Being an early childhood educator is more than a job - it's a calling. But it takes more than love of children for a person to be an effective educator. Take your passion to the next level with an early childhood education degree online from Minnesota State College Southeast.
Southeast’s early childhood education programs online prepare educators with the skills to practice professional, ethical, and high-quality care giving strategies within diverse settings, caring for children from infancy through school-age years.
Funding is available to help you with your education! Early Childhood Education students may qualify for special scholarships, including the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Minnesota program and Workforce Development Scholarships.
Enroll today to earn your Early Childhood AAS, Transfer Pathway AS, Early Childhood Development Diploma and Child Care Assistant Certificate.
Degrees in

Early Childhood Education - AAS
With a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Minnesota State College Southeast, you will be prepared to practice professional, ethical, and high-quality caregiving strategies within a variety of early childhood education settings.
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- Early Childhood Education AAS (60 credits)
Early Childhood and Early Elementary Support/Tutor - AAS
With a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood and Early Elementary Support/Tutor from Southeast, you will be prepared to practice professional, ethical, and high-quality caregiving strategies for children under age 8 in a variety of settings.
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Early Childhood Education Transfer Pathway - AS
With a two-year Transfer Pathway degree in Early Childhood Education, you will be prepared transfer to any university in the Minnesota State System that offers a 4-year degree in Early Childhood Education.
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- Early Childhood Education Transfer Pathway – AS (60 credits)
Early Childhood Development DIPLOMA
The Diploma in Early Childhood Development is a one-year, 32-credit program with a focus on child development from prenatal through age eight, including physical, social, emotional, language, cognitive, and creative development.
This 100% online program offers a supportive distance learning environment for new and experienced early childhood educators.
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- Early Childhood Development - DIP (32 credits)

Child Care Assistant CERT
The Child Care Assistant Certificate is a 16-credit program with a focus on physical, social, emotional, language, cognitive, and creative child development.
The certificate award provides the fundamental knowledge and opportunity to begin application of learning in field.
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- Child Care Assistant - CERT (16 credits)
Careers in
Nanny
Family Child Care Provider
Child Care Center Teacher
Child Care Center Director
Nanny Placement Agency Owner
Paraprofessional
Substitute Teacher
Child Advocate
Minnesota State College Southeast placement rate: 100%
Get Started Today
At Minnesota State College Southeast, you can choose your own path, whether it's hands-on training for a new career or taking transfer-level classes to begin a bachelor’s degree. Apply now so you will be ready to build the future you've always wanted!