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

Early Childhood Education (Birth - Grade 3) - Bachelor of Arts
The NCATE accredited B.A. in Early Childhood Education (Birth through Grade 3) prepares students for licensure to become an early childhood education teacher. The program provides you with the comprehensive groundwork, knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed for working with infants, toddlers, and young children from birth through age eight (or the third grade). Depending on state licensure options, this program leads to initial licensure in early childhood education, PK-3, K-3, etc., and includes supervised practice teaching in an actual classroom setting. This program is based on the standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

• Interdisciplinary Studies
• Foundations of Teaching
• Effective Teaching Practices (Early Childhood Education)
• Early Childhood Education
• Instructional Planning and Strategies
• Classroom Management
• Foundations of Teaching Practice Integration
• Specific Teaching Practices

Early Childhood Education - Associate of Science
The Post University online degree in Early Childhood Education provides a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes the development and application of age-appropriate approaches to the education of young children. Post University's Early Childhood program will prepare you for immediate employment as early childhood teachers in school districts as well as in public, private or corporate settings. If you later seek teacher certification the Associate in Science degree program will also permit transfer into a baccalaureate degree program. You will study child development, psychology and age appropriate approaches to literature, math/science and social studies. This program includes practicum's undertaken at an arranged site near you.

Child Studies - Bachelor of Science
Post University's B.S. in Child Studies online degree program builds upon the university's successful Associate degree program in Early Childhood Education (ECE). It offers an integrated curriculum of general education and career-specific coursework designed to respond to a national focus on ensuring that young children receive quality education and developmental opportunities. Courses include: Teahcing the Exceptional Child, Emergent Literacy, Curriculum Approaches to ECE, Educational Psychology, Learning Theory, Language Development in Young Children and much more. Graduates will meet the national educational standards set forth by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Child Development / Preschool & Infant/Toddler - Bachelor of Science
With the Dual Concentration (Preschool and Infant/Toddler), you examine the foundations of development and the importance of relationships to the social and emotional well-being of infants and toddlers. You also explore the roles and responsibilities of the preschool professional and the development of language and vocabulary, social skills, and scientific and mathematical concepts in preschool children. Through the Making Connections courses, you keep up-to-date with discussions and explorations of current research, trends, and issues that are impacting the lives of young children, their families, and your work as an early care and education professional.

The Bachelor of Science in Child Development courses are based on the standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). These standards are critical indicators of quality in early childhood care and education and their inclusion reflects the integrity of the Walden learning experience as well as its relevancy in an educational setting.

• Child Development / Preschool - BS
• Child Development / Infant & Toddler - BS

Early Childhood Education - Master of Science
Capella's master's degree specialization in Early Childhood Education is designed to prepare teachers to design, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate learning experiences for young children. The curriculum includes course work in such topics as child psychology, classroom management, the early childhood learning environment, family engagement, and strategies for eliminating achievement gaps. Elective course work provides you the opportunity to broaden your knowledge of learning theories or focus on special education or supervisory skills. People likely to be interested in this specialization include licensed teachers who have a passion for education at the early stages of development and want to pursue specialized preparation in that area, or who want to teach early childhood education in a higher education institution.

Play Therapy - Graduate Certificate
Help your youngest, most vulnerable clients improve their mental well being with a therapeutic approach that's entirely natural to them - play. Capella's five-course graduate Play Therapy certificate, one of few available online, addresses the core academic content areas required by the Association for Play Therapy to earn its Registered Play Therapist (RPT) and Supervisor (RPT-S) credentials. You will learn play therapy theory, methodology, and applications with expert faculty who live (and love) what they teach. The faculty leaders who created the courses - and all instructors in the program — are registered play therapists or registered play therapist supervisors. Whether you're in psychology, counseling, social work, speech therapy, or a related discipline, this Play Therapy certificate can help you deepen your therapeutic connection with the kids you serve.

Interdisciplinary Studies / Early Childhood Development -
Associate of Science
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. You'll 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. Graduates 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.

Early Childhood Education - Master of Science
The Master of Arts in Education with a specialization in Early Childhood Education is a graduate degree for educators seeking knowledge and expertise in the field of early childhood development and teaching. The curriculum includes instructional strategies, teaching methodologies, assessment techniques, theories of early childhood growth and development, and the impact of family and cultural diversity on early childhood.

For program disclosure information, click here

• Early Childhood Education Endorsement - Certificate

Children's Learning & Development - Bachelor of Science
Children's Learning and Development is an individualized concentration at the University Without Walls designed for adult students who wish to work with young people, pre-K through grade12 and who want to complete a bachelor's degree at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. If you want to work in out-of-school settings such as Head Start, family childcare, 4-H, scouting, YMCA programs, after school programs, recreational leagues or social service agencies, UWW's Children's Learning and Development will prepare you for these meaningful roles. If you wish to become licensed in special education, elementary education, or as a school guidance counselor, UWW's Children's Learning and Development may provide you with the academic foundation needed to go on to graduate studies or licensure in most states.