Ed.S. in Early Childhood Education
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TOTAL COST
$12,660
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NEXT START DATE
Feb 02, 2026
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COMPLETION TIME
18 Months†
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AVG. SALARY PREMIUM
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SEMESTER CREDITS
34
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Our Enrollment Counselors are here to answer your questions and walk you through the enrollment process.
Become an Early Childhood Specialist
Leverage your passion for educating, empowering and growing young students and become an early childhood specialist. With the Ed.S. in Early Childhood Education program at American College of Education (ACE), you’ll become an innovative leader equipped with the latest research, technology and instructional methods. From educational consulting to serving schools in specialty leadership roles, you’ll have post-master’s degree skills and practices that position you to positively influence academic and developmental outcomes.
In addition to specialized expertise, you’ll gain relational leadership abilities that enable you to build effective connections with student families, school leaders and educators. This program guides you through engaging research, but it does not require a dissertation. Get ready to take your career to the next level and see the great impact your leadership can make in the lives of young learners.
Why ACE?
Low-Cost, High Quality
You deserve a great return on your educational investment, and we deliver master’s degrees at a total average cost of $10,000. We also award over $1.2M in scholarships and grants each year.
Quality You Expect
We are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Our faculty work in the industries where you work and are committed to your success, contributing to our 85% graduation rate.¹ Our curriculum equips you with practical strategies you can apply right away, as well as skills to help you advance your career.
Flexibility You Need
Our virtual campus and convenient start dates provide you the flexibility you need to achieve your goals at a time and place that works with your busy schedule. Our student support services are available 24/7 and tutoring is included at no additional cost.
1Source: Student Right to Know
Tuition
We believe in full transparency with our total cost of attendance. No hidden fees. No surprises along the way.
Total Cost Ed.S. in Early Childhood Education | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Total Tuition 34 semester credits x $306 per credit | $10,404 | ||
Fees $100 Application Fee$150 Conferral Fee $2006 Technology and Library Fee (34 Semester Credits X $59 per Credit) | $2,256 | ||
| Total Program Cost | $12,660 | ||
Find a plan that fits your budget.
Program Details
The Education Specialist degree is a practitioner’s degree at the post-master’s level for those who seek advanced credentials but not a full doctoral degree with a dissertation requirement. The objective of the Ed.S. in Early Childhood Education degree is to develop skills and competencies that will make the student a more effective leader in the field of Early Childhood Education, advancing both their instructional knowledge and skills.
Focus of Study
Program Outcomes
- Design developmentally appropriate curriculum methods to support learning needs and developmental growth of young children across all developmental domains. (AO3)
- Analyze seminal and current research to support scholarly work and classroom practices. (AO1)
- Design appropriate assessments to support developmental growth for individual student needs. (AO2)
- Construct models to support positive collaborative relationships with stakeholders in the early childhood field. (AO2)
- Develop strategies to support advocacy efforts in early childhood. (AO4)
- Evaluate the role of professional development and lifelong learning for early childhood professionals. (AO5)
- Demonstrate growth as a professional and leader in early childhood education by integrating emerging instructional technologies, engaging in research, and contributing to innovative practices that enhance teaching and learning for young children. (AO5)
- Apply, analyze, and promote best practices in leadership. (AO5)
- Demonstrate competence in the application of multiple research methods. (AO1)
Start Dates
With flexible start dates, you can begin your program when it’s best for you.
February 02, 2026 Term
Jan 30, 2026
Payment Due
Jan 30, 2026
Application Due
Feb 02, 2026
Term Start
Feb 06, 2026
Unregister/Cancel Deadline
Mar 15, 2026
Term End
February 23, 2026 Term
April 13, 2026 Term
May 25, 2026 Term
June 15, 2026 Term
July 13, 2026 Term
August 24, 2026 Term
September 14, 2026 Term
October 05, 2026 Term
November 16, 2026 Term
Courses
Here are just some of the courses you’ll take when working towards this program. Visit the College Catalog to see all courses.
LEAD6021 | Leadership Seminar | 1 Semester Credits | |
LEAD6001 | Introduction to Advanced Studies | 1 Semester Credits | |
LEAD6011 | Leadership as a Reflective Practice | 1 Semester Credits | |
EC6013 | Research and Trends in Early Childhood Education | 3 Semester Credits | |
EC6023 | Theories and Foundations of Child Development | 3 Semester Credits | |
EC6033 | Collaborative Partnerships in Early Childhood Practices | 3 Semester Credits | |
EC6043 | Early Childhood Assessment and Intervention | 3 Semester Credits | |
EC6053 | Advocacy and Leadership in Early Childhood | 3 Semester Credits | |
EC6073 | Language and Literacy in Early Childhood | 3 Semester Credits | |
EC6083 | Curriculum and Instruction in Early Childhood | 3 Semester Credits | |