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Early Childhood Education

Available Programs

How Can We Help?

Early Childhood Education Division
Department Head: (520) 206-5158
Center for Early Childhood Studies: (520) 206-5162

Want to help young children grow, learn and thrive? Pima's Early Childhood Education programs prepare you to make a real impact in a child’s most important years. You’ll learn how to spark creativity, support development, and create safe, inclusive learning spaces for children from birth through age 8. You’ll help children explore their talents, develop self-esteem and learn how to interact with others.

Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to grow your career, Pima offers stackable certificates and a two-year degree to help you build the skills and confidence to lead in early childhood settings. Our programs combine expert instruction with real-world experience—and the flexibility to complete most of your coursework online, on your schedule.

Completing one of our Early Childhood Education certificates or degree prepares you for opening your own in-home childcare center, beginning your career as a teacher’s aide, or being a lead teacher or director in:

  • Preschool
  • Kindergarten
  • Elementary school
  • & more!
Icon with laptop and graduation cap.

Online Learning with Real-World Experience

Earn your Early Childhood Assistant Educator certificate or Early Childhood Studies degree 100% online through PimaOnline – Newsweek's top-rated online learning institution. You’ll get the flexibility to study on your schedule, plus complete required fieldwork in person at a location near you.

Explore Online Options

Degrees & Certificates

At Pima, our programs are designed to help you build your skills as you go. Start with foundational certificates and advance to higher-level certificates and a two-year degree, all while gaining the hands-on experience needed for in-demand careers.

Certificate, Child Development Associate

Build on your certificate by applying your credits toward the Early Childhood Studies AAS degree and continue advancing your career.
  • Certificate
  • 1 semester (full-time); 2 semesters (part-time)
  • In Person | Online
  • Multiple Locations

Learn the basics of child development, learning, and teaching techniques. Complete this certificate in just one semester full-time or two semesters part-time, allowing you to meet Arizona professional development requirements or apply for the national Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.

Explore Certificate

Certificate, Early Childhood Assistant Educator

Build on your certificate by applying your credits toward the Early Childhood Studies AAS degree and continue advancing your career.

Build a strong foundation in early childhood education while gaining the skills you need to start your career and grow professionally. This program prepares you to work with children from birth through age 8 in a variety of settings. Complete your coursework fully online, with flexible field experience near you.

Explore Certificate

Associate of Applied Science, Early Childhood Studies

Gain the knowledge and skills to succeed in early childhood education in roles like teacher’s aide, lead teacher, preschool center director or even running your own home child care center. This degree meets requirements for Level E on Arizona’s Early Childhood Career Ladder.

Explore Degree

PCC Education Program Results 2025

Join a growing, tight-knit community of early childhood educators who are making a difference.

24 Early Childhood Education AAS
5 Early Childhood Assistant Educator Certificates
101 Post Degree Teacher Certificates

"Pima offered me the ability to work the whole time and still take classes and be successful. My experience at Pima was so welcoming and supportive that it led me to continue my education even as a mom."
Wanda
Early Childhood Studies graduate

How Can We Help?

Early Childhood Education Division
Department Head: (520) 206-5158
Center for Early Childhood Studies: (520) 206-5162
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