How To Get An Early Childhood Education Degree

Early childhood education degrees are designed to provide teachers in training with the ability to properly instruct young children, usually up to age eight. Degrees are offered in different levels, including certificate programs and associates, bachelor and master levels, as well as doctorate programs. Selecting which school you obtain your degree in early childhood education from is essential to determining the quality of your own education, and your decision should be thoroughly researched.

Careers In Teaching

After receiving your degree in early childhood education, you will be able to select from a variety of potential career paths. Some of these options include:

• Childcare worker
• Pre-school teacher
• Kindergarten teacher
• Elementary teacher
• Education administrator

Regardless of which occupation you choose, when selecting this major, you must have a passion for childcare, instruction and a fair amount of patience. Teachers will not only face challenges in the classroom, however. If you plan to pursue a career in teaching, be prepared to follow your occupation to various locations where you are most needed. From rural farm towns to urban districts, the need for teachers is great, though your best opportunity to find a job in teaching may require you to relocate.

One way to help broaden your hiring potential, increasing the likelihood of finding a job in your desired location, is receiving certification in specialized areas. While obtaining your degree in early childhood education, consider specializing in certain areas such as physical or special education as well.

Early Childhood Education Salary

While your income will vary by your level of education, experience, time at your job and location, the average salaries for teachers and education workers are as follows:

• The median income for childcare administrators is typically around $35,000.
• Elementary school principals report an average income of $74,000.
• Preschool teachers earn an average annual income of around $21,000.
• Public school teachers in kindergarten and elementary have an earning potential of approximately $41,500 to $46,000 per year.

Tuition Costs

The exact cost of certificate programs, associate, bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees in early childhood education will vary by school.

• Two-year associate degrees typically cost around $6,000.
• A four year bachelor's degree in early childhood education can range anywhere between $12,000 and $20,000, depending on the school.
• On average the completion of a master's degree takes an additional two years after four years for the bachelor's, including time spent completing required fieldwork. The average cost of a master's is about $15,600.
• The price of a doctorate can vary greatly, and should always be confirmed with the specific school you intend to apply to, or continue your studies at.

How To Choose A College

Before you decide to apply to a specific college for your degree in early childhood education, review the following questions, and ensure that your potential university is the best for you and your future career:

• You must ensure that the school you wish to attend is certified by your state's department of education.
• Check to see if the school is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Schools found to meet certain standards in quality of education are accredited by the association, and are a great choice for anyone majoring in early childhood education.
• Does the educational philosophy of the school match your personal philosophies? Research the driving themes/models/viewpoints of the school to ensure that you agree with them, and will be able to fully immerse yourself in their program.
• You will also want to verify which tests are required for entrance to each school, as well as any specific requirements for graduation outside the classroom, including mandatory fieldwork hours.

Testing & Preparation

Each school may have its own form of assessing prospective students through stress tests and personality analysis reports due to the sometimes high-tension nature of a career in early childhood education. Before spending the time and money on a degree in this field, it is essential that you and your school determine your capability to handle the demands of an educator.

• A high school diploma or GED test (General Educational Development) is required to enroll for an associate's degree.
• A bachelor's degree also requires a high school degree and sometimes, an accompanying associate degree.
• An undergraduate degree and relevant experience in the field are the requirements for a master's degree.

Financial Aid

There are financial aid opportunities available in every university that offers early childhood education as a degree. Grants, loans, funds, and payment plans are also available on top of traditional financial aid and scholarship opportunities, and vary from college to college. You can also get federal aid, grants, loans, and scholarships such as the Federal Student Aid, Pell Grants, and Stafford Student Loans.