Associate's, bachelor's and master's degree
programs in early childhood education are all available completely
online. Students in these programs acquire knowledge and skills
involving the instruction and care of children ranging from birth to
third grade. Graduates of these programs seek employment as child care
workers, preschool teachers, kindergarten teachers or elementary school
teachers.
Online Early Childhood Education Associate's Degree Overview
An associate's degree in early childhood education is available in an online format. Students have the option of an Associate of Art or an Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education. In addition to a high school degree or GED, some schools require candidates to provide child abuse and criminal background checks as well as various medical disease tests and immunizations. These associate's degree programs give students the abilities, foundations, and understanding to effectively teach children from the age of birth to third grade.Program Information and Requirements
An associate's degree program in early childhood education generally consists of 60-69 credit hours. While the program requires no on-campus work, some schools require a practicum that must be completed in-person. Arrangements can be made to have it done at a location close to the student's home. The online materials are presented asynchronously, which means that students can access the lectures and turn in assignments at any time as long as certain deadlines are met. Interaction with instructors and peers is facilitated with Internet-based message boards, chat rooms and e-mail.Common Associate's-Level Early Childhood Education Courses
The curriculum of an associate's degree program in early childhood education is made up of core courses, general education requirements and a small amount of electives. The general education credits consist of English, math, history and science classes.Foundations of Early Childhood Care and Education Course
This course presents a summary of the history, philosophies and theoretical models that have shaped instructional programs for young children. Competent and proper classroom conduct is reviewed. The evaluation of various program designs and teaching methods is highlighted through field experiences.Literacy Development in Young Children Course
Students examine the progression of young children through the different stages of language acquisition, learning how to read and basic writing skills. The creation of a positive classroom environment for presenting and studying basic language arts is highlighted. This course also serves as an overview of essential children's literature, and methods for selecting appropriate materials to focus on specific areas of early childhood language learning.Health, Safety and Nutrition for Young Children Course
The impact of health, safety and nutrition in young children is examined closely in this course. Special attention is paid to preventing illness, monitoring hygiene and promoting physical activity to improve the general well-being of children. Students also learn how to create a safe playground, deal with violent behavior, conduct proper fire drills and organize healthy meals and snacks for children.Career Information
Graduates of an associate's degree in early childhood education are qualified to become a preschool teacher or a worker at a childcare center. Depending on the state of employment, additional licensure such as a national child development associate (CDA) credential may be required.The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that in May of 2009, there were 389,660 people employed as preschool teachers with an average yearly salary of $27,450 (www.bls.gov). The BLS also found that 595,650 people were employed as childcare workers with an average yearly salary $20,940. The BLS predicts occupational growth of 19% for preschool teachers and 11% for childcare workers between the years 2008-2018.
Online Early Childhood Education Bachelor's Degree Overview
A bachelor's degree in early childhood education is obtainable through an online program. Several concentrations are available in leadership, infant and toddler care, special education or just simply teaching young children. Graduates of a bachelor's degree program possess knowledge and skills involving the instruction and protection of young children from 0-8 years of age.Program Information and Requirements
Most schools require approximately 120 credit hours be completed before graduation. While all course requirements can generally be completed online, some schools require students to have some field experience observing young children and other educators. The online portions of the coursework are conducted asynchronously, which means that students can view lectures and work on assignments at any time as long as certain deadlines are met. Students can expect individual attention from their online instructors.Common Bachelor's-Level Early Childhood Education Courses
A bachelor's degree in early childhood education has a curriculum consisting of major requirement courses and general studies courses in areas such as communications, mathematics, sciences and humanities. Also, students must present a lesson plan portfolio and pass a disposition test.Growth and Development of Children Course
This course introduces the normal patterns of growth and development of children in areas such as physical, emotional, motor and cognitive from birth until adolescence. Also, the factors that cause deviations from the normal patterns such as temperament, family problems and cultural differences are identified. Students are expected to do field research with infants, pre-primary children and early elementary (K-3) children.Educating the Exceptional Child Course
Students develop different styles and methods for instructing exceptional children ranging from learning disabled to gifted. The various types of mental, physical, emotional, and social disabilities are identified as well as how to catch them early and modify teaching styles to accommodate for them. There is additional focus on national and state laws that regulate the educational necessities of disabled children.Family, Society and Community Course
The environmental factors that impact a child's learning experience are studied. The connections that children make with their family, classroom and culture are explored. Students learn how to foster positive family involvement and work together with parents and other adult figures to help a child reach their full educational potential. The prevalence or lack of community resources is also highlighted as well as ways to overcome such shortcomings.Career Information
When combined with a state license, a bachelor's degree in early childhood education is considered sufficient to become a kindergarten or elementary school teacher. Even though some online programs include licensure with the degree program, it is usually only good for the state that the degree-granting school is located in. This can pose a problem for out-of-state online students who must seek licensure in their own state before becoming a professional teacher.The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that in May of 2009, there were 181,810 people employed as kindergarten teachers with an average yearly salary of $50,380 (www.bls.gov). The BLS also found that there were 1,544,300 people employed as elementary school teachers with an average yearly salary of $53,150. The BLS predicts an occupational growth of 15% for kindergarten teachers and 16% for elementary school teachers between the years 2008-2018.
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