Undergraduate Certificate in Preschool Education Support Young Learners From The Start
18
Credit Hours
100% online, 8-week courses
Transfer in up to 75% of the certificate total
Next Start Dates: March 23, 2026 | May 18, 2026 | June 29, 2026
Explore How to Lay the Foundation for a Child’s Educational Journey with an Online Preschool Certificate
Preschool teachers often support some of a child’s first classroom experiences. When you confer Liberty University’s undergraduate Certificate in Preschool, you will be exposed to the foundational training you need to prepare to work with young learners during these transformative early years. Whether you are exploring early childhood education (ECE) for the first time or adding a credential to your résumé, our certificate program offers you a next step into preschool-focused study.
An early childhood education program online may be a helpful option if you work in a daycare, preschool, or Sunday School setting. You can begin building a practical starting point in early learning and child-centered education while studying in a flexible online format. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow 4% from 2024 to 2034.*
Through our Preschool Certificate program, you can start developing knowledge that may support your future work with children in a variety of early learning environments. You can also use a certificate as a starting point if you decide to continue your education through one of Liberty’s early childhood education degree pathways.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, at Preschool Teachers (viewed online Feb. 5, 2026). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
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What Sets Us Apart?
- Private Nonprofit University
- 600+ Online Degrees
- No Standardized Testing for Admission
- Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
- Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree
Why Choose Liberty’s Online Certificate in Preschool Studies?
You may want to grow your skills in early childhood education without putting your current responsibilities on hold. Liberty University’s undergraduate Preschool Certificate is designed with flexibility in mind, making it a practical option if you are balancing work, family, or other commitments. If you’re looking for an early childhood education certificate program that’s offered 100% online with no set login times, we have what you need. With our Preschool Certificate, you can complete coursework from anywhere with an internet connection.
Our online programs are backed by our brick-and-mortar campus – ranked as Niche.com’s #2 Best College Campus in America for 2026 – and that commitment to excellence extends to our online students as well. As a pioneer in distance education since 1985, Liberty continues to develop flexible and academically engaging online programs that meet the needs of working adults and those serving in early learning settings. With 8 different start dates each year and a convenient 8-week course format, you can begin your coursework when it is best for you.
Additionally, Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which means this program meets recognized academic standards. In addition, Liberty offers a supportive learning environment that values ethical teaching, helping you build a foundation for working with preschool-aged children.
What Will You Study in a Preschool Teaching Certificate Online?
Working with preschool-aged children often requires patience, care, and an understanding of how young learners grow. In Liberty University’s undergraduate Preschool Certificate program, you can study core topics that support early learning and development. Since preschool may be a child’s first experience in a structured classroom setting, the Certificate in Preschool introduces key ideas that can help you better understand the needs of young children during these pivotal early years.
Throughout an early childhood education certificate online program, you can explore courses focused on cognitive and social-emotional development as well as early childhood milestones. You are also invited to examine developmentally appropriate practice and play-based learning approaches that support age-appropriate instruction in preschool settings. These early childhood courses provide an introductory groundwork for those who want to work with children in daycares, preschools, or similar early learning environments.
Additionally, you can study practical classroom topics that apply to practical early education settings. Coursework will emphasize classroom management strategies, child wellness, and the creation of safe, supportive learning spaces for young students. By combining early childhood fundamentals with learning theory and educational foundations, a certificate in preschool education can help you build a strong starting point for continued study or professional growth in the field.
Potential Early Childhood Education Career Opportunities
Our Preschool Certificate program can help you build foundational knowledge for working with young children in a variety of early learning settings. Your career options may depend on your experience, location, and any additional credentials required for specific roles. However, a certificate in early childhood education online can be a helpful step for those interested in potentially pursuing positions such as:
- Childcare provider
- Childcare worker
- Classroom assistant
- Daycare teacher
- Early childhood educator
- Homeschool teacher
- Instructional aide
- Paraprofessional educator
- Preschool teacher
- Teaching assistant
- Tutor
If you decide to continue your education beyond a certificate, the preschool studies coursework may also provide a strong foundation for your future academic goals. Depending on degree requirements, you may be able to apply credits from the Preschool Certificate program toward Liberty’s Associate of Arts (AA) in Early Childhood Education or Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) as you work toward further study in the field.
Take the next step toward your personal and professional goals with Liberty University’s undergraduate preschool certificate.
Additional education may be required for some jobs or occupations. Conferral of a certificate does not guarantee job placement.
Required Early Childhood Education Courses
- EDUC 200 – Principles of Education
- EDUC 205 – Learning Theory and Portfolio Development
- EDUC 210 – Early Childhood Education Fundamentals
- EDUC 215 – Wellness in the Early Childhood Setting
- EDUC 304 – Classroom Management for Teachers
- EDUC 305 – Educational Philosophy for Teachers or PSYC 221 – Psychology of Childhood
ECE Certificate Information
- This program falls under the School of Education.
- View the Undergraduate Education Course Guides (login required).
Certificate Completion Plan
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Tuition & Aid
At Liberty University, a private Christian education is less expensive than you think. Over the last 10 years, Liberty University’s Online Program has only raised its standard tuition costs by less than 5% – and most of our online tuition rates rank in the top 35% for affordability for 2025 when compared to our leading online competitors.
To continue our mission of providing affordable education, electronic textbooks are provided for all undergraduate courses at no additional cost to you. As a full-time student, this could save you an estimated $800-2,000 per year on textbooks!
| Undergraduate Full Time | $390/Credit |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Part Time | $455/Credit |
| Military Undergraduate | $250/Credit |
These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
All Tuition & Fees
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Admission Information for Our Undergraduate Certificate in Preschool
Admission Requirements
- Apply online or over the phone with an admissions counselor by calling (800) 424-9595.
- A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required).
- Send official high school transcripts or official GED test scores.*
- Students may be allowed to enroll in up to 12 credit hours with Liberty with the submission of our High School Self-Certification Form (login required – you will first need to claim your Liberty Account).
- Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system).
- Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy.
*Official high school transcript requirement may be waived with college transcripts from an accredited college/university showing at least 12 earned credit hours with an acceptable GPA.
Note: A 1.5 or above cumulative GPA is required for admission in good standing.
Transcript Policies
High School Transcript Policy
Applicants may submit a High School Self-Certification Form in lieu of a final official high school transcript in order to enroll in up to 12 credit hours at Liberty University.
- Applicants may submit a college transcript showing 12 or more credits from an accredited institution and a High School Self-Certification Form in lieu of high school transcripts.
Students must submit official high school transcripts, or official college transcripts showing at least 12 credit hours earned with an acceptable grade point average (GPA) from an accredited institution, in order to register for additional courses.
The official high school transcript, GED requirement, and High School Self-Certification Form can be waived if the applicant has earned an associate degree or higher.
Final transcripts must reflect all coursework and final grades received for grades 9-12, a graduation date, and an overall GPA. (Mailed transcripts must be in a sealed and unopened envelope.)
Official College Transcript Policy
An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to luoverify@liberty.edu.
Military Transfers
If you have military-only transfer credits (completed basic training and enlistment), you must request an official military transcript. Please go to the Military Transfer Credit webpage to request your military transcript.
International Applicants
If you are an international applicant, you may be required to have your international transcripts reviewed. Information regarding the transcript evaluation process for international students can be found by visiting NACES.
Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy.
Admissions Office Contact Information
Liberty University Online Admissions Verification
1971 University Blvd.
Lynchburg, VA 24515
Ready to Apply?
Submit your application online or over the phone.
Military
Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.
Who May Qualify?
- Active Duty
- Reserve/National Guard
- Veterans/Retirees
- Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
- Current Department of Defense Employees
Available Benefits:
- Tuition discounts – $250 per credit hour for undergraduate courses
- Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $565 per course)*
- 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
- Potential college credit for military training
*Not applicable to certificates.
These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Undergraduate Preschool Certificate Online
What is a Preschool Certificate?
A preschool education, or early childhood education, certificate is an undergraduate credential that focuses on the basics of teaching and caring for young children. It introduces key ideas in early learning, child development, and preschool classroom support.
In Liberty’s Certificate in Preschool online program, you can study how children grow socially and emotionally, how learning develops in early years, and how educators create safe, structured environments. This type of program may be helpful if you want an entry point into early childhood education or plan to pursue further study later.
Can you study early childhood education online? What is the best online school for early childhood education?
Yes, you can study early childhood education online through programs that offer structured coursework in cognitive development and teaching foundations. The best online school for early childhood education is one that combines academic quality, support, and content that matches your goals.
Liberty University’s online Preschool Certificate provides a SACSCOC-accredited option for studying early childhood education in a flexible format. You can explore early learning topics while studying through a university shaped by Liberty’s mission of Training Champions for Christ and a commitment to ethical service in education.
Do you need a degree to teach preschool?
Whether you need a degree to teach preschool depends on the setting and the rules in your state. Public school programs often require licensure and a bachelor’s degree, while private preschools or childcare centers may have different expectations. Checking local and employer-specific requirements can help you understand what training may be needed for the role you want.
A preschool education certificate can offer an introductory academic foundation for those interested in early childhood roles. It can also help you decide whether you want to continue into a full early childhood education degree program in the future. The Certificate in Preschool can be a practical way to begin studying child development and classroom practices before committing to a longer degree path, such as Liberty University’s Associate of Arts (AA) in Early Childhood Education or Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.).
How do you become a preschool teacher?
Becoming a preschool teacher usually involves completing education or training in early childhood learning and meeting any requirements set by your state or employer. Some preschool roles require licensure or a degree, while others may accept alternative credentials.
An undergraduate Preschool Certificate can be 1 way to begin studying early childhood education. Programs like Liberty’s allow you to explore child development, wellness in early learning settings, and classroom practices that relate to working with preschool-aged children.
How long does it take to complete a preschool certificate online?
An online preschool certificate can typically be completed in a shorter amount of time compared to a full degree program. The length may depend on your course load and schedule.
Liberty’s undergraduate Certificate in Preschool includes 18 credit hours. It is offered in a flexible online format with 8-week courses and multiple start dates each year, making it easier to fit into a busy routine.
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