Online Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education: An online associate’s degree in early childhood education is a stepping stone to job advancement in positions as a preschool teacher or childcare specialist. Early childhood education specialists are vital in helping to develop the preschool child’s motor skills, vocabulary and reading skills, emotional maturity, and familiarity with numbers. They also assist in attaining additional age-specific educational goals by utilizing formal teaching, directed play and basic investigation. Opportunities in early childhood education are expected to be excellent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.