College Degree Programs for Early Childhood Education

People who specialize in early childhood education teach children between 3-6 years of age; early childhood is usually considered to last from preschool through third grade. Degrees in early childhood education are available from the associate's through the doctoral levels.

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Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education and Care

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) programs combine coursework in early childhood education with instruction in childcare methods. Programs emphasize practical skills related to planning lessons, helping students develop language and communication skills, encouraging literacy and developing healthy habits. Students in these programs often specialize in family childcare, infant care, special education care, program management or toddler care.

Educational Prerequisites

To be admitted to an AAS program in early childhood care and education, applicants must first complete high school or earn a General Educational Development (GED) credential. Many programs also require entering students to take placement tests in English and mathematics to see which prerequisites they need to complete.

Program Coursework

The coursework in early childhood care and education AAS programs covers topics related to teaching preschool-aged children. Students learn to create educational foundations in preschoolers, preparing them to learn to read, write and understand math when they enter first grade. The classes noted below are often required:

Human development
Nutrition
Introductory special education theory
Caring for young children
Introductory curriculum design

Popular Career Options

Since most states require that teachers have at least a bachelor's degree and state certification, people who hold an AAS in early childhood care and education fill other positions. People who enter the workforce after earning an AAS often choose the following careers:

Group childcare worker
Family childcare worker
Preschool teacher's assistant

Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programs in early childhood education teach students to understand the overall effect of early childhood education on society as a whole. Students learn to relate early childhood education to topics taught in elementary education and to overall community standards. These programs also discuss early childhood education administration, educational public policy and educational technology. Students usually complete supervised teaching assignments prior to graduation.

Educational Prerequisites

Typically, applicants to B.A. programs in early childhood education need to submit their high school transcripts and college entrance examination scores. Many schools also request that applicants submit letters of recommendation and an original personal statement.

Program Coursework

The coursework in early childhood education B.A. programs teaches students to design curricula for schoolchildren in preschool through third grade. Students learn to integrate technology into their lessons and adjust the material taught to match the children's individual abilities. Students are often required to take the courses noted below:

Developmental psychology
Mathematics instruction
Emerging literacy instruction
Educational assessment techniques
Socialization in early childhood education

Popular Career Options

Many early childhood education B.A. programs meet state teaching certification requirements, meaning that graduates can hold teaching positions. People who don't enter teaching have several career options as well. The careers noted below are common options:

Elementary school teacher
Afterschool program coordinator
Private school administrator

Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education

Master of Arts (M.A.) programs in early childhood education focus on the research methods and statistical analyses used to measure the effectiveness of early childhood education. Students also learn advanced theories of teaching and curriculum design. While some programs terminate in a master's degree, most prepare graduates for study at the doctoral level.

Educational Prerequisites

M.A. programs in early childhood education generally require applicants to submit a resume, personal statement and up to three letters of reference as part of the admissions process. Additionally, applicants must provide the program with their undergraduate transcripts and scores on the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). Some programs require incoming students to have previous work experience in early childhood education.

Program Coursework

Students in early childhood education M.A. programs learn both practical skills used to instruct young children and the theoretical foundations behind educational research. M.A. programs often include extensive research and writing requirements prior to graduation. The classes mentioned below are commonly offered:

Advanced child psychology
Curriculum design for young special education students
Infant and toddler teaching methods
Creative activities for young children
Cognitive development

Popular Career Options

People who earn a master's degree in early childhood education qualify for teaching positions, as well as careers in research and administration. Graduates often choose the careers listed below:

Early childhood curricula design specialist
Consultant in early childhood instruction
Preschool program administrator

Doctor of Philosophy in Early Childhood Education

Early childhood education Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs cover advanced research and analytical techniques as well as new teaching theories. Programs emphasize critical thinking and problem solving skills and often place less emphasis on practical instruction in teaching methods. Students learn how different students' social and ethnic backgrounds may affect how they view education. Students must complete and present a dissertation before earning their degree.

Educational Prerequisites

Ph.D. programs in early childhood education seek students who have already earned a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. In addition to a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation and a resume, many schools also require students to submit an original writing sample relevant to early childhood education.

Program Coursework

The coursework in early childhood education Ph.D. programs teaches students how to conduct and evaluate educational research. Courses also emphasize child advocacy and the social aspects of early childhood education. Students often complete classes on the subjects noted below:

Literacy development theory
Contemporary issues in early childhood education
Advanced research methodology in early childhood education
Advanced educational statistics
Professional development for early childhood educators

Popular Career Options

While people who earn a Ph.D. in early childhood education can become teachers, most enter careers in research or academia after earning a Ph.D. Graduates can work for individual schools, school districts, governmental agencies or private consulting firms. Graduates often pursue one of the careers mentioned below:

Curricula design consultant
Early childhood education researcher
Advocate for disadvantaged children

Continuing Education Options

Teachers at any level need to earn state certification before they can legally work. The standards vary, but most states require teachers to have at least a bachelor's degree and to pass a written content test. Teachers can become certified by completing an approved degree program in education or by enrolling in an alternative certification program.

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