Early Childhood Education

The programs in Early Childhood Education are designed to teach you specialized, practical skills and techniques at a high level of proficiency, the kinds of skills used every day in preschool programs, public and private schools, child care facilities, youth centers, and social service agencies in many places. Early Chlidhood Education prepares you to teach infants and children through the age of eight (3rd grade) in all subjects. Preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school teachers introduce children to math, language, science, and social studies. They use games, music, artwork, films, books, computer and other tools to teach basic skills and knowledge.

Different states and school systems require different levels of education and training for people wishing to teach. Here is a general idea of what education levels are required. Employers require day care workers, preschool teachers, kindergarten, and elementary school teachers to hold at least a certificate or associate degree in early childhood education. A prospective public elementary school teacher must earn a bachelor's degree or higher. Finally, a master's or PhD in education qualifies you for job opportunities in school administration.

Programs in Early Childhood Education differ based on the school and the degree level, but here is a short list of possible ECE courses you may take:

• Child Growth and Development
• Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition
• Classroom Management
• Instructional Technology
• Educational and Child Psychology
• Reading and Math for Young Children
• Teaching Children with Special Needs
• Chlldren's Literature

• Center based programs
• School age programs
• Family child care homes
• Early interventions programs
• School administration

Applied Associate of Science in Business Management / Child Development
At Rasmussen College, expert instructors draw upon years of hands-on industry experience, and the Childcare Management faculty has collectively spent decades in the field, so they can offer practical advice and wisdom. In this program, students will learn the business basics needed to be a successful child care professional or center owner / operator while completing the specialized and important training necessary to provide a positive, nurturing environment for children.

Rasmussen College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Associaton of Colleges & Schools and the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges & Schools.

Early Childhood Development - Bachelor of Arts
The Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Early Childhood Education degree program is structured to prepare students to work in a variety of settings involving young children, is designed according to national and state requirements, and is based on the competencies and guidelines established by the following:

• National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
• Child Development Associates Competency Standards (CDA).
• California Child Development Permit Matrix.
• California Pre-Kindergarten Learning Development Guidelines.
• National Head Start Association (NHSA)

The program is based on a conceptual framework of current theory, contemporary perspectives and sound research findings. Focus is on knowledge, attitudes, skills, practice, reflection and field experiences needed to become efficient, competent, and effective professionals in the field of early childhood education. Emphasis is on designing appropriate learning environments, individual and adaptive curricula, and instructional strategies and techniques to maximize learning outcomes.

Topics demonstrated, both in writing and discussion, provide a broad-based foundation of child development in the areas of familial and socio-cultural influences on learning and brain development, parent empowerment, peer cooperation and collaboration, early cognition, emerging literacy (listening, speaking, reading and writing), ongoing participant observation and appropriate developmental screening assessments, child advocacy, law and ethics, and, most important, play as pedagogy.

National University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Child Development - Bachelor of Science
Walden's BS Degree in Child Development is based on the standards of the National Aassociation for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The unique curriculum incorporates reflection, critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, and written communication. This non-licensure bachelor's program allows students to earn their degree online while continuing to work and balance personal commitments. While this non-licensure program is not suited for those who wish to immediately teach in public schools, this program can be a precursor to teacher preparation programs.

Throughout this program, students will

• Explore the latest research and thinking about child development and learning.
• Examine the benefits and challenges diversity brings to early childhood settings.
• Study philosophies of and models for interacting with and teaching young children.
• Gain a deep understanding of the ways quality is defined in early care and education programs.

This program offers two concentrations, Preschool or Infant/Toddler, both of which deliver an in-depth focus on child development, child-centered learning, developmentally appropriate environments, and effective practices for working with children and families. A dual concentration is also available.

Walden's Bachelor of Science in Child Development can help prepare graduates for a variety of professional roles, including:

• Lead or head teacher in a private infant/toddler or preschool setting
• Child care administrator
• Head Start professional
• Preschool professional
• Day care provider (private or public, large or small)
• Child-centric agency, hopsital, or government setting
• Teacher's aide or paraprofessional

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.

Early Childhood Development - A.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies
The Associate of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (ASIS) with early childhood development emphasis is designed to provide students with the relevant knowledge and skills needed to be a certified professional working with infants, toddlers, pre-school, and kindergarten-aged children in a day care or educational setting. If you are already employed in child care and wish to earn recognized credentials, the ASIS with early childhood development emphasis is also for you.

Students will learn about infant and toddler development, nutrition, health, and special-needs care; and be introduced to subjects such as childhood education, creative activities, and curriculum planning. Upon graduation, students will be ready to work in early childhood programs such as child care centers, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs, Head Start, and before- or after-school care.

The ASIS with early childhood development emphasis is based on a general-education foundation, allowing students to plan their degree design in accordance with their employment or higher education objectives.

Kaplan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).

• Education / Elementary Education - BS
• Education / Early Childhood Education - MA
• Education / Elementary Education - MA

University of Phoenix is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.

• Child Daycare Management - Diploma

Penn Foster is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council.

• Child Study / Organizational Management - BA
• Early Chlidhood Education / Organizational Management - BA
• Elementary Education / Organizational Management - BA

Ashford University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.