early care and education

degrees for the most important workers in the world. 

You love kids and work hard each and every day nurturing and educating the children in your care. As far as we're concerned, you have the most important job in the world.  

UMass UWW respects your work, and is committed to helping you finish your bachelor's degree 100% online with a focus in early care and education. 

Whether you are a seasoned early childhood educator or new to the field, we will help you develop the knowledge and enhance the skills you need to open your own childcare center or advance your career within public or private childcare programs such as Head Start, YMCA, 4-H, scouting, and a variety of pre-schools and after-school programs. 

And best of all, our flexible degree completion program gives you the opportunity to earn up to 30 credits for the learning you've gained from your life and work experience. This accelerates your degree and saves you money. 

required to get a degree? Scholarships are available for early care and education.  

Many Head Start teachers will soon be required to have a bachelor’s degree in Early Care and Education or a related field.  We can help. Many early childhood educators in the state of Massachusetts are now required to have a bachelor’s degree as well. We can help with this too. And if you live and work as an early childhood educator in Massachusetts, scholarship money is available that could pay 100% of the cost of your degree through UMass UWW. Contact us to learn more.

curriculum designed for early childhood educators.

Our curriculum was specially built for early childhood educators like you. As a UMass UWW early care and education student you will study with distinguished instructors at the UMass School of Education, Psychology Department and other related departments. Course topics include: multi-cultural education, early childhood curriculum, reading, math and science methods, inclusion, and children's behavior and behavior management. And although this is not a licensure program, we may be able to help you prepare for preliminary licensure in the state of Massachusetts. Contact us to learn more.  

a great education. credit for experience. outstanding support. 

The University Without Walls (UWW) is an academic major at the University of Massachusetts Amherst designed to help adults just like you complete your first bachelor's degree at a world-class public university.

At UMass UWW, you can design your own program of study in early care and education, earn up to 30 credits for the learning you've gained from your experience, and finish your degree 100% online without ever having to come to campus. Or take advantage of blended or on-campus courses.

time-tested, custom-built for adults like you

For 40 years, UMass UWW has been serving adult students like you. We understand the daily challenges you face balancing work, family and community responsibilities, and are committed to providing flexible options and outstanding one-on-one support from your first class through graduation.

Contact us to learn why so many early childhood educators choose UMass UWW.