As an Early Childhood Education Major, you will enjoy a variety of career options after completing your education. Worldwidelearn.com offers online courses for certificates, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and master's in education as well as a PhD program. New career opportunities open up to you at each level of education.
Courses vary depending on the degree you pursue, but an early childhood education major can expect to take courses on:
child growth and development,
guidance,
and theory application.
Master's degree programs often focus on technology in the classroom or childcare setting. PhD programs focus on the research and development of educational theories and practices.
Professionals may work with children of different age groups, depending on their specialty. For instance, an employee in the field of early childhood education can expect to work with children aged birth to 8 years old (third grade). Employers require Day care workers, preschool teachers, kindergarten, and elementary school teachers to hold at least a certificate or associate degree in early childhood education. A prospective public elementary school teacher must earn a bachelor's degree or higher. Finally, a master's or PhD in education qualifies you for job opportunities in school administration.
An early childhood education major enjoys the opportunity for employment in a field that dramatically shapes and influences the lives of children. Early childhood educators enjoy teaching and are capable of teaching skills using a variety of instructional methods. They are flexible, and enjoy an autonomous work environment. Above all, professionals in the field of early childhood education must have a true love of young people.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects favorable growth in the Early Childhood Education field over the next ten years. As teachers retire and school enrollment increases, the need for educators and child care workers will increase as well. In some areas, where the need for teachers is high, schools are offering bonuses and higher than average pay.
To enter a program for your certificate or associate degree in Early Childhood Education you must possess either a high school diploma or GED equivalent. The certificate is a short course of study that teaches basic skills of early childhood education. An Early Childhood Education Certificate will prepare you for an entry-level career in a daycare facility or in a similar childcare setting.
An Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education is a more extensive program that, upon completion, can offer a wide range of career options or career advancement. Employees with an associate degree in Early Childhood Education are often lead teachers in daycare and preschool settings, a higher position than can typically be obtained with a certificate.
An associate degree takes approximately two years to complete. Courses include child growth and development, as well as methods for teaching young children.
If you are interested in becoming a public school teacher, you must complete a bachelor's degree. All states require a bachelor's degree as a prerequisite for a teacher's license. To teach in private schools a license may not be required, but a bachelor's degree often is.
A bachelor's degree generally takes four years to complete. The bachelor's degree courses typically focus on classroom issues and Pre- Kindergarten through third grade instructional methods.
A Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education is a higher level of education for the teacher or educator who already possesses a bachelor's degree. A master's degree often focuses on technology in the school system, and district wide curriculum development.
Most school systems offer higher salaries for teachers who complete their master's degree. In some states, you must complete a master's degree within a few years after you begin teaching. Completion of a master's degree or PhD is usually required for careers in education administration. Most students typically complete a master's degree in two years.
With a completed bachelor's degree and master's degree, you may pursue a PhD in an education related field. A PhD will open the door to careers in college or university administration and post secondary education. PhD programs are research intensive, and vary in the time it takes to complete them.
Most positions in the field of early childhood education involve educating young children. Your education level determines your eligibility for various types of job opportunities in the education field. The higher the level of education you attain, the more positions you may pursue, and the higher the salary you can expect.
Child Care Worker. Child care workers operate in a variety of settings, most frequently a day care center. As a child care worker, you can expect to help children learn basic concepts, primarily through play. Though requirements vary from state to state, a high school degree or its equivalent is usually the only education required. For administrative positions in a child care center, a bachelor's or master's degree may be required.
Child care centers are typically open all year long and have opportunities for part or full time employment. There are usually few opportunities for advancement.
Preschool Teacher. Preschool teachers typically work with children ages 2 - Pre Kindergarten. Teachers are responsible for introducing basic skills and concepts such as colors, numbers, and letters. Again, the primary method for learning is through play. Preschool teachers are usually required to have an associate degree. There are many opportunities for advancement in a preschool center. You may begin as an assistant teacher and work your way up to teacher, or lead teacher.
As a preschool teacher, you can often expect to work part time. Preschools usually follow a ten-month schedule, with two months off in the summer.
Teacher, Kindergarten or Elementary School. Kindergarten and elementary school teachers teach students skills in the areas of science, math, language, and social studies. They must be able to employ a variety of instructional methods and work with students of all different backgrounds, races, and ethnicities.
All states require that public school teachers have a bachelor's degree and obtain a license from the state in which they teach. An assistant teacher, however, is usually required only to have an associate's degree. An assistant teacher functions as the lead teacher's helper in the classroom, often performing duties such as bus attendant and lunchroom attendant.
Private school teachers are usually - but not always - required to have a bachelor's degree. Teachers in private schools have fewer students per classroom, but their salary is often less than a public school teacher's.
Education Administrator. Education Administrators oversee the day-to-day operations of a preschool, child care center, school, college, or university. Typically, an administrator will have a master's degree or a PhD. Administrators oversee staff and curriculum, manage budgets, and ensure that their schools meet all educational standards set forth by their governing body. School administrators typically work year round, even through summer breaks. They are often required to attend nighttime meetings and fundraisers.
Post secondary Teacher.A post secondary teacher instructs students pursuing education after high school. Typically, these teachers are college and university faculty. A post secondary teacher is usually required to have at least a master's degree, as well as related work or other academic experience. In the field of early childhood education, a post secondary teacher may teach courses for bachelor's degree candidates in early childhood education.
Post secondary teachers must stay current on the technology and research in their field. They enjoy flexible schedules, but must occasionally teach night or weekend courses. Enrollment in colleges and universities is expected to increase over the next decade, opening more positions in post secondary teaching.
alary Expectations for Careers in Early Childhood Education
According to a 2002 study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, administrators in a child care setting earned a median income of $33,340. The head administrators of elementary schools, principals, reported an average income of $75,291. Preschool teachers reported a median annual income in 2002 of $19,270. Meanwhile, public school teachers in kindergarten and elementary grades reported a median income of $39,810 to $44,340.
An advantage for public school teachers is that they have the opportunity to make supplemental income. Often they can earn extra income by coaching a sport or leading an extracurricular activity. In addition, most public schools are still on the traditional ten-month schedule, allowing teachers two months off each year. During these two months, many teachers earn extra income by tutoring or working a part time job.
Though a certificate or license is not always required for preschool teachers, they can earn a Child Development Associate certificate. This certification requires some classroom experience and training, and assesses the candidate's ability to work with children.
In order to teach in the public school system, a teacher must obtain a teaching license. This license normally specifies the subject area or age group in which the teacher specializes. Early Childhood educators typically obtain a license allowing them to teach kindergarten through third grade.
The first step in getting a teacher's license is earning your bachelor's degree. You must also complete a teacher training program approved by the state in which you are seeking a license. Most bachelor's degrees contain the teacher training program as part of their curriculum, but some do not.
Supervised practice teaching and a competency test are the final requirements for teacher licensure. The competency test varies from state to state, but the most widely used test is The Praxis Series. The Praxis tests general pedagogy, principles of learning and teaching, as well knowledge of the subjects the candidate will teach.
In addition to a state license, teachers may also obtain a national accreditation from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. This certification is recognized by all states and often provides the teacher with special benefits, including higher salary and money for continuing education. To obtain this national recognition, the applicant must submit a portfolio demonstrating their classroom work. An exam evaluating their knowledge is also required.
It is important to remember that requirements for gaining a teacher's license vary from state to state and change often. Visit your state department of education for more information on gaining a teacher's license in your state.
Other Associations and Certifications
American Association of School Administrators (AASA)
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
The International Reading Association
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
National Association of Elementary School Principals (NASSP)
National Education Association (NEA)
National School Boards Association (NSBA)
Phi Delta Kappa International (PDK)
Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education (SITE)
