Early-Childhood Bachelor-Degree Programs
Early-childhood educators are responsible for children during the most crucial stage of their development, from preschool through third grade, when they establish attitudes and behaviors they carry into adulthood. A degree in early-childhood education provides teachers with the knowledge and training required to help shape the lives of young children.
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Function
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A bachelor's degree in early-childhood education qualifies you to teach preschool through third grade in most schools. There are other licensing requirements, but a bachelor's degree is a prerequisite for meeting these guidelines. A degree in this field confirms that you have demonstrated mastery of the courses and training needed to be an early-childhood teacher.
Types
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You can earn bachelors' degrees in specific areas of education that will still qualify you to teach in grades pre-K through third. Some of these areas of study include special education, early-childhood development and literacy. Candidates with these degrees may be certified as regular education teachers or as interventionists who work on particular learning disabilities.
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Benefits
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Those earning a bachelor's degree in early-childhood education will earn more money per year than their counterparts who have two-year associates' degrees. A bachelor's degree gives teachers additional career options. An associate's degree is sufficient for teaching in a preschool or working as an assistant to the lead teacher in grades K through 3. However, most states will not award standard certification licenses to anyone without a bachelor's degree.
Features
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Most teachers will complete an early-childhood education program that leads to a bachelor of science or bachelor of arts degree. Such programs usually are designed so that the student can finish in four years. The first two years consists of core classes like English composition, algebra, foreign language and history. After these requirements have been met, students will enroll in the university's school of education.Students will then take courses that are specific to early-childhood education, including a semester of direct instruction as a student-teacher in an intern program.
Considerations
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Students who aspire to earn a bachelor's degree in early-childhood education need to carefully research the colleges and universities in their area. Most colleges have similar programs, but some may offer opportunities for special training and more options for degree specialization. Distance learning is another option that many people choose because of their geographical location or availability to attend courses on campus; many online colleges offer degrees in early-childhood eduction.
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References
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of woodley wonderworks
