Most early childhood education teachers at public schools — which usually pay better than private schools — need a bachelor's degree to enter the field. It may be possible to begin a career in a parochial school or daycare center with an associate degree, but a bachelor's degree improves your chance of employment and earning a higher salary. No matter where you want to work, it's possible to secure a job with an online bachelor's degree as long as it's accredited and you have student teaching experience. If you want to teach, it may be helpful to enroll in a degree program that guides students to become certified teachers in the state where they want to teach. Completing a licensure degree program allows graduates to take a licensure exam, which determines eligibility for teaching in preschools, federal Head Start programs, and elementary schools through third grade. On the other hand, you may prefer an administrative or leadership role. In that case, you can choose from any non-licensure degree. Completing a licensure degree program allows graduates to take a licensure exam, which determines eligibility for teaching in preschools, federal Head Start programs, and elementary schools through third grade.