WHAT IS AN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION DEGREE?
The goal of an early childhood education degree is to learn how to understand and then help nurture the process of a child’s learning. Learn how to help younger kids learn though inquiry and active play. Doing all of this in varied and diverse environments. Learning how culture, family and learning styles all impact how each child learns.
You may also delve into key topics in class management and teaching. This may include areas such as language, tech and assessment. Some programs may also cover teaching children with special needs. You may even be able to choose an area of focus, like preschool, infants or management.
TYPES OF ONLINE DIGITAL MARKETING DEGREE PROGRAMS
Early Childhood Ed Certificate
Learn core skills and knowledge of learning strategies. Prepare to apply for the CDA credential.
Course Examples:
- Curriculum and instruction
- Observation and assessment
- Basics of child development
AA in Early Childhood Education
Study the foundation of early childhood ed. Learn about development, learning assessment, special ed, strategy and more.
Course Examples:
- Early childhood ed intro
- Intro to behavior management
- Intro to curriculum and instruction
BS in Early Childhood Education, Special Education
Study to help children overcome learning delays. Prepare for a certificate in early childhood ed and special ed.
Course Examples:
- Legal aspects of special ed
- Child, family, cultural relationships
- Appropriate curriculum
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION DEGREE LEVELS
Associate degrees in early childhood education focus on the basics of teaching young children. This includes how to create a course of study and how to identify special learners. Bachelor degree programs may also teach you how to assess learning and development in young children.
A certificate in Early childhood education may be another path to consider. It may cover grad level theories in early childhood education without having to earn a degree. Many certificate students attend classes on a part time basis. This may then take one to two years to finish the program.
Many online masters degree programs in early childhood education teach how to create courses that engage kids. PhD programs in early childhood ed teach a more level of theories in child development. These topics may involve evidence based interventions. The may also cover how to research and analyze if instruction is effective.
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Southern New Hampshire University
- Take advantage of some of the nation’s most affordable tuition rates, while earning a degree from a private, nonprofit, NEASC accredited university
- Qualified students with 2.5 GPA and up may receive up to $20K in grants & scholarships
- Multiple term start dates throughout the year. 24/7 online classroom access.
Popular Programs
Business Administration, Psychology, Information Technology, Human Services…
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Colorado State University Global
- Ranked #8 by U.S.News & World Report for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
- Apply up to 90 transfer credits for bachelor’s students, and 9 transfer credits for master’s degree students.
- CSU Global graduates experience a return on investment of 4:1, which means they receive $4 in salary and benefits for every $1 they invest in their education.
Available Programs
Business, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, IT, Psychology…
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Purdue Global University
- Experience a Purdue Global undergraduate program for an introductory 3-week period. There’s no financial obligation beyond the application fee
- Apply eligible work experience and prior college credits toward up to 75% of your undergraduate degree.
- More than 175 programs at associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels.
Programs Include
Business, Cyber Security, Psychology, IT, Nursing, Criminal Justice
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EARLY CHILDHOOD ED COURSES
Certain courses are a must if you want an associate degree or bachelor degree. You will take two kinds of courses. General ed courses and childhood ed courses.
Some common courses include:
Basics of Child Development: Learn about the different factors that influence child development. This includes historical, biological, environmental, and cultural factors.
Curriculum Development: Learn what elements are needed for a curriculum that is aimed at a diverse set of learners.
Guidance and Discipline: In this type of course you may study strategies to encourage optimal behavior in kids.
Language and Literacy: Learn about milestones tied to the development of language and literacy. The course may also teach you how to develop strategies for involving families in the development of each child.
Creativity and Play: Topics may include learning how to design learning activities.
Special Education: This course may teach students how to include exceptional children in the learning process.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A PRESCHOOL TEACHER?
In most states, you need a bachelor degree to become a preschool teacher. It could take at least four years to earn a BS. You may also need the CDA credential. This is offered by the Council for Professional Recognition. Earning your CDA may take more time. In some cases, your degree program may prepare you to earn the CDA.
Some preschool teachers have only an associate degree or a high school diploma. It depends on what state you want to work in, or the program you work in. For example, you may not need a BS if you would for a private school. You may also begin by earning an associate degree. and work with a counselor to make sure you can transfer your credits later.
EARLY CHILDHOOD ED DEGREE COSTS
In 2017, the median in state tuition for an early childhood degree was $6,119 per year. Out of state students paid a median yearly tuition of $27,493 that same year. Here are some specific examples of tuition costs. These rates are for full time students as of 2019.
| School | Degree Level | # of Credits Needed | Cost Per Credit | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashford University | Associate Degree | 67 | $480 | $32,160 |
| Ashford | Bachelor Degree | 120 | $480 | $57,600 |
| Colorado Christian University | Bachelor Degree | 120 | $469 | $56,280 |
TOP ONLINE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION SCHOOLS
According to the most recent data, there were 30,716 degrees in this field awarded to students in 2017. Most of them, 59% were bachelor degrees.
| Schools | 2017 Degrees Awarded | 2019/20 Tuition (out of state unless *) |
|---|---|---|
| Ashford University | 1,124 | $12,400* |
| Ivy Tech Community College | 575 | $8,661 |
| Grand Canyon University | 504 | $17,800* |
| California State U – Fullerton | 438 | $18,804 |
| California State U – Sacramento | 427 | $19,248 |
HOW TO BECOME ECE CERTIFIED
A certificate in Early Childhood Education (ECE) is something to consider. It helps you gain knowledge in the field if you want to teach preschool. You may earn one before, during or after earning a degree in early childhood ed.
To become ECE certified, you can take courses and do work as an intern. What do the courses cover? Subjects like literacy, child development and family life. You can become certified online or through hybrid courses. Another way is through a degree program. It is typical that a student must be ECE certified to apply for a teaching license. But you must also meet other measures. For instance, you must have a degree.