Early Childhood Education Online Degree Programs

Thinking of an early childhood education online degree? What are the requirements for an early childhood education certificate?

What courses are required for the early childhood education major? What does it take to become an early childhood education teacher? Working with young children is not something for which everyone has patience. However, those who have stamina and patience can become successful as childcare specialists, early childhood educators, preschool directors or even administrators or developers of early childhood educational programs. The first step to succeeding in this field is to earn an early childhood education degree online, which is available from many online colleges. Such a qualification will equip the graduate with the necessary skills and knowledge to find many suitable and fulfilling job opportunities. In addition to the degree, the graduate will need to love children and a strong aspiration to help young children to learn and to succeed. As an early childhood educator, one will teach and equip children for successful futures. Children are very vulnerable and impressionable during their formative years.

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Selected Early Childhood Education Online Degree Programs

University of Phoenix

• Associate of Arts in Elementary Education
• BS in Education / Elementary Education
• MA in Education/Early Childhood Education
• MA in Education/Elementary Teacher Education

Capella University

• MS - Early Childhood Education

Walden University

• M.S. in Early Childhood Studies - Early Childhood Public Policy and Advocacy
• M.S. in Early Childhood Studies - Teaching Adults in the Early Childhood Field
• M.S. in Early Childhood Studies - Teaching and Diversity in Early Childhood Education
• M.S. Ed - Elementary Reading and Literacy (Grades preK-6)
• M.S. Ed - Elementary Reading and Mathematics (Grades K-6)
• Ph.D. in Education - KAM-based - Early Childhood and Primary Education
• Ph.D. in Education - Mixed-Model - Early Childhood and Primary Education

Jones International University

• M.Ed. in Elementary Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment: Teacher Licensure
• M.Ed in Elementary Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

Grand Canyon University

• B.Sc. in Elementary Education: Early Childhood
• B.Sc. Elementary Ed - English Emphasis (Eligible for IR/Cred)
• B.Sc. Elementary Ed - Math Emphasis (Eligible for IR/Cred)
• B.Sc. Elementary Ed - Science Emphasis (Eligible for IR/Cred)
• B.Sc. in Elementary/Special Education (Dual Major)
• M.Ed. Elementary Ed (Eligible for IR/Credential)
• M.Ed. Elementary Ed (Not Eligible for IR/Non-Credential)
• M.Ed.: Curriculum and Instruction: Reading - Elementary Education (No IR, No Cert.)

Western Governors University

• B.A. in Early Childhood Education (Birth through Grade 3)

Post University

• Associate of Science (A.S.) in Early Childhood Education
• Early Childhood Education Administration Certificate

Kaplan University

• Associate of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies/Early Childhood Development

Liberty University

• Master of Education Program Specialist - Early Childhood

Nova Southeastern University

• Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning - K-12 Technology Integration

Northcentral University

• Certificate of Advanced Graduation Studies in Education - Early Childhood Education
• Master of Education - Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education Canada (Diploma Programs)

CDI College

• Early Childhood Education (ECE)
• Early Childhood Education - Advanced (ECEA)

Vancouver Career College

• Early Childhood Education (ECE)
• Early Childhood Education - Infant/Toddler and Special Needs (ECEPB)
• Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)

Early Childhood Education Online Degree Preparation and Training

Some accredited online universities offer early childhood education online undergraduate degrees while others offer masters and PhDs in the same. By enrolling for an accredited course, one can be guaranteed of a legitimate education, which employers will recognize. By doing the course online, one gets to learn more about child development without leaving the workforce to work on their studies.

The duration of the early childhood education degree online program is dependent on a number of variables. The level of the program, the time dedicated to classes and the management of fieldwork are some of the factors that affect the duration. Most online associate programs take about 2 years, while bachelors take up to four years. A masters degree may take about two years plus the time taken to finish the fieldwork.

Depending on the level of study and particular early childhood education degree online degree program, online early childhood education classes may include child development, child psychology, educational psychology, curriculum development, technology integration in instruction, assessment and evaluation methods, pedagogy of teaching and learning, and classroom management.

In addition to early elective and required early childhood education courses, early childhood education graduate programs may require a thesis or research project as part of the requirements. To teach in public K-12 schools, teaching certification is required and many early childhood education university programs prepare students to take the state exam.

Early Childhood Education Teaching Careers

An early childhood education degree online enables one to find a career as a preschool childcare specialist; a home based childcare provider, a childcare specialist or one of many other options that are available. The program focuses on the educational development of young children. The levels range from an Associates degree in Applied Science in ECE to a Masters degree in ECE.

Several job opportunities exist with early childhood education online degrees. With an ECE (Early Childhood Education) major, one can enjoy several career options, depending on their specialty. The range covered by this field usually ranges from birth to approximately age eight, or third grade. Early childhood education teachers are responsible for influencing and shaping the lives of children. They enjoy teaching children and using a variety of instructional methods to reach different learners. Instructors have to be flexible when working with young kids and work autonomously. Some areas of practice with a career in early childhood education are preschool teacher, day care provider, kindergarten teacher, elementary school teacher, librarian, education administrator, and early childhood education curriculum designer.

Positive growth is expected in this field for the next ten or more years. Older teachers retire and more children are enrolled in a school, which leaves a need for childcare workers and educators. Schools that require more teachers are likely to offer bonuses and above average salaries.

Early childhood education online degree programs focus on proven techniques to help children learn. A history of educational approaches will be included in a well-rounded program. Students will also learn how to put those techniques to use in the classroom.

A bachelors early childhood education online degree allows the student to teach pre-school and kindergarten upon certification. At this point, one will be able to study towards a higher qualification, which allows one to do more in-depth research. This will take one to the cutting edge of early childhood education.

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

Depending on where they work, and years of professional experience, the income level for early childhood education teachers ranges between $22,430 and $38,290 a year. With an early childhood education online degree, you can work in day-care center, preschool, kindergarten or grade school. The average early childhood salary in large metropolitan areas is $50,000. College professors with a PhD or doctorate in early childhood education earn an average salary of $52,000 a year, and a range of $37,000 to $99,000. The industry is poised for growth over the next few years. Directors of private preschools and principals in public schools earn salaries around $75,000.

Early childhood education online degree programs and elementary education degree programs