Early Childhood Education Degree Options
If you are interested in becoming an early childhood educator, there are several degree options. An associate degree can help prepare you for entry-level jobs or can stand in as the first two years of a bachelor’s program.
Undergraduate programs require coursework, field experiences and student teaching. They also prepare students to teach young children with varying capacities and needs.
Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree in early childhood education can give you a wide range of career opportunities. You can choose to work in preschools, elementary schools, or even kindergartens. You can also choose to pursue national certification to get a higher salary.
A typical bachelor’s degree in ECE can take four years to complete, although it may be possible to finish it sooner with an accelerated program. However, this option requires a heavier workload and should be considered carefully.
In many cases, an associate’s degree in ECE can be transferred to a bachelor’s degree, notes PrepScholar. The advantage of this is that it can save you time and money. Moreover, it can help you avoid unnecessary costs associated with taking general education courses. This can be a significant benefit for students with financial constraints. Additionally, an online AA degree can be completed in two years, which is much less than a four-year university program.
Master’s Degree
If you want to further your career in education, a master’s degree is the right option for you. A Master of Arts in Education can give you the skills to develop early childhood educational programs, teach educators, and work in supervisory positions. This program also helps you become a National Board Certified teacher, which can increase your earnings and job opportunities.
Some online schools offer specializations, such as curriculum development or trauma studies. These programs can help you learn about the complexities of teaching children with disabilities and other issues. They can also prepare you to understand the laws governing child development and early childhood education.
You may be able to apply for financial aid through your school’s financial aid office. You can also use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you qualify for federal and/or state grants and loans. You can also check with your employer to see if they offer tuition assistance benefits.
Doctoral Degree
A doctoral degree in early childhood education can give you the skills and knowledge to develop new educational practices. It can also lead to research, policy and leadership positions. Most ECE doctoral programs offer courses on early childhood theory and pedagogy, along with educational leadership and policy. Many of these programs also focus on curriculum and teaching methods. Some even have a specialization in early childhood education, such as Boise State’s affordable online EdD in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education.
A PhD in early childhood education can help you work with young children and their families to create better learning environments. It can also lead to a career in administration, research and policy development, or as a school counselor. A doctorate is not a requirement to become a teacher, but it will help you stand out from the competition. It will also give you a leg up on other occupations that require a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Associate’s Degree
A two-year associate’s degree in early childhood education can give you a starting point for many roles working with young children. These include child development specialists and assistant teachers in childcare centers, preschools, and elementary schools.
You may also be able to find positions at community organizations that promote early learning and development for all children. A bachelor’s degree provides more opportunities for long-term career success in the field of education, including the possibility to earn full state teaching certification.
This program at Brooklyn College is designed to prepare students for dual certification in both early childhood and teaching students with disabilities. The program provides coursework in research, theory and practice, as well as field experiences that focus on diversity in the classroom. It is a rigorous program that will provide a strong foundation for careers in NYC public school systems.
