing Family & Community Engagement
  Building strong relationships with parents, supporting family education initiatives, addressing concerns, and fostering communication between home and school.
• Leading Program Evaluation & Quality Improvement
  Reviewing assessment data, evaluating program effectiveness, setting improvement goals, and ensuring the program meets accreditation or quality-rating standards.
• Coordinating Child Services & Support Programs
  Collaborating with specialists, community agencies, and early intervention providers to ensure children receive needed developmental support.

Methodology:

• Time Until Degree (50%): the estimated time until degree accounting for accelerating program characteristics.
• Program Cost (50%): the cost of the program based on estimated out-of-state tuition per credit hour rates.

Top Early Childhood Administration Programs

#1 – Purdue University Global – West Lafayette, Indiana

Online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Administration

Cost: $371/credit

Program Length: 180 credits or about four years of full-time study

Website

Purdue University Global offers an online Early Childhood Administration bachelor’s degree program for aspiring childcare leaders.   Students will gain the skills and knowledge needed to take on administrative roles.

Throughout the program, students are taught by teachers who are professionals in the fields of business and early childhood education. These teachers have worked in a variety of settings ranging from special needs programs in public and private organizations to agencies such as Head Start.  Because these teachers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their instruction at Purdue University Global, students benefit by gaining a broader perspective and real-world knowledge.

Courses are delivered in a flexible online format.  Each course lasts 10 weeks.  Students can expect to spend 15-18 hours per week on their coursework.  Courses cover a variety of areas including:

• Child safety, nutrition, and health
• Early childhood curriculum planning
• Early childhood family, community, and advocacy
• Funding development and financial planning

Students also have the opportunity to work toward a master’s while earning their bachelor’s in early childhood administration.  The accelerated master’s degree program allows students to complete their bachelor’s and master’s together, saving time and money.

Purdue University Global offers its students multiple ways to save on the cost of tuition.  They accept transfer credits from other eligible institutions.  They also offer credit for prior work experience.  Financial aid opportunities are available through loans and grants.

#2 – University of Arizona Global Campus – Tucson, Arizona

Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education Administration Degree

Cost: $460/credit

Program Length: 120 credits or about four years

Website

The Early Childhood Education Administration program at The University of Arizona Global Campus gives students the skills and knowledge they need to manage an early childhood education program.  Graduates have what it takes to obtain a job in several different occupations including:

• preschool owner
• pre-kindergarten coordinator
• early childhood consultant
• childcare facility director

Although an online degree from UAGC doesn’t immediately lead to teacher licensure in any state, the program does empower its graduates to be able to:

• Apply leadership principles in directing and managing a childcare setting
• Design and assess strategies that are appropriate for the unique developmental stages of children
• Promote positive development and learning for children
• Demonstrate knowledge of fiscal, legal, and ethical requirements in administrating quality childcare settings

Students can grow their knowledge by taking just one course at a time.  This allows students to focus on specific content areas.  Courses are offered in an accelerated format, and most are just five to six weeks in length.  Have you already earned college credits?  Students can transfer in up to 90 approved credits.  There’s no application fee, so what are you waiting for?

#3 – National Louis University – Chicago, Illinois

Online Master of Education in Early Childhood Administration

Cost: Average graduate student tuition is $12,195/year

Program Length: 34 credit hours or about 21 months

Website

National Louis University is the only school on this list that offers a Master’s degree program in Early Childhood Administration. This program is specifically designed for early childhood program leaders and other early childhood administration professionals. Throughout the online program, students work together as a cohort to build lasting relationships and contacts.

Students are encouraged to work in a childcare setting while earning their degree.  Working in the field while earning your degree allows you to immediately apply your knowledge and training, adding additional value.  Throughout the 21-month program, students will learn relevant skills including how to conduct educational inquiry and assessment.  Students will also learn how to develop supervision and staff development strategies.

Courses are taught by Ph.D.-level faculty and practitioners who have extensive experience in the early childhood field.  Required courses include:

• Grant Writing and Fundraising for Early Childhood Programs
• Public Relations and Marketing of Early Childhood Programs
• Early Childhood Curriculum
• Child, Family, and Community

Students who reside or work in Illinois have the opportunity to work toward their Illinois Director Credential (Level III) while working toward their degree.

#4 – Martin Luther College – New Ulm, Minnesota

Master of Science in Educational Administration – Early Childhood Director

Cost: $360/credit

Program Length: Two to seven years depending on schedule

Website

Martin Luther College offers an online master’s in educational administration with an early childhood director emphasis.  This 36-credit hour program allows students to choose from an internship or thesis as their capstone experience.  Required courses cover a variety of areas including:

• Supervision of Instruction
• School Business Administration
• School Leadership
• Leading the School Community

The program was designed to meet the WELS early childhood director standards. The courses are designed with practical application in mind, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills while completing their degree.

Types of Degrees in Early Childhood Administration

Students pursuing leadership roles in childcare centers, preschools, and early learning organizations have several education pathways to choose from. Each option supports different career stages—from new educators entering the field to experienced teachers seeking advanced leadership credentials.

🎓 Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Administration

Best for:
New educators, childcare workers, or those transitioning into the early childhood field.

What it prepares you for:

• Assistant director roles
• Preschool or childcare coordinator
• Lead teacher roles with administrative responsibilities
• Entry-level program management positions

What you’ll study:

• Child development
• Licensing & childcare center regulations
• Budgeting and program operations
• Curriculum planning
• Family engagement strategies

Examples of Bachelor’s Programs:

• Purdue University Global – B.S. in Early Childhood Administration
• University of Arizona Global Campus – B.A. in Early Childhood Education Administration

A bachelor’s degree is the most common starting point for those who want to move into early childhood leadership without prior teaching experience.

🎓 Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Administration

Best for:
Experienced teachers, program coordinators, assistant directors, or those seeking higher-level leadership roles.

What it prepares you for:

• Childcare center director
• Pre-K program administrator
• District-level early childhood coordinator
• Policy, curriculum, or quality assurance leadership roles

What you’ll study:

• Advanced supervision and staff development
• Fiscal management & grant funding
• Program evaluation and accreditation
• Family and community partnership strategies
• Organizational leadership

Examples of Master’s Programs:

• National Louis University – M.Ed. in Early Childhood Administration
• Martin Luther College – M.S. in Educational Administration (Early Childhood Director emphasis)

A master’s degree provides deeper expertise and significantly expands opportunities for higher-level administrative roles and increased salary potential.

🎓 Graduate Certificates in Early Childhood Administration

Best for:
Working professionals who want quick, targeted training without committing to a full degree.

What it prepares you for:

• Assistant director positions
• Small-center director roles (varies by state)
• Administrative add-on responsibilities
• Specialized leadership functions

Why these certificates are valuable:

• Shorter + Affordable: Typically 12–18 credits
• Stackable: Many apply toward a future master’s degree
• Flexible: Often fully online with accelerated formats

Examples of Certificate Programs:

• National Louis University – Early Childhood Administration Graduate Certificate
• East Tennessee State University – Early Childhood Leadership Certificate

Graduate certificates are ideal for professionals who want to strengthen leadership skills or meet state director credential requirements without pursuing a lengthy degree.

Frequently Asked Questions About Early Childhood Administration Degrees

1. Is a degree required to run a childcare center?

In many states, yes, directors must hold a degree in early childhood education, early childhood administration, or a related field, along with experience and director-level coursework. Some states allow alternative pathways (such as certificates plus experience), but a degree increasingly provides the fastest and most portable route to qualifying.

2. What degree do I need to become a preschool director?

Most preschool directors need either:

• A bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, early childhood administration, or child development, or
• A master’s degree for larger centers or school-based early learning programs.
  Many states also require director-specific training hours, licensing coursework, and supervised administrative experience.

3. Are online early childhood administration programs accredited?

Yes. Reputable online programs hold regional accreditation (the most important form for licensing, financial aid, and employers). Many also meet state director credentialing standards or use curriculum aligned with NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) leadership competencies. Always check the program’s accreditation and whether it meets your state’s director licensure requirements.

4. How long does it take to earn a childcare administration degree?

Program length varies by credential:

• Bachelor’s degree: 3–4 years (accelerated online programs may shorten this)
• Master’s degree: 18–30 months
• Graduate certificate: 6–12 months
• Director credential / short-form certificates: 3–6 months
  Transfer credits, prior learning credit, and accelerated online terms can significantly reduce completion time.

5. What is the difference between early childhood administration and early childhood education?

• Early Childhood Education (ECE) focuses on teaching young children, child development, classroom instruction, and curriculum implementation.
• Early Childhood Administration prepares professionals for leadership roles, such as director, coordinator, evaluator, or program manager. It emphasizes budgeting, licensing, staff supervision, program operations, and family engagement.
  In short: ECE = teaching; ECE Administration = managing and leading programs.