Early childhood education focuses on children from birth until 8 years old.
Early childhood education degrees are available at the associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels. These programs focus on the education and development of children from birth until they reach age 8. Students learn about child development, early learning, interactive literacy, pre-reading activities and parenting education. Careers are potentially available at educational institutions, daycare centers and medical facilities.
Associate's Degree
Borough of Manhattan Community College in New York City offers an associate's degree in early childhood education with specializations available in infant and toddler, and preschool. The infant and toddler focus requires that students take courses in the exceptional child, infant care curriculum, the toddler care curriculum and early child education. Students in the preschool concentration learn about early childhood education, young children curriculum and program planning for preschoolers. In addition to coursework, students must participate in a supervised practicum at a local school.
Bachelor's Degree
Kendall College, in Chicago, has a bachelor's degree program in early childhood education. Concentrations are available in childhood nutrition, infants and toddlers, special education, and English as a second language. Students in all programs need to complete 180 credits. Required coursework includes child development, education psychology, child and family relationships, language acquisition and development, child safety and nutrition, and playing and learning for children.
Master's Degree
Mills College, in Oakland, California, offers a master's degree in early childhood education with a concentration in special education. The program comes with a "specialist" credential asserting that graduates are qualified to work with special needs students in educational settings. Students learn about behavior management, material development, communication and child assessment. Graduates of the program are prepared to work with children and families, structure a classroom environment and provide academic assistance to students.
Doctorate
At the University of Alabama-Birmingham, you can earn a PhD in early childhood education that includes specializations in child advocacy, child development, literacy, early intervention, Piagetian theory or leadership. The program prepares students for careers in academia and research at the university level. Students must complete 24 semester hours and a dissertation. The program uses resources from UAB's School of Education, School of Public Health and School of Nursing.
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