Best Early Childhood Education Colleges and Programs in Arizona for 2025

What is Early Childhood Education?

Being an educator is a very important position in any state and in Arizona. Choosing to follow a career working with young children will give you an opportunity to play a major role in the development of those children's feelings and outlook on education. Someone seeking a teacher's position in early childhood education would be involved with children that range from infancy through about 9 years old.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), "employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow 15 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth is expected due to a continued focus on the importance of early childhood education."

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Best Online Colleges in Arizona

Top Ranked Campus & Online Early Childhood Education Programs in Arizona

1

University of Arizona

Score: 85.33

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,626
- Out-of-State:$41,095
Net Price: $17,075
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Retention Rate: 86%

Graduation Rate: 68%
Total Enrollment: 49,403
Undergrad Students: 38,751
Graduate Students: 10,652
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

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2

Arizona State University

Score: 84.24

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,051
- Out-of-State:$32,193
Net Price: $14,808
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Retention Rate: 85%

Graduation Rate: 67%
Total Enrollment: 80,065
Undergrad Students: 65,492
Graduate Students: 14,573
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

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3

Aspen University

Score: 78.27

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,264
- Out-of-State:$6,264
Net Price: $13,781
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 50%

Graduation Rate: 47%
Total Enrollment: 7,386
Undergrad Students: 4,086
Graduate Students: 3,300
Grads Salary: $88,000
Student-to-faculty: 5:1

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4

Northern Arizona University

Score: 77.1

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,652
- Out-of-State:$28,900
Net Price: $17,115
Acceptance Rate: 80%
Retention Rate: 76%

Graduation Rate: 59%
Total Enrollment: 28,086
Undergrad Students: 23,204
Graduate Students: 4,882
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

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5

Grand Canyon University

Score: 68.67

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,450
- Out-of-State:$17,450
Net Price: $21,939
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 45%
Total Enrollment: 101,816
Undergrad Students: 66,769
Graduate Students: 35,047
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

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6

Prescott College

Score: 61.53

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,685
- Out-of-State:$35,685
Net Price: $25,317
Acceptance Rate: 98%
Retention Rate: 53%

Graduation Rate: 55%
Total Enrollment: 969
Undergrad Students: 313
Graduate Students: 656
Grads Salary: $56,000
Student-to-faculty: 9:1

7

University of Phoenix-Arizona

Score: 58.26

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,552
- Out-of-State:$9,552
Net Price: $13,319
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 42%

Graduation Rate: 18%
Total Enrollment: 88,891
Undergrad Students: 69,866
Graduate Students: 19,025
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 110:1

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8

Eastern Arizona College

Score: 58.03

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,352
- Out-of-State:$9,552
Net Price: $8,594
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 51%

Graduation Rate: 49%
Total Enrollment: 4,864
Undergrad Students: 4,864
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $37,700
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

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9

Arizona Christian University

Score: 56.92

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $34,697
- Out-of-State:$34,697
Net Price: $28,755
Acceptance Rate: 70%
Retention Rate: 60%

Graduation Rate: 45%
Total Enrollment: 1,082
Undergrad Students: 1,082
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $52,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

10

Yavapai College

Score: 55.88

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,838
- Out-of-State:$9,344
Net Price: $7,217
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 64%

Graduation Rate: 39%
Total Enrollment: 6,997
Undergrad Students: 6,997
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $36,200
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

11

Cochise College

Score: 51.86

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,232
- Out-of-State:$6,000
Net Price: $7,759
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 25%
Total Enrollment: 3,797
Undergrad Students: 3,797
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $37,400
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

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12

Pima Community College

Score: 51.31

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,370
- Out-of-State:$7,686
Net Price: $3,523
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 18%
Total Enrollment: 15,293
Undergrad Students: 15,293
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $38,400
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

13

Scottsdale Community College

Score: 50.23

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,358
- Out-of-State:$8,958
Net Price: $13,627
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 63%

Graduation Rate: 22%
Total Enrollment: 7,065
Undergrad Students: 7,065
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $44,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

14

Chandler-Gilbert Community College

Score: 49.85

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,358
- Out-of-State:$8,958
Net Price: $13,111
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 65%

Graduation Rate: 17%
Total Enrollment: 13,775
Undergrad Students: 13,775
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $47,100
Student-to-faculty: 23:1

15

Ottawa University-Surprise

Score: 49.49

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,300
- Out-of-State:$35,300
Net Price: $35,402
Acceptance Rate: 29%
Retention Rate: 47%

Graduation Rate: N/A
Total Enrollment: 1,736
Undergrad Students: 1,106
Graduate Students: 630
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

16

GateWay Community College-Phoenix

Score: 48.87

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,358
- Out-of-State:$8,958
Net Price: $12,786
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 55%

Graduation Rate: 19%
Total Enrollment: 4,699
Undergrad Students: 4,699
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $44,400
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

17

Estrella Mountain Community College

Score: 48.81

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,358
- Out-of-State:$8,958
Net Price: $11,420
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 18%
Total Enrollment: 9,620
Undergrad Students: 9,620
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $40,300
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

18

Rio Salado College

Score: 48.59

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,358
- Out-of-State:$8,958
Net Price: $6,834
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 60%

Graduation Rate: 10%
Total Enrollment: 17,078
Undergrad Students: 17,078
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $45,300
Student-to-faculty: 28:1

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19

Phoenix College

Score: 48.41

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,358
- Out-of-State:$8,958
Net Price: $11,555
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 12%
Total Enrollment: 9,649
Undergrad Students: 9,649
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $44,700
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

20

Paradise Valley Community College

Score: 47.6

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,358
- Out-of-State:$8,958
Net Price: $12,116
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 65%

Graduation Rate: 13%
Total Enrollment: 5,676
Undergrad Students: 5,676
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $43,100
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

Steps to Become an Early Childhood Education Teacher in Arizona

When very young children enter school for the first time, it will play a critical role in their development and socialization with others as well as the development of their love of education. The job will be rewarding while also being challenging. It requires a person to be adaptable, dependable, and it demands integrity. There are many opportunities for someone considering this career path to earn their degree, which could include earning one online at your own pace.

Here we will look at some steps you can follow to become a preschool or early childhood educator in Arizona.

Step 1. Get a Degree

Becoming a preschool teacher will require obtaining a high school diploma or its equivalent; you can then choose to go to a community college where you will earn your associate’s degree in early childhood education, then transfer to a four-year college, or you can go directly to a four-year university to earn your early childhood bachelor's degree. You will want to pursue a degree in early childhood education.

It is recommended that you look for opportunities to gain some experience. There may be chances while you are a high school student or while you are attending college to work as a teacher's assistant. If this opportunity is available, you should take advantage of it. Getting hands-on experience in real-world situations will greatly enhance your opportunities after completing your degree.

Step 2. Complete an Early Childhood Education Program with State Approval

The Arizona State Board of Education offers an approved teacher preparation program, and this is considered the most direct route to becoming an early educator or preschool teacher in Arizona. This program is offered to undergraduate and graduate level participants. Although this is the most direct route it is not the only one. It is also possible to earn the certification from a regionally accredited university. It will typically require that you have at least 37 semester hours in childhood education and another eight practicum semester hours. Additionally, you will need 4 semester hours of supervised field experience.

For all practical purposes, if someone is genuinely seeking a career as a preschool teacher in Arizona it will be necessary to obtain a four-year bachelor's degree. There are some jobs available at Childcare centers that would allow someone with a high school diploma or an associate's degree to work those positions, but they would be more basic jobs and lower pay. The jobs that would be available without a bachelor's degree will have fewer benefits and less long-term job stability.

If you would eventually want to move into higher positions as your career progresses, then you may even want to consider earning a master's degree. Postgraduate degrees are not an absolute requirement for this career path and are only necessary for certain higher positions such as administration.

Common coursework that you will want to take when earning your degree as a preschool teacher in early childhood development includes classroom management and behavior, instructional design, parent-child relations, instructional resources and technology, and child development. You’ll also often need to complete a student-teaching assignment to graduate. Working with an experienced teacher will give you valuable insights on how to help children learn to cooperate, areas to be concerned about with child safety, and how to best interact with parents.

Step 3. Complete the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment (AEPA)

The AEPA is required and you must achieve a passing score. There is a possible exception to this when you can demonstrate that you have at least three years of full-time teaching in early education with infants up to grade 3. You can then take an exam which will test your knowledge on early education and you must get a passing score. You will also need to show proof that you're qualified with Structured English Immersion (SEI).

Step 4. Obtain Your Provisional Certification

This certification will need to be applied for and once obtained it will be good for three years. It is specifically for birth to grade 3 or birth to age 8. You will be required to submit to fingerprinting.

Step 5. Complete Necessary Qualifications to Convert Provisional Certification to Standard and Beyond

This will require you to have at least two years of full-time teaching experience as well as approved SEI training. You will have to apply to have the provisional certification upgraded to a standard one. Once you are approved for a standard certificate it's good for 6 years in the state of Arizona. When it is time to renew that certification, you will have to show that you have 180 hours of professional development and 12 semester hours of additional education. It is common for teachers in Arizona to go for their master's degree to meet their requirements for professional development.

An online bachelor's degree in education is usually enough to work as an early education or preschool teacher. You may, however, want to work in senior teacher positions or as a principle or in another administrative position. These elevated responsibilities very often require a postgraduate degree in order to be considered a serious candidate for those positions. There are traditional opportunities for earning a postgraduate degree and there are also online degree programs available when pursuing a master's degree.

Some universities may require you to be a teacher in order to be accepted into a postgraduate program. This would usually mean that you've earned your bachelor's degree and have met other qualifications to be a teacher and that you have worked in some setting with children as an educator. Meeting these qualifications increase the likelihood that you can successfully complete your postgraduate degree.

Popular Career Choices

Preschool Teacher
Kindergarten Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
Special Education Teacher

Online Early Childhood Education in Arizona

Some key skills that you will need in this profession include the ability to help children learn to cooperate in social settings. You will also need to gain the skills of supervising and teaching very young children. Being able to communicate with parents is another skill that is of paramount importance if you're going to pursue this career.

When working with the youngest children a preschool teacher will help students learn through interactive activities and through play. These activities help children to develop their potential and improve language skills. Preschool teachers will engage children through various games that help them grow their social skills and some of these games can also begin to introduce mathematical concepts and even some ideas on science.

Storytelling is something that the children will enjoy, and it can often introduce ideas that help the children grow. As a preschool teacher, you will work with the children in small groups as well as one-on-one situations. Activities such as dance, music, art, and other creative activities will all be a part of daily lessons. The teacher will work with the children and engage them in discussions as well as collaborative problem-solving.

National Rankings - Best 25 Associates in Early Childhood Education National Rankings - Best 25 Bachelors in Early Childhood Education National Rankings - Best 25 Masters in Early Childhood Education

Online Accredited Teaching Preparation Programs

When looking for an online accredited program in Arizona, you will have over 20 schools with education programs to choose from. Some of these focus on associates and bachelors, while others offer higher level degrees such as masters and doctoral programs. Depending on what you plan to teach, you will need to carefully select your program and make sure that it provides you with an education acceptable to Arizona’s Board of Education, who will be granting you your licensure.

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Potential Careers and Salaries for Graduates

Throughout the state, the starting average salary of preschool teachers will vary but on average they earn just under $28,000 a year. The bottom 10% can earn under $20,000 a year and the top 10% can earn over $40,000 a year. The state currently employs over 7,000 early education and preschool teachers and it is projecting a 30% growth over the next 10 years. This is a higher growth rate than expected in other areas of the country.

Some parts of Arizona are projected to have even higher rates of growth. Cities such as Phoenix are expected to have as much as 32% growth over the next decade. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), some areas of Arizona have some of the country's highest levels of employment of preschool teachers.

Anyone who loves children and wants to play a major role in their development may want to consider this profession. Because the State of Arizona is projected to have such significant growth in the coming years, it is a great choice for those wanting to be Preschool teachers in the state. Some statistics show that as many as half of the new jobs that will be available in the state will be connected to the increase in the population of children that need to be educated. Learn more.

Occupation	Entry-Level	Mid-Career	Late-Career
Pre-school Teacher	$23,500	$26,000	$45,600
Elementary School Teacher	$35,900	$37,800	$50,000
Professor of Education	$60,200	$81,300	$90,200
Elementary School Principle	$73,500	$80,600	$86,500
Special Education, Early Childhood Teacher	$31,000	$40,000	$54,000
ESL Teacher	$37,800	$46,800	$51,200
School Psychologist	$76,800	$90,400	$73,400

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How to Become an Early Childhood Education Teacher in Arizona

What is Early Childhood Education?

Top Ranked Campus & Online Early Childhood Education Programs in Arizona

Prescott College

Arizona Christian University

Yavapai College

Pima Community College

Scottsdale Community College

Chandler-Gilbert Community College

Ottawa University-Surprise

GateWay Community College-Phoenix

Estrella Mountain Community College

Phoenix College

Paradise Valley Community College

Steps to Become an Early Childhood Education Teacher in Arizona

Step 1. Get a Degree

Step 2. Complete an Early Childhood Education Program with State Approval

Step 3. Complete the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment (AEPA)

Step 4. Obtain Your Provisional Certification

Step 5. Complete Necessary Qualifications to Convert Provisional Certification to Standard and Beyond

Popular Career Choices

Online Early Childhood Education in Arizona

Online Accredited Teaching Preparation Programs

Potential Careers and Salaries for Graduates

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