17 Best Online Child Development Classes In 2024

You may brush up on your skills or learn something new by taking advantage of the various child development classes accessible online.

Consider it “the more you know” Bootcamp if you’ve never considered studying kid development.

You never know when you’ll pick up something useful.

This article is for everyone, even if you’re a parent “flying by the seat of your trousers.”

Besides, we all know that parenting requires a skill set, no matter how much we merely hang on for the ride.

You try something for a bit, and it works, but then you’re back to square one, and your child outwits you again. (How do they manage it?)

It can be beneficial to understand what is going on in their heads, what stages of development they are in and how to address them, or how to foster healthy development.

After all, it isn’t easy to remain entirely neutral when your child is involved. Reading about different stages of growth online and learning about diverse ways could be the key to putting everything together.

Aside from learning to become a good parent, if you’re passionate about spreading information and assisting others, taking a class in child development may be ideal for you.

This article will feature a list of the 17 best online child development courses you can take if you’re a parent hoping to expand your knowledge, a parent seeking answers, or a child care worker looking to refresh your skills.

Let’s look at the best online child development classes we’ve outlined to see how they can help you.

Online Child Development Classes: Here’s What You Need to Know:

Here are the basic things you need to know before taking online child development classes.

What Kinds of Child Development Classes Can You Take Online?

Whether you want to teach or work with young children in another capacity, you’ll need to pick between a degree in Child Development and a degree in Early Childhood Education.

You can enroll in various online child development classes, some of which are free.

Some are geared toward parents, while others are geared toward those interested in earning a degree or a profession in child development.

You can concentrate on those geared toward parents we’ve here, but we’ll also discuss how to get started with a child development degree online.

You can also engage in parenting workshops. Parenting workshops are designed to assist parents in feeling more connected, involved, and focused on their children.

While parenting classes offer guidance, tactics, and resources for raising children, as well as an opportunity for parents to share their problems and ideas with other parents who are dealing with similar issues.

If you choose to advance your career, you can check out this article on How to Get a Masters in Early Childhood Education: Cost, Requirements, Scholarships.

Also, to get more insight on how to go about your child development classes online, we’ve ranked the 10 Cheapest Online Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education if you’re seeking a more affordable online degree choice.

Keep reading for our Best Online Bachelor’s Programs rating if you’re just getting started.

What Should I Look for in a Well-Developed Child Development Classes?

Most parents are always busy because they have work, homes to maintain, and children to care for, and they are exhausted.

Finding the time is challenging enough; add a monotonous lecture or interminable textbook-like reading to the mix, and you have a snoozefest.

Courses with a social structure and well-developed, interactive information are more likely to maintain your attention and help you finish the program.

Before taking child development classes online, check to discover if the course is geared toward parents or is a professional curriculum for earning a certificate or a degree.

It is feasible to earn credits toward certification, but education that builds on earlier courses is also conceivable.

Check to see if it’s a stand-alone class or if you’re ready for the required learning.

On the other hand, if you’re a student who wants to study child development and debate how to provide assistance and environments that excite young pupils’ naturally curious brains, there are important factors to note.

The online course for child development should:

• Define your objectives.
• Define your passions.
• Give information on what to do around the age of your child.
• The requirements of your child.
• Problems with parenting, you might be experiencing some difficulties.
• Medical issues affecting your child’s parenting requirements.
• The cost of the course in relation to your family’s budget.
• The amount of time you’ll need to devote to a course.
• How long does it take to finish the course load?

Also, when choosing a child development bachelor’s degree, students should consider their job aspirations regardless of the degree.

Meanwhile, because most parents and some students are highly busy, this tip is useful for them.

Check Out: 15 Best Child Birth Classes Online for Beginners | Free & Paid

How Long Does it Take to Earn a Child Development Certificate Online?

Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in child development online typically require four years to complete their studies.

This is because students must complete 120 credits to receive an online child development degree at most colleges.

While for parents seeking to learn how to handle their kids, the duration of child development classes online takes approximately four months.

Whatever path you choose, be certain that online courses take a shorter time to acquire your certificate than the traditional method.

See Also: 10 Cheapest Online Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education

How Much Does an Online Child Development Classes Cost?

Various factors determine the cost of an online degree in child development.

Because many schools and universities charge greater tuition for out-of-state students, state residency is essential.

On the other hand, some colleges charge set tuition for online students regardless of where they live.

While regular online platforms charge students based on the level of course you enroll for. This means a child development course for beginners will definitely be cheaper than intermediate ones.

Another important cost is technology fees, which sometimes apply to online students but not to their brick-and-mortar counterparts.

With all this considered, if you’re a student pursuing an online child development degree, expect to pay $1,500 to $3000.

If you’re a parent opting for child development classes online, be prepared to pay a fee of $250 to $750 for a full course.

Read Also: How to Get a Masters in Early Childhood Education: Cost, Requirements, Scholarships

17 Best Online Child Development Classes in 2023

1. Online Child Development Certificate | Penn Foster

Penn Foster aims to improve the lives of our students and clients by providing them with the knowledge, skills, and credentials they need to advance in their chosen industry.

Over the years, they’ve proven top-notch about this through their online classes in the Penn Foster Career School.

The Child Development certificate from Penn Foster Career School allows you to study at your own pace and from the comfort of your home.

This certificate satisfies the 120 hours of formal education required in eight subject areas linked to professional child care to apply for the CDA credential.

This certificate is meant to meet the CDA requirement of 120 hours of formal education in professional child care. It covers the principles of early childhood education, child growth and development, and health, safety, and nutrition for young children.

For more than 50 years, Penn Foster has been accredited. Penn Foster is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

Finally, Penn Foster Career School can assist you in gaining relevant knowledge and skills so that you can begin your journey toward a successful career in child development.

Hence, it ranks 1st as one of the best online child development online school.

Enroll Here

2. Online Early Childhood Development: Global Strategies for Implementation | HarvardX

Take free online child development courses to improve your abilities and expand your profession.

On edX, you can learn about child development and other in-demand disciplines from top colleges and institutions worldwide.

For work in the field of child development, there are specific certifications that can be gained.

The Child Development Associate certificate, or CDA, is a well-known credential in Early Childhood Education (ECE).

A CDA certification can help you grow in your ECE profession. There are numerous options for earning a CDA online right now.

Enroll Here

3. Online Bachelor of Science in Child Development – Appalachian State University Online

App State Online’s flexible online Bachelor of Science in Child Development – Birth through Kindergarten program equips you with the knowledge and skills to guide today’s children from infancy to kindergarten.

In this course, you will combine academic research with real-world practicum in Appalachian’s Child Development undergraduate degree program to better facilitate children’s success during critical discovery, learning, and growth.

You’ll explore the tasks and responsibilities of the newborn through kindergarten professionals, including approaches to nurture and engage learning.

By the end of the program, the hours delivered by Appalachian and your transfer hours must total 120 hours.

Enroll Here

4. Online Bachelor of Science in Child Development – Point University

Interactive education lays the groundwork for lasting success during a child’s early years of development.

The Online Bachelor of Science in Child Development program at Point University prepares students to work with young children (birth to age 8) in various settings, planning activities and surroundings that promote physical, social, emotional, spiritual, and cognitive development.

Also, its online bachelor’s in child development program encompasses psychology, family engagement, and educational foundations and focuses on children from birth to age eight.

The bachelor’s degree in child development at Point University allows students to arrange their study plan because most courses are available fully online.

As a result, the length of the program varies depending on how many credits students choose to take each term. The 120 credits required for an online bachelor’s in child development degree are typically completed in four years.

Most importantly, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has granted Point University regional accreditation (SACSCOC). While the National Council on Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Professional Standards Commission of Georgia accredit the education degree (GaPSC).

The extensive curriculum of the online bachelor’s degree in child development provides a foundation in early childhood development, education, and sociocultural contexts. Some of the courses available to students are listed below:

• Educational Foundations
• Culture and Education
• Classroom Management
• Educational Psychology

Enroll Here

5. Online Bachelor’s in Child Development – Concordia University-Saint Paul

The Bachelor of Arts in Child Development is a 42-credit hour degree that can be completed entirely online.

This Online Bachelor’s in Child Development program is designed for working adults who want to earn a degree but need the flexibility to attend classes independently.

Students will focus on advocacy and leadership in the field of early education while learning developmentally appropriate methods.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards for first professional preparation are addressed in CSP’s online child development degree program, which has been named #1 by Study.com.

Above all, CSP bachelor degree graduates are among the highest alumni salaries from Minnesota colleges and universities.

Enroll Here

6. Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Degree – Liberty University

Liberty University is a private university in Lynchburg, Virginia, home to the mascot Sparky the Eagle.

While studying at our Central Virginia campus or globally online, you can design your associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree to match your interest at Liberty University.

This makes Liberty University one of the best online learning destinations, offering various distinctive bachelor’s degrees.

Students can now pursue an online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Degree with a strong Christian teaching technique and a devoted 24/7 support staff.

This 120-credit program is designed for adults wanting to teach online preschool and elementary school children.

Required courses offered via Liberty’s School of Education include:

• Early Childhood Education Fundamentals
• Wellness in the Early Childhood Setting
• Developmental Psychology
• Psychology of Childhood

Enroll Here

7. Online BS in Early Childhood Education – The University of Alabama

The University of Alabama offers an online BS in Early Childhood Education for any one.

This Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education (ECE) is for those who work in or want to work in early childhood development programs.

The University of Alabama’s ECE program needs 120 hours of coursework, including a minimum of 30 hours from the university. A maximum of 60 hours from a two-year university can be transferred.

Earning your degree online from The University of Alabama will prepare you to affect the future of young children.

You will get a grasp of children’s growth and development from birth to age eight through the Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education degree, allowing you to guide them through some of their most essential developmental phases.

Enroll Here

8. Early Childhood Development Undergraduate Certificate- WVU Online

This university in Morgantown, West Virginia, has around 28,000 students.

There are 14 colleges and schools in Morgantown and approximately 350 majors to select from, so there are plenty of opportunities for success.

WVU also offers online degree choices if you’re seeking for a curriculum that’s both flexible and cheap.

Their online Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Studies is worth a look.

Child Development (non-certification track) and Preschool Education Birth-4 are two areas of emphasis in this WVU curriculum (with Pre-K certification).

Courses that may be required include:

• Business of Child Care
• Early Socio-Emotional Growth
• Special Education in Contemporary Society
• Differentiated Instruction for Young Children
• Technology for Young Children with/without Special Needs

Enroll Here

9. Online Bachelor of Arts in Education in Educational Studies – Early Childhood Education | Arizona State University

The ASU Online Bachelor of Arts in Education focusing on Educational Studies in Early Childhood Education gives students hands-on experience with collaborative and reflective practice.

It develops leadership and critical thinking, and sharpens communication skills for working with children up to the age of five.

With the early childhood education emphasis of the online Bachelor of Arts in Education in educational studies from ASU, you can pursue your passion for working with children while obtaining development and instructional skills.
This program will benefit individuals working in early-childhood settings such as Head Start, child development centers, preschools, and private and public child care.

Students must complete 120 credit hours and 40 classes to graduate from this degree.

Required courses offered by ASU’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences include:

• Aging and the Life Course
• Early Childhood Intervention
• Child Dysfunction in the Family
• Marriage and Family Relationships
• Personal Growth in Human Relationships
• Infant/Toddler Development in the Family

Enroll Here

10. Online Program in Human Development – California State University, East Bay

A fully online undergraduate degree in Human Development is available from California State University, East Bay.

Students follow a planned step-by-step approach through the curriculum, taking every subject online.

Early Childhood Development, Women’s Development, and Adult Development & Gerontology are the three concentrations available to students.

Transferring community college students who work full-time yet wish to acquire a four-year degree will benefit from the program.

They welcome students who are juniors (upper division transfer eligibility is required).

Meanwhile, there are 180 units in this one-of-a-kind online program. Courses that may be required include:

• Child Development
• Adult Development and Aging
• Theories of Human Development
• Girls and Women Across the Lifespan
• Foundational Aspects of Adolescent Development
• Social and Cultural Dynamics of Human Development

Enroll Here

11. Child & Family Studies Bachelor’s Degree — Child Development | Eastern Kentucky University

The 100% online child and family studies program at EKU will equip you to be a leader in the fields of human development and family services.
You will be able to work with children in educational, institutional, and human service settings using the skills you gain.

Early childhood education and development is a fulfilling vocation that allows you to impact the lives of children from all walks of life by ensuring they meet developmental milestones and reach their full potential.

EKU is a regionally accredited, brick-and-mortar institution that has been educating students for over a century and is regarded among the best universities in the country.

Enroll Here

12. Online Bachelor of Science in Human Development – Pennsylvania State University – World Campus

Penn State World Campus, also known as “Penn State Online,” is The Pennsylvania State University’s online campus.

The World Campus was founded in 1998 and has grown steadily since then. Penn State Online has over 17,000 students in over 125 degree and certificate programs.
Students can now get an Undergraduate Certificate in Children, Youth, and Family Services, a fairly unique degree.

The tuition per credit in this flexible online program is $555.

This program is ideal for those who are just starting in the field of human services or who want to expand their knowledge.

This program’s credits can be applied toward a Bachelor of Science in Human Development.

This certificate program requires students to finish 30 credits. The following are examples of possible courses:

Family Development
Adolescent Development
Infant and Child Development
Human Development and Family Studies Interventions
Values and Ethics in Health and Human Development Professions

Enroll Here

13. Online Bachelor of Arts degree in Children’s Learning and Development Concentrations – University of Massachusetts Amherst

The University Without Walls Interdisciplinary Studies degree completion program at UMass Amherst has been helping people like you earn their first bachelor’s degrees at a world-class public university for the past fifty years.

You can design your program of study in children’s learning and development at the UWW Interdisciplinary Studies degree completion program.

Through this program, you can bring in or earn up to 105 credits for prior coursework, prior learning, work, and life experience and finish your bachelor’s degree online without ever having to come to campus.

Enroll Here

14. Online Early Childhood Education Certificate – Washington State University

Do you want to help people, families, and communities become stronger?

This online early childhood education degree from WSU expands your knowledge of how various educational approaches, social policies, and prevention/intervention strategies affect the development of children, youth, and families.

Also, the online early childhood education certificate examines how biological, family, neighborhood, school, and community factors influence child development, as well as how this knowledge can be used to create innovative and effective programs for young children and their families.

The early childhood education certificate is exclusively available to residents of Washington, even though it is an online program.

Required courses may include:

• Family Systems
• Lifespan Development
• Family Stress and Coping
• Parent-Child Relationships
• Human Development Theories
• Dev. Effective Communication and Life Skills

Enroll Here

15. Online Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education – Kansas State University

The online bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from K-State prepares students to work as administrators or teachers in early childhood settings.

This 120-credit online bachelor’s degree in child development takes four years to complete.
Family interactions and gender roles, exceptional early childhood development, language development, and reflective practice are all required courses.

Field experiences can be completed at recognized schools near enrollees’ residences.

In the online early childhood education bachelor’s degree, you’ll master the most up-to-date approaches for caring for and teaching young children from birth to kindergarten, including those with special needs, learning difficulties, or developmental delays.

No matter where you live in the United States, this program combines online study with a field experience at an accredited school near you.
Instructors at K-State will be able to witness and evaluate your teaching in real-time using a tablet and video recording equipment and provide comments to help you grow and flourish.

Enroll Here

16. Online Early Childhood Development – Fresno Pacific University

The Online Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Development is designed to help you completely comprehend children’s growth and development from birth to age eight.

Their knowledgeable instructors give a solid theoretical and practical foundation, focusing on the child’s environment.

You’ll learn how to respond to the special needs of young children, especially those with special needs.

Basically, in this online program:

• The program is available in both face-to-face and entirely online formats.
• Groups of cohorts meet once a week.
• A group of 12 to 24 adults works together to complete the program.
• Students represent a wide range of ages and ethnic backgrounds.

The curriculum is based on the California Preschool Learning Foundations and the NCATE standards for baccalaureate degrees, as published by the California State Department of Education.

The California Commission on Teaching Credentialing has established seven categories for graduates to demonstrate subject-matter competency (CCTC www.ctc.ca.gov).

Enroll Here

17. Online Child Development Classes – ed2go

When your job shapes young minds, keeping your skillset current is especially important.

Whether you’re new to the field or currently work as a teacher or child care provider, child development courses from ed2go can help you stay current on the latest advancements in the field and gain new knowledge that you can pass on to those in your care.

Parents place their trust in you daily—and you can place your trust in ed2go to provide you with a comprehensive child development education.

Their online childhood development classes cover everything from industry-related certifications to subject areas such as language development and classroom discipline.

Also, in this online CDA certification training, you’ll complete the 120 hours of professional development required by the Council of Professional Recognition and be well on your way to earning this important credential.

They also offer early childhood education classes that focus on specific ways to empower students to grow into successful adults.
Get started today with ed2go’s easy, open-enrollment format and convenient online lessons.

Enroll Here

Conclusion

Consider whether your job ambitions need you to specialize as an undergraduate or pursue an advanced degree when looking for the top online child development school.

Numerous types of child development courses are available online, some of which are free.

Continue reading to see our list of the world’s best online child development classes in 2024.

References

• kids-houston.com – Child Development Courses You Can Take Online
• thebestschools.org – Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development
• collegechoice.net – Best Online Child Development Degrees
• bestcolleges.com – Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Programs

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