Early Childhood Education Degrees
Early Childhood Education degree programs prepare students to teach children from ages zero through five in a variety of settings such as preschools, Head Start programs and child care centers. These teachers are responsible for helping young children develop physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially. They also help children develop independence and self-esteem. Early childhood degree programs provide both theoretical and practical training that ensure future teachers will have a positive impact on their future students' development.
Jobs growth for early childhood educators is predicted to be greater than average due to an increasing emphasis on early childhood education at the state and federal levels and continuing growth in enrollment by individual families. Students who want to work with low-income children may be eligible for federal TEACH grant funding.
Degree Options
- Associate's Degree – An associate's degree in this field will prepare students to teach in private day care centers or be an assistant teacher in public preschool settings.
- Bachelor's Degree - In public schools and increasingly at private schools, a bachelor's degree is required to be a lead teacher.
- Master's Degree – Those who earn a master's degree in early childhood education may choose to become a daycare administrator, supervisor, special education specialist or higher education instructor.
- Doctoral Degree – A doctoral degree in this area will prepare students to become an educational researcher, curriculum specialist or higher education instructor.
Schools
Many colleges and universities that offer teacher education for older children also offer early childhood education degree programs. Many programs can be found at online schools where part-time options are common.
Coursework
The following courses are typical of an Early Childhood Education program:
- Child Growth and Development
- Motor Development/Movement Education for Children
- Language and Literacy Development
- Mathematics Curriculum for Early Childhood
- Assessment of Young Children
- Instructional Technology in Education
- Education of Children with Exceptional Learning Needs
Interests and Aptitudes
Those considering a career in early childhood education must love working with young children and have unlimited patience and a calm, steady demeanor. They will need to have creative skills that allow them to design interesting, developmentally appropriate activities for young children and have the flexibility to adjust plans as needed.
Career Options
Graduates from an early childhood education degree program may teach in private or public daycare centers and preschools including Head Start programs or work in a home-based daycare. In some school systems, they may teach the early grades of elementary school. Experienced teachers with an advanced degree may become a preschool or daycare director, a curriculum specialist or college educator.
Related Majors
- Elementary School Education
- Middle School Education
- Secondary School Education
- Special Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational Research
How To Evaluate Early Childhood Education Degree Programs
When choosing a program, the following factors should be considered:
- Internship Availability - The availability of internships in the type of setting a student would like to work in, is an important consideration.
- Accreditation – The program should be accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
- Cost - The cost of a program may be a major deciding factor for many, since paying off significant school loans can be difficult in this rewarding, but not highly paid field.
Free Online Courses
Reviewing some of the free online courses listed below can help a prospective student decide if a program in early childhood education is right for them.
- Play, Learning and the Brain
- Knowledge in Everyday Life (3-8 year old children)
- Infant and Early Childhood Cognition
- The Role of Play in Children's Learning
Resources
National Association for the Education of Young Children
Early Head Start National Resource Center
Early Childhood Education Journal
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