An associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree in early childhood education qualifies you to work with infants and kids up to the age of eight. Children pick up a lot of vital life and social skills during this time, such as how to walk, talk, interact with people, add and subtract, and more. You can learn how to teach kids these skills and evaluate their progress by enrolling in early childhood education degree programs and taking courses in related fields.
You might be a good fit for an early childhood education degree if you enjoy working with kids and instructing others. This post will explain what an early childhood education degree is, what you’ll study, and offer advice on which one is best for you.
What is an early childhood education degree?
A bachelor’s or master’s degree in early childhood education focuses on instructing degree holders on how to teach newborns and young children as they go through quick cognitive and physical transformations, like learning to walk and count.
Together with general education classes, the coursework in these degree programs covers subjects including early childhood education theories, developmentally appropriate teaching techniques, and early childhood literacy. In certain institutions, the degree is offered as a specialization within the primary education or child study program.
Degree types
Degrees in early childhood education range from associates to doctorate. An associate’s degree can be obtained in roughly two years. You might be able to get employment at a daycare center at entry level with this kind of degree. Should you ultimately want to pursue a bachelor’s degree, having an associate’s degree may also prove advantageous. You might receive credit from the university for the courses you completed to obtain your associate’s degree.
For most people, a bachelor’s degree requires four years to finish. A bachelor’s degree is probably required if you want to work as a classroom teacher in a public or private school. You may select between a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree, depending on the university you attend. Both varieties
Master’s and doctorate degrees in early childhood education are graduate degrees that normally need two to six years to finish. Typical graduate degrees in early childhood education consist of the following: Master of Science (MS), Master of Arts in Education (MAE), Master of Education (MEd), Doctor of Education (EdD), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Teachers in the classroom who hold bachelor’s degrees in subjects other than education may pursue graduate degrees to further their careers or broaden their knowledge. The majority of those who seek doctorates in early childhood education do so with the intention of becoming researchers or future teachers.
Master’s and doctorate degrees in early childhood education are graduate degrees that normally need two to six years to finish. Typical graduate degrees in early childhood education consist of the following:
- Master of Science (MS),
- Master of Arts in Education (MAE)
- Master of Education (MEd)
- Doctor of Education (EdD)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Teachers in the classroom who hold bachelor’s degrees in subjects other than education may pursue graduate degrees to further their careers or broaden their knowledge. The majority of those who seek doctorates in early childhood education do so with the intention of becoming researchers or future teachers.
Degree concentrations
Certain students opt to focus their studies on a particular area of interest related to early childhood education. For example, if you intend to work in a neighborhood where there is a high concentration of recent immigrants, you might wish to focus on bilingual or dual language teaching. Likewise, if working with children who have developmental delays or disabilities is part of your ambitions, you can choose to focus on special education.
What you’ll study and sample coursework
Early childhood education degree programs follow a curriculum that is identical to any other education class, with a focus on how the material relates to children ages 8 and under. Academics typically employ a pragmatic methodology that heavily emphasizes practical experience. Among the fundamental classes you might enroll in are:
- Child Development
- Early Literacy Learning
- Infant and Toddler Care
- Math Content and Processes
- Methods of Curriculum and Instruction
- Play Development and Assessment
- Young Children with Special Needs
Apart from your classroom experience, you can get the chance to watch teachers in elementary and preschool settings. An internship that allows you to get a firsthand look at what it’s like to be an early childhood education teacher is a common component of many programs. You will practice lesson planning and execution as well as classroom management. A portfolio that compiles all of the knowledge you have gained from the program is required by certain educational institutions.
Who needs an early childhood education degree?
Those who wish to work as classroom teachers in public schools are required to hold an early childhood education degree. One of the prerequisites for licensing in the majority of states is a degree. Additionally, several private preschools and institutions favor degree-holding teachers.
Early childhood education degree?
Those with degrees in early childhood education usually work in childcare facilities or educational institutions. In a public or private school system, you can find careers such as the following:
Preschool teacher: In your role as a preschool teacher, you plan instructional activities and assist young students who aren’t quite old enough for kindergarten. Teaching and planning lessons, overseeing learning exercises, and monitoring student development as they pick up the knowledge and abilities required for elementary school success are all part of your job description.
Special education teacher: Teachers of special education work with children with disabilities who are younger than eight years old. You could work in a classroom, small group, or one-on-one environment and be responsible for things like student evaluations, goal-setting, tracking progress toward goals, teaching, adapting resources for students, and co-teaching with a classroom teacher. You might also serve as a point of contact for the parents and the school.
Teacher assistant: A classroom instructor oversees the work of a teacher assistant (TA). In this position, you might assist with the preparation of materials, help with classroom chores, and supervise students while they participate in activities. Your teacher can invite you to tutor a single student or a small group of students who require extra help with their coursework.
There are opportunities in early childhood education outside of regular institutions as well. A degree in early childhood education is beneficial in many contexts as well. Among them are the following:
Childcare center director: Overseeing a younger student’s learning center falls under the supervising category. To make sure the instructors and other staff members are attending to the needs of the pupils, you have the authority to employ, manage, and keep an eye on them. You can also be in charge of business-related duties like keeping tabs on finances, processing payments, adhering to rules, and corresponding with parents.
Childcare worker: Although they are more likely to operate outside of a formal classroom, childcare providers play a comparable role to preschool teachers. You might work for a family, a firm that provides on-site childcare for its employees, a religious or civic group, or a local childcare provider. In this position, you might make schedules for the kids, supervise them during the day, and teach them new ideas.
Nanny: When looking after the children of a single household, nannies might work full- or part-time, typically while the parents are at work. You have complete responsibility for the child’s everyday care as a nanny. As part of your work, you might have to cook, take the kids to activities, clean the house, plan playdates, and watch the kids at their homes. You may reside with the family in the house or commute as needed, according on their needs.
Early childhood education certification and licensure
The requirements for certification or licensing childcare workers vary by state. It’s possible that you’ll need to complete childcare education courses that address subjects like child growth, diet, and safety (including identifying warning indicators of abuse or neglect) and get a certificate of completion.
Additional mandatory training may cover pharmaceutical delivery, business management, record keeping, and baby and child CPR. To ensure you have the most up-to-date information, check with your state’s department of family or social services. State laws governing childcare workers differ and are subject to change during legislative sessions.
Alternatives to an early childhood education degree
You might not always require a degree in early childhood education. For example, if you fulfill the state and municipal regulations for this kind of facility, you might be permitted to start a daycare in your own house. This typically doesn’t require a degree.
It is also feasible to work as a classroom teacher without a degree in early childhood education. Even if a college graduate’s major was not in education, some states nonetheless permit them to apply for teaching licenses. Even if you go this path, you will still need to fulfill all licensing requirements, which may involve passing tests and completing some of the statute-mandated education requirements. It might also be beneficial for you to take some early
Apply to an early childhood education degree program
Consider your career goals before applying to an early childhood education degree program. Your response to this query will guide your decision-making process. For instance, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree if your objective is to work as a kindergarten teacher in a nearby elementary school. One option if you want to start a childcare business out of your house is to pursue an associate degree or certification program.
Look into schools that offer the program you wish to pursue after you’ve decided what kind to pursue. There are online and in-person programs accessible all throughout the nation. Examine the prerequisites for entrance to each program.
Tips for early childhood education degree program
Look for an early childhood education degree program that offers the courses and degree type that best suits your professional objectives. To assist you in assessing the program, consider the following queries:
- Does the program offer the specific courses or concentration you want?
- Will you have an internship?
- Will a university accept an associate degree from this school?
- Are classes face-to-face or online?
- Are classes lecture-based or hands-on?