Students have many online options for
becoming a preschool teacher. Certificates, associate's and bachelor's
degrees in early childhood education are sometimes available through
online programs. Each of these programs provides education that can lead
to careers working with young children.
Online Preschool Teacher Certificate Overview
Though rare, online certificate programs in early childhood education
are available. Topics relevant to preschool education, like child
development and beginning education techniques, are the main focus in
these programs. In some cases, the program you apply to may have
restricted admissions, open only to students who are residents of the
state housing the school and are currently enrolled in a specific degree
program at the same school.
Online certificate programs in early childhood education typically
allow students to complete all courses in a distance learning format. In
some cases, the program may require students to participate in a
practicum at an approved site, such as a preschool. This gives students
the chance to gain hands-on experience teaching and supervising young
children. Schools may use technology like Blackboard's ANGEL system to
deliver course materials.
Common Preschool Teacher Certificate Courses
Curricula for these programs focus on giving students foundational information in educating young children.
Early Childhood Education Theory and History Course
In this foundational course, students learn the history and
development of early childhood education techniques. One focus is the
development of curricula for children, including those who are disabled,
from infancy through age eight. Other topics discussed may include
ethics and early childhood education theory.
Children's Literature Course
Students in this class learn about teaching literature and language
arts to young children. In addition to being exposed to a variety of
different type of children's literature, students learn how to
incorporate technology into language arts lessons.
Childhood Development Course
Stages of youth development from birth through adolescence are
covered in this course. Child behavior is discussed through the lens of
data and psychological theories.
An early childhood education certificate may be sufficient education
to gain a position in child care or preschool teaching. According to the
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), some positions in this field
only require a high school diploma, with no further training, so a
certificate could be seen as an asset by some employers. However, the
BLS does indicate that some preschool teaching jobs are only open to
those with more advanced education (
www.bls.gov).
Overview of Online Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education Degrees
Online associate's degrees for preschool teachers are not common.
Like the certificate, degrees in this category are typically in early
childhood education rather than preschool teaching. These degree
programs may focus on a specific area of early childhood education, such
as child development.
Typically, all the classes required for this degree are available
online. However, some programs may require students to seek practical
experience at an approved site. These practicums can take place in
preschools or day care centers. They may be scheduled at the student's
convenience, but cannot take place online.
Common Early Childhood Education Associate Degree Courses
In addition to this focus on educating young students, general education courses are typically included.
Art for Young Children Course
Classroom-relevant art activities are explored in this course. The
class focuses on developing creativity rather than entertaining
students.
Early Childhood Math, Science and Technology Course
Age-appropriate math and science topics are covered in this course.
Additionally, students learn how technology might be used to teach these
lessons.
Teaching Exceptional Children Course
Techniques for educating children with special needs are covered in
this course. Assignments may include developing a curriculum for
individual special needs students.
Earning an associate's degree in early childhood education opens a
few doors not available to those with fewer credentials. For example,
the BLS pointed out that Head Start programs are now required to hire
professionals with an associate's degree as a minimum credential. The
BLS also stated that it is becoming increasingly common for employers of
child care workers to hire employees with associate's degrees.
Online Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education
Online bachelor's degree programs in early childhood education are
available on a limited basis. As is common in this field, the degree
title itself may be in a variety of closely related disciplines, like
early childhood education or education studies. In the latter case, the
degree is available with a specialization in early childhood education.
Depending on the program you choose, it is possible to take the bulk
of your requirements for this degree online. However, in-person student
teaching experiences are required for state teaching certification.
Additionally, some programs offer classes that have some elements
online, but include in-person classroom observation and interaction
components that cannot be completed online.
Common Early Childhood Education Bachelor's Degree Courses
Coursework in these bachelor's degree programs includes a more in-depth study of child psychology and development.
Principles of Early Childhood Education Course
This class delves into the philosophical foundations of early
childhood education. The class may require observation of different age
groups including kindergarteners and infants.
Child Development Course
The course covers growth and development from birth through middle
childhood. An emphasis may be placed on multiculturalism and how
development plays out across different cultures.
Family Participation Course
Students in this class are trained to encourage parents and family to
become involved in the education of their young child. The course may
emphasize diplomatic interaction and other skills necessary to promote
family participation.
Having a bachelor's degree in early childhood education can be an
asset if you want to manage or run a preschool or daycare center,
according to the National Association for the Education of Young
Children (NAEYC). The NAEYC serves as an accrediting body as well as an
advocacy group, and according to its standards, early childhood program
administrators must have a bachelor's degree (
www.naeyc.org).
Additionally, the BLS says that a bachelor's degree in early childhood
education may qualify graduates to teach kindergarten through third
grade.
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