Getting a Degree in Early Childhood Education

As our nation works to fill the gap in our educational system, a degree in early childhood education means entering a field with ample job opportunities. Not only is a career in early childhood education or early childhood special education fulfilling, it offers a lot of great benefits along the way.

The Benefits of a Career in Early Childhood Education

Most teachers who work with young children report a high degree of satisfaction in their work life. But loving what you do is not the only benefit to a career in early childhood education. Here are some of the other perks:
  • Teachers get great retirement and healthcare benefits.

  • Teachers have a direct impact on the students that they teach and can really alter a child's direction for the better.

  • Teachers, for the most part, get the summers off, along with all federal holidays.

  • The school day ends earlier than the normal work day (this does not account for the work to be done grading assignments and planning the next day's classes).

Early Childhood Education Programs and Requirements

Requirements for entering the field of early childhood education include the following:
  • For students that did not major in early childhood education, you can obtain a master's degree in early childhood education instead.

  • Private school teachers do not need a license to teach, but they still need a bachelor's degree.

  • Public school teachers must complete a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and then obtain a license.

  • Some states that are desperately trying to fill teacher positions are allowing teachers to obtain associate degrees instead of a full bachelor's degree.
As a general rule, teachers that have a master's degree are often paid more than those that only have a bachelor's degree.

Early Childhood Education Curriculum

School teachers must take courses specifically tailored toward those preparing to teach. The necessary courses include:
  • art
  • literature
  • mathematics
  • music
  • philosophy of early childhood education
  • physical science
  • psychology of learning
  • social science
  • teaching methods.
Secondary school teachers are also required to take a course in teacher preparation. Most states require students to do a student teaching internship as well.

Obtaining an Early Childhood Education Degree Online

If you aren't able to leave your job while you're in school, taking courses online can be a great alternative. Online courses work with your schedule and don't require you to live near the school. Early education degree programs online include:
  • child day care management
  • early childhood education
  • master's degrees in teaching.
With a career in early childhood education, you can become a preschool, kindergarten, elementary school, middle school and secondary school teacher. Special education teachers require an additional concentration in special education and then further licensing.
 
Expected salaries range from $43,500 to $48,700 with the lowest 10 percent earning $29,000 to $33,000 and the top 10 percent earning $68,000 to $77,000. Median earnings for preschool teachers are $23,000.
 
For more information on a future in early childhood education, you can read up on the career in the Early Childhood Education Journal.
 
While teaching is undoubtedly hard work, a career in early childhood education has its benefits. A good teacher can serve as a mentor for children that may not have strong role models at home. Furthermore, the benefits offered to teachers are excellent and job opportunities for skilled educators are always readily available.

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