More Information About Early Childhood Education

What should I know when considering a degree in Early Childhood Education?

• Early childhood education includes those kids who are between the ages of 3 and 5.
• Regulations for early childhood education vary; some places require a specialized degree, while others require only a high school diploma.
• Many early childhood education programs work with interchangeably with parents and their children.

What is considered early childhood education?

The field of childhood education is generally split into two different approaches: the child-focused and the family-focused. These approaches may vary in theory, but both are centered on providing the best start for preschool and pre-kindergarten children. Child-focused programs include preschool programs designed to promote child development and improve a child's chances of being successful in school. Child care or day care programs also fit into this category of early childhood education and are usually limited to children between the ages of 3 and 5. Family-focused approaches to early childhood education include parent training programs and family support programs. Also within this category are two-generation programs, which are designed to help young children get the best possible start in life and, to help their parents become economically responsible.

What kinds of degrees are needed to work in early childhood education?

Not all schools offer an early childhood education programs and not all early childhood education programs are in schools. Therefore, the regulations for teachers vary. Early childhood education is an avenue of the education field that officially requires very little as far as degrees and certification for teachers. An early education teacher is expected to be a high school graduate, and it helps to have some formal training, such as an associate's in early childhood education. The options for educational degrees within early childhood education go from the basics of an associate's degree, to as far as a Ph.D degree. Those with a master's or Ph.D. degree usually work in the research field or work to train other teachers in the field.

What career opportunities are opened with a degree in early childhood education?

Typically those that go into early childhood education with an associate's or bachelor's degree work as teachers in public or private early education programs. These positions are needed in great numbers, especially as the population grows. Early education professionals with a master's degree or PhD will most likely work in higher education, training teachers and doing research in early childhood education.

How much money does an early childhood education professional make?

A teacher going into early childhood education makes an average of $22,000 a year, with a range between $18,000 and $28,000. The training for such positions is not very extensive, therefore, the salary is minimal. As individuals get more education and specialization within the field, however, salary is likely to increase. Working in higher education offers more chance for a higher salary. College professors in early childhood education make an average salary of $52,000 a year, with a range between $37,000 and $99,000.

What are the leading schools offering programs in Early Childhood Education?

Walden University : Walden University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offers Ph.D., master's and bachelor's degrees in management and doctoral and master's degrees in psychology, education and health and human services to meet the specific needs of adult learners. Walden University has over 30 years of experience delivering programs from a distance while maintaining its student-centered focus on quality and integrity. (More Info) University of Phoenix - Education : Founded in 1976, University of Phoenix Online is the largest private university in the United States offering Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees in Education. The University of Phoenix also meets individual requirements set by state education departments which means a degree earned at the University of Phoenix is guaranteed to be honored in all states in the U.S. (More Info) Liberty University Online : With more than 35 online degrees offered, Liberty University is a convenient, flexible, and affordable way to earn an accredited degree from a solid, Christian perspective. (More Info) Kaplan University - Education Programs : Kaplan University Online offers accelerated online career training through associate and mastersdegree education. Students choose from a variety of education degrees to advance and build on existing teaching skills or work toward a new teaching career. (More Info) Grand Canyon University Online : Founded in 1949 as a private, non-denominational Christian university, Grand Canyon University emphasizes individual attention and staff support. Students learn professional essentials for success in Education careers—all with the convenience of flexible online classes. (More Info) Ellis University - Undergraduate : With more than 20 accredited degree programs designed to fit the needs of working adults, Ellis University is a premium choice for the career-minded individual. A division of the New York Institute of Technology, Ellis offers online bachelor degrees in popular fields of study such as business, finance, marketing, technology, information systems and more. (More Info) California University of Pennsylvania : California University of Pennsylvania provides career-oriented online training to those students interested in professional careers in education and legal studies. Bachelor and master degrees are available along with graduate certificates to help students start new careers without disrupting their busy schedules. (More Info) Richard W. Riley College : The Richard W. Riley College of Education is part of Walden University. The College of Education offers an assortment of higher education degrees including master's and doctorates. Some programs are entirely online, whereas other programs are a combination of online coursework and face-to-face collaboration. (More Info) Ashford University : Founded in 1918, Ashford University specializes in Teacher Education and Organizational Leadership. Students choose from Associate, Bachelor, and Master degrees in business, psychology, criminal justice, and teaching. The accelerated classes will offer you a swift path to program completion for a degree in MBA or Master of Arts in Teaching/Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology. (More Info) Post University Online : Post University Online provides quality career education to those students seeking associate, bachelor, master and certificate training in various business, healthcare, information technology, human services, education and legal fields. Online education enables students to receive quality training without entering a classroom. (More Info)