An associate's degree in early childhood education prepares prospective primary school teachers with the necessary skills to excel.
An associate's degree in early childhood education prepares its students with skills needed to teach children from infancy through eight years old, depending on the school system and state in which they would like to teach. This degree prepares its graduates to continue on to achieve their bachelor's degree in primary school education. Prospective primary educators are generally required to obtain at least an associate's degree in early childhood education.
Length of Time To Achieve
Achieving an associate's degree in early childhood education usually takes about two years to complete, provided you follow the suggested course schedule at the college you are attending. The program usually calls for the completion of 64 credits in prescribed course work, based on a two-semester system.
The Curriculum
While earning your associates in early childhood education, there will be a variety of classes you will take, outlined and described in the catalog of the college you attend. The curriculum for an associate's in early childhood education includes classes that will help you to assess the educational need of students, conduct field trips and parent conferences, develop class and training objectives, maintain relationships with students, conduct appropriate discipline and much more.
Potential Jobs
Earning your associate's in early childhood education generally sets you up to continue your education in pursuit of a bachelor's degree in early primary education, although there are jobs available for you without having to earn your bachelor's degree. An associate's degree will prepare you to fulfill requirements for jobs such as a lead preschool teacher, a child librarian, a daycare provider and in some states even a pre-school director. Each state's requirements for these jobs differ, so make sure to check before applying.
Cost to Receive the Degree
The cost of earning an associate's degree in early childhood education is the least expensive childhood education degree to earn. The program's cost varies from school to school. Generally, an associate's degree in a state school, particularly a community college, will cost anywhere between $5,000 and $8,000, plus the cost of fees and books. Some private alternatives can cost 10 times as much.
Tags: childhood education, early childhood, early childhood education, associate degree, degree early, associate degree early