People who love working with kids are ideal for the field of early childhood education. These professionals need patience, creativity, and dedication to prosper in this field. During this program, students learn various things about children including their psychological growth, development milestones, and learning habits.
What Is Early Childhood Education?
Early childhood education is a branch of education which includes any educational program that educates students from 3-8 years of age. Students who earn this degree learn about dealing with children in their most transformative times. Early childhood education forms a strong foundation for children while they develop their social and academic skills. This foundation influences their growth in the later years of their lives as well.
An associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degree are offered in early childhood education.
What Can I Do with A Degree in Early Childhood Education?
Students who choose to get a degree in early childhood education typically love to work with children at kindergarten, Pre-School, or elementary schools. Their passion is to build a strong academic and social foundation for kids, so they cherish the time they get to spend with them. Some of these experts work in administrative roles; however, such positions require experience.
These are some of the career options chosen by graduates who have a degree in early childhood education.
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $59,670 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 3% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $63,930 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 164,910 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | New York | $82,830 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Elementary, Middle and High School Principals
Elementary, middle, and high school principals supervise school operations. They manage staff, coordinate curriculums, and provide their students with a productive and safe learning environment.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $96,400 (Education administrators, elementary and secondary school) | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 4% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $100,340 (Education administrators, elementary and secondary school) | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | Texas | 29,960 (Education administrators, elementary and secondary school) |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | New York | $130,600 (Education administrators, elementary and secondary school) |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Childcare Workers
Childcare workers look after the basic needs of the children including dressing them, feeding, and supervising play. They may assist older kids in studies and help younger kids prepare for kindergarten.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $24,230 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 2% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $25,510 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 55,430 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | District of Columbia | $34,140 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
What to Expect from An Early Childhood Education Degree?
An early childhood education degree focuses on childhood curriculum, development, and program development. These programs also include various strategies that help teachers in imparting knowledge to students. Each program has its own strengths and requirements. Child development, Early childhood literacy, curriculums planning, play in the lives of young children, education foundations, childhood disabilities, etc. are some of the courses taught during these programs.
How to Choose an Early Childhood Education Degree?
These are some of the things you should consider before choosing a program:
- Choose an accredited degree program
- Check if part-time classes are being offered
- Check if scholarships are offered
- Consider the necessary time and cost required to complete the degree
- Check if it is an online or campus-based program
Early Childhood Education Degree Admission Requirements
To get a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education students need to have a minimum GPA. Some schools may also have additional requirements like a letter of recommendation, SAT scores, etc. To obtain a master’s degree students should have a minimum GPA, a bachelor’s degree, and work experience.