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 - AS
Once you earn your Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education, you will be prepared to facilitate discussions and learning within a classroom. You will provide young children with the kinds of experiences that advance their development. Choosing Rasmussen College Online to earn your online Early Childhood Education degree is a great way to earn a high quality and respected education from a regionally accredited college on your own schedule. Take your classes anytime from wherever you have access to an internet connection. There's no better way to improve your future without interrupting your daily life.

• Business Management / Child Development - AAS
• Early Childhood Education / English Language Learner - AAS
• Early Childhood Education / Family & Child Services - AAS
• Early Childhood Education / Child with Special Needs - AAS

Child Development / Preschool & Infant/Toddler - BS
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 - MS
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.

Interdisciplinary Studies / Early Childhood Development - AS
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 - MA
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.

• Early Childhood Education Endorsement - Certificate