Early childhood education
Preschool teacher
Plan learning activities that help young children develop language, social and practical skills.
BLS · May 2025
EDUCATION & ENTRY
Early childhood study; requirements vary by setting
Early childhood certificates and associate routes can build teaching and practicum skills. Qualifications differ across private childcare, public preschool and other settings. Confirm the requirements for your intended employer.
The state’s typical entry education classification is “Associate's degree.” This describes the occupation broadly; employers, programs and licensing bodies set specific requirements.
CONNECT THE CAREER TO A PLACE TO LEARN
Oregon training options
These are related routes to investigate. Confirm the full preparation, current admissions and eligibility for your intended role with the provider.
Portland Community College
Early Childhood Education
Explore learning, development and care in early childhood.
Ask: How do practicum hours fit around work, and what roles does this award prepare me for?
Program page reviewed September 16, 2026
Chemeketa Community College
Early Childhood Education
Prepare for work supporting young children and families.
Ask: Which roles require additional licensing, and how can this degree transfer?
Program page reviewed September 15, 2026
Eastern Oregon University
Early Childhood Education
Study child development, early learning and curriculum, with supervised classroom experience.
Ask: Can I complete both practica near home, and how do placement hours fit around my job?
Program page reviewed September 15, 2026
Treasure Valley Community College
Early Childhood Education
Prepares students to support children from birth through age eight. The curriculum includes classroom management, exceptionalities and culturally responsive early education.
Ask: Which preparation, timetable and complete budget apply to my Early Childhood Education plan?
Program page reviewed September 15, 2026
Klamath Community College
Early Childhood Education
Prepares educators to support children from birth through age five. Most requirements are available online, with local practical requirements and course availability to confirm.
Ask: Which preparation, timetable and complete budget apply to my Early Childhood Education plan?
Program page reviewed September 15, 2026
Central Oregon Community College
Early Childhood Education
Combines child development, learning environments, literacy and family relationships. Ask how the applied degree articulates with a specific bachelor's program before planning a transfer.
Ask: Which preparation, timetable and complete budget apply to my Early Childhood Education plan?
Program page reviewed September 15, 2026
Blue Mountain Community College
Early Childhood Education
The early-childhood program serves people preparing to work with children from birth through age eight. Coursework is offered online; confirm placement and observation requirements where you live.
Ask: Which preparation, timetable and complete budget apply to my Early Childhood Education plan?
Program page reviewed September 15, 2026
Southwestern Oregon Community College
Early Childhood Education
This Associate of Science includes a broad transfer foundation plus early-childhood study. ECE-specific courses are offered online, with published connections to EOU and SOU bachelor's routes.
Ask: Which preparation, timetable and complete budget apply to my Early Childhood Education plan?
Program page reviewed September 16, 2026
Oregon Coast Community College
Early Childhood Education
A short early-childhood route covering children's development and practical care. Confirm how observation or practicum requirements fit your schedule and whether credits build toward a degree.
Ask: Which preparation, timetable and complete budget apply to my Early Childhood Education plan?
Program page reviewed September 15, 2026
Columbia Gorge Community College
Initial Early Childhood Education
Offered in English and Spanish, this initial certificate covers development, learning environments, families and culturally responsive practice. Credits can build toward further ECE study.
Ask: Which preparation, timetable and complete budget apply to my Initial Early Childhood Education plan?
Program page reviewed September 15, 2026
Portland Community College
Early Childhood Education Certificate
A career pathway certificate within a broader education route.
Ask: How will these credits apply if I continue to an associate or bachelor’s degree?
Program page reviewed September 15, 2026
Chemeketa Community College
Early Childhood Education Certificate
A certificate that can contribute credits toward the associate route.
Ask: What is the actual schedule, including any work or practicum requirements?
Program page reviewed September 15, 2026
Take this question to a counselor.
Do I enjoy patient, active work supporting young children’s learning?
Before choosing a program, ask for prerequisites, the complete timeline, class and placement schedules, and a full cost estimate including supplies, exams, travel and living expenses.
Build a working cost estimate →Understand the numbers.
The median is the midpoint of estimated wages for Oregon workers in this occupation. The hourly median is $21.70. These figures describe workers across experience levels; they are not starting pay or the earnings of graduates from the programs below.
Oregon projects employment moving from 7,020 jobs in 2024 to 8,018 in 2034. The projected 9,381 openings over the decade include growth and replacement needs as workers leave an occupation. Dividing that total by ten gives the rounded annual average shown above. These are projections, not today’s vacancies.
How to read wage information →