Early Childhood Education Degrees

What is Early Childhood Education Degrees?

As its name suggests, early childhood education degrees focuses on providing a strong educational base to young children. The field of early childhood education started as a result of several studies conducted by various government organizations including the Department of Education. These studies indicate that the years before a child goes to kindergarten are the most critical for developing his or her learning abilities and forming a personality that can have positive or negative effects in the future. As such, an increasing trend is seen to educate children in a way that will develop a naturally inquisitive nature and an aptitude for learning that will help them succeed in school. The Department of Education has successfully tested several early childhood education programs which conclusively prove that the children who receive some form of early childhood education outperform fellow students who did not obtain any formal education at a young age. The National Research Center on Early Childhood Education suggests that starting education at a young age helps kick-start the learning process and enables children to develop intellectual and social abilities that they can use for the rest of their lives. Early childhood education is also vital in discovering learning difficulties, and treating them in a timely manner to ensure that they do not continue to be a problem for a child.

Early Childhood Education Degrees
Early Childhood Education Degrees


History of Early Childhood Education Degrees 

The concept of early childhood education was first implemented by a German teacher, Friedrich Froebel, who started the first kindergarten in 1837. Froebel applied the ‘hands-on learning’ approach by allowing children to interact with each other and learning through action and observation. This concept was labeled ‘self activity’, and emphasizes the idea that a child should be allowed to follow his or her own interests, explore surroundings and learn through direct action, with the teacher acting as a guide instead of a lecturer. Thanks to the fantastic results Froebel achieved, early childhood education spread around the world, and the concepts developed more than a century ago are still actively employed in this sector today. Early childhood education also prepares a child for school life, by introducing children to a classroom, following timetables, allowing children to work together and instilling a sense of discipline and responsibility while maintaining a fun environment that is conducive to a child’s development.

Careers in Early Childhood Education Degrees

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of early childhood education has grown at an unprecedented rate during the past decades, and is expected to continue this growth through the next two decades. Employment opportunities within the field of early childhood education are expected to increase by more than 18% through 2020, which is one of the highest average growth rates among all professions. Early childhood education specialists normally obtain an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, after which they can undertake an exam to obtain a teaching license. Some students also go on to obtain master’s degrees in early childhood education , which allow specialization in areas such as education for special children or curriculum development. Graduates with a degree in early childhood education enjoy a variety of career options, which include working with children of different ages, from kindergarten up to the second or third grade, or working with state or federal education bodies for the development of early childhood education.

How long does it take to get an early childhood education degree?

The amount of time it takes to get an early childhood education degree depends on the program you choose. For instance, an associate degree would take two years to complete, a bachelor of science in early childhood education would take four years, while a master’s degree would take two years to complete. Many accredited colleges and universities also offer online degrees in early childhood education.

What are the requirements to get an early childhood education degree?

The credit hour requirements to get an early childhood education degree depend on the degree you choose. For instance, to complete a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, you will typically need to take up around 120 credit hours in four years. The courses you are likely to take are Language Development in Early Childhood, Beginning Literacy, Language Arts and Reading for Early Childhood, Child Health and Safety, Science for Young Children and so on.

How much can I make with an early childhood education degree?

The amount of money you can make with an early childhood education degree depends on the career path you choose. For instance, if you choose to become a preschool teacher, you can make an annual median income of $28,990. If you become a Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher, you can make $56,900 per year. Preschool and Childcare Center Directors can make $46,890 per year, while Childcare Workers can make a median income of $22,290 per year. All salary figures have been taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Related Links
Higher Education Certificate Programs

Frequently Asked Question(s)

Q:How long is the Certification in Early Childhood Education degree program?

A:The Certification in Early Childhood Education degree program is for 1 year. It has a total of 30 credits.

Q:What are the most prominent Early Childhood Education programs offered online?

A:Our website lists several online Early Childhood Education programs being offered by accredited online institutes. The most prominent such programs are: Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Development, and the Master of Arts in Education - Leadership in Early Childhood Education. Several other specializations are also offered. The above mentioned are the popular ones only.

Q:How long is the BA in Early Childhood Education online?

A:The Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education is a four year degree program. However, the online Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education is a self paced program,and is dependent on the students' speed. Hence, there is no specified time for the online degree. It can be completed before or after the average time taken to complete the degree.

Q:What topics are included in the coursework of early childhood education degree programs?

A:Early childhood education degree programs are designed to train students to become qualified and skilled teachers. The curriculum of early childhood education degree programs comprises of a number of topics and study areas. Major topics include: early childhood curriculum and methods, observation and participation, language arts, early literacy learning, elementary school social studies, techniques of child study, management and discipline, expressive arts, and language principles for teachers.

Q:What different careers can be pursued with Online Early Childhood Education Degrees?

A:There are a number of early childhood careers that can be pursued with the right qualification. These include the career paths of becoming a primary school teacher, secondary school teacher, caseworker for children, student counselor, recreation worker, early childhood educator, child care coordinator, education welfare officer, Para educator, school psychologist, remediation teacher, education manger, education administrator, rehabilitation counselor, and many more.

Q:What is Early Childhood Education?

A:Early Childhood Education emphasizes on a firm education base to teach young children. The aim of the Early Childhood Education is to offer students all the techniques, skills and knowledge that might be required to teach kids since that is a very crucial learning age and teachers need to have the appropriate education to know how to handle each kid individually. They are taught different methods of teaching, course designing, curriculum scheduling, etc.

Q:Can I be a Curriculum Specialist with a Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Administartion?

A:With the Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Administration you can get the jobs as Curriculum Specialists. There are scores of job opportunities as student counselors and academic consultants in the United States. Many immigration consultancy firms also require extensive expertise and services of the Curriculum Specialists to help the foreign students decide on the academic program to choose.

Q:Can you please tell me about the contents of the Health Care Security course in the online schools in Florida for Early Childhood Development?

A:The online schools in Florida for Early Childhood Development have a course on Health Care Security. This course is usually of over 3 credits and aims to teach the students on how to protect the children as well as property. There has been significant emphasis on the application of better practices for the protection of children and hence there is much increased need of this course.

Q:Can you please tell me what are the contents of the Planning for the Mind course of the online schools in Georgia for early childhood education?

A:Many of the online schools in Georgia for Early Childhood Education have a contemporary course on Planning for the Mind. The course is of 4 credits and focuses on the goals of curricula of maths and science. It also emphasizes on the role of teachers as well as leading and planning math, science and the activities of active play.

Q:Many online schools offering child development programs have a course on the Survey of Healthcare System. What is that?

A:The online schools offering Child Development programs do have a course on Survey of Healthcare System. This course teaches you on how to be able to take apt actions when solving the issues relating to community wide healthcare. It also focuses on studying the various problems that may be faced while catering the child development careers and issues.

Q:As I read about the Early Childhood Education online 1 year programs, there was mention of the course on World Geography. What are the contents of this course?

A:It is quite common to get to read about the course on World Geography in the Early Childhood Education online 1 year programs. The course is worth 4 credits in total. The major aim of this course is to teach the students the basic attributes of physical as well as human nature that have affected almost everything on Earth throughout the decades and centuries.

Q:How quickly can I complete my Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education?

A:The Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education takes about two years to complete if pursued in a traditional campus-based institute. However, the program can be completed in less than two years. Students can get enrolled in the online Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education and complete the course in as much time as they see fit. Online programs have no restriction on degree completion time.

Q:As I read an article on what is early childhood education, there was mention of the course on Principles of Management. What are the contents of this course?

A:It is common to get to read about the course on Principles of Management while reading on What is Early Childhood Education. This course usually is worth 2 credits in total. It is designed to provide students with ample understanding of the practices as well as principles of management. HAnds on experience is also added for better learning.

Q:I wish to undertake an early childhood education major- will this allow me to start teaching?

A:In the public school system, most state licensing authorities require teachers to hold a license. To obtain a license you will need to satisfy your state's individual licensure requirements, and these will vary from state to state. Other schools have a more relaxed attitude and may allow a teacher to practice without a license. However, holding a license will always present more options to you.

Q:Is an early childhood education degree a pre-requisite to working with small children?

A:It is not to compulsory to have any specialist teaching program to work with small children, though a specialist program like this will help demonstrate your commitment to the field. Most states require you to have a license to teach in public schools. Prior to issuing a license, the State Board is likely to require some form of specialist academic background from you.

Q:Do early childhood education programs preclude you from teaching older students.

A:There is nothing preventing you from teaching older children as long as your employer is happy for you to do so and you feel comfortable. If you wish to teach in the public school system, you may wish to check with the state board to see if there are any specific licensing requirements.

Q:What will I learn in an early childhood education online degree?

A:An early childhood education online degree is aimed at providing students with in depth understanding of the field. The program entails numerous subjects that polish the teaching skills among students. Understanding modern classroom environment and emerging teaching trends is essential for competent teaching careers at primary level. The degree will open up job opportunities at primary schools, institutions, etc.

Q:In an early childhood education degree online, will I develop skills as well?

A:Yes, the program will emphasize skill development. Not only will you be required to cover a range of theoretical subjects, but will also enhance certain skill sets. The program will help you develop communication skills needed for classroom environments. You will learn how to apply certain teaching methodologies and assess student development.

Q:An online early childhood education degree will help me prepare for a teaching job. Is this true?

A:Yes. Early childhood education degrees are designed to help students become professional educators. This program primarily focuses on teaching young children. Students enrolled in this program will learn how to apply various teaching methodologies, understand cognitive behavior of kids, prepare classroom curriculums, and assess children. Early childhood education degrees are available at bachelor and masters level.

Q:I will be competing my bachelors in early childhood education this month, can I start work immediately?

A:No, you must get a teaching license first. These licensing are issued by the education boards in every state. A bachelor degree in necessary to hold to be able to get a license. It is advised that you find out what is the exact licensing process in your state and how can you apply for a teaching license.

Q:How many programs I can pursue in Early Childhood Education?

A:There are number of different programs offered in Early Childhood Education. These include one year certificate programs, two year associate's degree, four year bachelor's degree, and two year master's degree in early childhood education. Many other specializations are also offered in the field. However, the duration and curriculum of these programs can vary according to the institutes offering them.

Q:What is bachelor of arts early childhood education?

A:A bachelor degree in early childhood education is a programs aimed at providing students with teaching skills. Emphasis is laid upon modern teaching methodologies, assessment, development, and curriculum development. The program's exact curriculum may vary from school to school. You can prepare for a role as an early childhood educator with this degree.

Q:Do early childhood education degrees have courses in special education? Can you tell me about that?

A:Yes, some degrees in childhood education even have specializations in special education. Special education teachers are responsible for guiding children with special needs through various stages of school. Most jobs in special education revolve around helping children learn basic skills according to their individual needs. Special Education Teachers had an annual median pay of $55,060 in 2012 while the expected job growth from 2012 to 2022 is 6%.

Ask your Question

* All Fields are Required
Call Now(877) 721-2529