As education has grown into the institution that is known today, more students are being prepared at an earlier age. Students who used to learn the basics of letters and counting in kindergarten are now being asked to do it in preschool. In most cases, preschool is needed to offer the basics for those who may not receive that basic education at home. Preschool is thought to prepare students to be lifelong learners. In addition, preschool and early education programs help students build social skills in working and playing with others.
Note: This page provides overall information on early childhood education programs. For more detailed information, please see our pages for:
Certificate in Early Childhood Education
Associate's in Early Childhood Education
Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education
Master's in Early Childhood Education
Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education
Early childhood education is a relatively new field when compared to other forms of education. Early Childhood Education refers to the school years prior to compulsory education.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAMS
A degree in early childhood education can be gained at a certificate, associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level. Though a preschool/kindergarten certification still exists in some areas, the majority of programs are specific to preschool only. Many people prefer to go the certification route. Numerous colleges offer a certificate in early childhood education. Although the certification programs do not result in a degree, the credits can later be used towards a degree if future education is desired. In addition, a specialized field known as preschool special education is available.
Search Education Programs
Search through thousands of schools that offer the educational program you are looking for, simply select the program from the drop down below
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION DEGREE ONLINE
Some students prefer earning an early childhood education degree online rather than on-campus. Online courses are generally more accommodating and give students the ability to set their own learning schedule. This is very helpful for busy students who have jobs or families. The below information can prove to be helpful in your search for the right degree program:
Flexible Schedule
Since online students are not required to physically attend class on a college campus, they are able to maintain a desired amount of flexibility in their schedules. Online students have the opportunity to complete coursework whenever and wherever. This is essential for working students, since they will not be required to restructure their work schedules.
Accessibility and Convenience
Online schooling allows students to partake in a degree program, regardless of their geographic location and proximity to school. This increases the amount of opportunities available to a prospective students. Since students do not need to choose a program based on campus location, they have more degree plans to choose from.
Tuition and Costs
When considering higher education, cost is a big factor. Online degree programs seem to appeal to many students as overall costs can be less when compared to a traditional brick and mortar school. Consider the following:
No costs associated with room and board, commuting, on-campus meals, relocating, and parking passes.
Online students will not need to quit their job or dramatically decrease the amount of hours they work. This allows students to maintain a source of income.
With online degree programs, students are able to continue making money without having school impede on their work schedule.
FAFSA can still be of assistance when attending an online college or university.
Fast Completion
Many online early childhood education degree programs are self-paced. With that said, students find it possible to complete requirements faster than they would at a traditional college. Most brick and mortar colleges and universities offer classes in the fall and spring with limited classes in the summer. On the other hand, online schools usually allow students to complete classes all throughout the year. If a condensed time-frame is something that interests you, be on the lookout for accelerated online degree programs.
Accreditation and Reputation
Before choosing an online degree program, it is imperative to know that the school you wish to enroll in is accredited and reputable. Accreditation is a process of authentication of which a college or university is evaluated. After a school or program has successfully been evaluated by a board representing the field, they can be deemed accredited. Accreditation status can usually be seen on school or college websites. You can learn more about accreditation here.
Program Curriculum
The curriculum of a strong online degree program should be similar to that of a traditional college or university. Good programs should be able to provide an organized curriculum. You may anticipate to expect the following:
Deadlines and accountability markers to help students stay up to date and on top of their work. You may find an organized sequence of assignments, presentations, tests, quizzes, forum participation requirements, and reading reflections.
Depending on the degree level, there should be a cumulative exam, thesis, dissertation, portfolio, or final project.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CERTIFICATE
Requirements
If your goal is to work with young children, but do not wish to earn a degree, an early childhood education certificate may be right for you. Do keep in mind that the credits earned during this type of program can be transferred to a diploma, should you seek further education in the future (such as as as associate's degree or a bachelor's degree). Each program will have their own requirements for admission into an ECE certification program. However, a common requirement is the possession of a high school diploma or a GED certificate. Most programs will also require applicants to be at least 18 years old.
Time
The length of this program will vary from school to school. However, many certification programs for Early Childhood Education can be completed in one short year. Some schools are constructed around a quarter system while others on a semester system. With both cases, the average time to complete an ECE certification program is about one year. This is about half of the time it would take to earn an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education.
Possible Careers
Certification in early childhood education trains individuals who are interested in working with young children, without earning a degree. With this certification, candidates will be prepared to take on many entry-level positions in schools, child care centers, and other organizations that work with young children. Some even get a specialized certification in Montessori teaching. Many take on careers as teaching assistants, childcare aides, early intervention therapists, and in-home teachers.
Learn more about a certificate in early childhood education.
Search Education Programs
Search through thousands of schools that offer the educational program you are looking for, simply select the program from the drop down below
ASSOCIATES IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Requirements
In order to gain acceptance into an accredited Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education program at a college, one must have graduated from high school and have been accepted into the college. Most colleges will often require letter(s) of recommendation, payment of fees, and a completed application. Some colleges may even require a background check. The NAEYC commission on early childhood maintains a list of accredited Early Childhood Associate's Degree programs.
Time
The average length of time needed to complete an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood education is two years. Of course, this time can be altered depending on your class load. The more classes you take a quarter/semester, the quicker you can complete the program requirements. If full class loads are taken each semester, often considered 12 units, then 4-6 semesters is the likely amount of time it would take to complete the program.
Possible Careers
After earning an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education, many go on to careers as child care workers, preschool teachers, associate teachers, and infant/toddler teachers. If you are interested in becoming a preschool teacher, visit our Preschool Teacher Career Page to learn more.
Learn more about an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education.
BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Requirements
As with most bachelor's degrees, a degree in early childhood education requires admittance into an accredited college or university, proof of a high school diploma, letter(s) of reference, and a completed application. Some colleges will also require proficiency exams and a background check prior to beginning education classes.
Time
The average length of time needed to complete a Bachelor's is around 3 to 5 years. If full class loads are taken each semester with summers off then four years is the likely amount of time.
Possible Careers
Earning a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education can lead to an entertaining and long term career within the school system, as a preschool teacher, day care provider, elementary school teacher (with certification), or even as a private consultant. There are many options when an education degree is earned. Visit our Preschool Teacher Career Page to learn more about becoming a preschool teacher.
Learn more about an Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education.
Search Education Programs
Search through thousands of schools that offer the educational program you are looking for, simply select the program from the drop down below