Early Childhood Teacher helping students in classroom.

Online Professional Education

Early Childhood Education Bachelor's Completion Program Apply For Free

Online Early Childhood Bachelor’s Completion Program (for Associate’s Degrees & 60+ Credits)

This program is for those who hold an Associate’s degree or have completed 60+ college credits. It is also an excellent option if you already have a degree but would like to advance your Gateway Levels or add endorsements.

Blackburn College’s Online Early Childhood Education Program provides early childhood professionals with academic training, a supportive learning community, and a personal connection with advisors to boost their professional careers and become licensed, highly qualified educators.

This affordable 100% online program accommodates your busy schedule and allows you to advance your career in two ways:

  • Bachelor Completion Program: If you have already completed 60+ college credit hours, this program allows you to finish your degree and open new doors in the early childhood field.
  • Certification and Advancement: Interested in advancing your qualifications without pursuing a full degree? Our certification courses help you increase your Gateway Levels or add endorsements, enhancing your expertise and expanding your opportunities with young learners.

No matter your chosen path, all course offerings will include courses aligned with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards and Gateways Competencies (IL). 

  • On average, completed in five semesters
  • Designed for Collaboration with Cohort
  • 100% Online to fit your schedule and professional responsibilities
  • Financial assistance designed to meet your needs

Already have a bachelor’s degree in a different field and are looking to transition into the classroom and a teaching credential, please visit our Teacher Licensure Program page.

Plan of Study

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Who Is Eligible

Applicants must:

    • have an Associate’s degree or have completed 60+ college credit hours
    • be working in the early childhood education field

    • be registered with Gateways (Illinois)

    • have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher

Completion of the Program

Upon completion of the program, you will earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education (licensure and non-licensure options) and Level 5 Gateways credentials (in Illinois).

Gateways to Opportunity Competency Framework
Personalized Support, Even Online

How is Blackburn Different?

You’ll Be Known & Supported

At Blackburn, you’ll never be just another name on a class roster. Personalized attention has always been part of the Blackburn experience, and we’ve intentionally designed our online Early Childhood Education program to bring that same level of support to working professionals.

You’ll learn alongside a cohort of fellow educators while building meaningful relationships with faculty who understand the challenges of balancing work, family, and school. Rather than simply completing online modules or posting to discussion boards, you’ll engage in live class sessions, receive individualized guidance, and gain mentors who are invested in your success—from your first class through graduation.

You’ll Benefit From:

  • A Cohort Learning Model – Progress through the program alongside the same group of educators, building lasting professional relationships and a supportive learning community.
  • Live Online Class Sessions – Participate in interactive synchronous classes that encourage discussion, collaboration, and direct engagement with faculty and classmates.
  • Faculty Mentorship – Learn from experienced educators who provide academic guidance, professional mentoring, and personalized support throughout the program.
  • Content Test Preparation – Take part in study groups designed to help you prepare for content exams.
  • Dedicated Student Support – Receive individualized assistance with academic advising, course registration, financial aid, and technology whenever you need it.

The opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree as a single mother working full-time seemed impossible. However, the relationships I formed with my professors were the foundation of my success. I hope to impact families and students the same way my life has been impacted through this amazing journey. Jaclyn '24

You Can Afford to Invest in Your Future

Tuition & Financial Aid

$12,500 per semester for a full-time student, as low as $231 per semester after financial aid.

View a sample financial aid worksheet to see how!

 

Financial Assistance that Meets Your Need

Blackburn College’s Online Early Childhood Education Program students may qualify for several types of financial assistance, making this program surprisingly affordable!

    • Federal Pell Grants

    • Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grants (Illinois residents only)

    • Federal TEACH Grants

The first step to financial aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and use Blackburn’s code 001639.

Outside scholarships, including the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship Program, may also be available. Please contact Blackburn’s Online Professional Education team to learn about other opportunities.

Complete FAFSA Form

Program Design & Purpose

To attain a Bachelor of Arts degree from Blackburn College, a student must meet all degree requirements, including courses often referred to as “general education courses.” As a liberal arts college, Blackburn believes that a well-informed professional has had opportunities to take coursework across a wide range of knowledge.  Opportunities to complete those general education requirements are built into the program design.

As members of the consortium, Blackburn agrees to accept credit for these courses from other educational institutions; therefore, a student may be enrolled in a general education course offered online by another college or university. The program course of study allows time for that to happen in more than one semester.

An associate’s degree is required, and school placement. 63 -69 credit hours, including general education requirements. 122 total hrs. required for graduation.

Questions? Contact Us!

Department of Teacher Education and History

Dr. Lynette Piontek

Professor of Education; Director of Online Education; Golden Apple Liaison

Remote

217.854.5692
Admissions

Alexis Brown

Director of Financial Aid

Ludlum 115

217.854.5511

Ready to Apply?

Take the next step. Apply today to start changing lives with Blackburn's Online Early Childhood Education Program!

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