How to Get an Early Childhood Education Degree

Getting an early childhood education degree can be a challenging task, but it is well worth the time and effort as the profession is both rewarding and in-demand. The new government administration is placing a strong emphasis on preparing kids academically, as well as emotionally and socially, for kindergarten. This translates into a need for talented and qualified teachers that hold early childhood education degrees. Getting a degree can develop the skills needed to provide excellent development appropriate education for pre-K kids.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Start by deciding what kind of early childhood education degree will best fit your needs. This will depend on the time and money you can invest in your education and the kind of job which you will look for afterward. The higher early childhood education degree you have, the more likely you are to get employed but also the more time and money you will have to invest. A certificate usually takes about a year, an associate degree takes one and a half to two years, and a bachelor's degree three to four years.

2. Contact any former employers or teachers who can give you a character reference and ask if you can use them and if they will give you a good reference. Keep their contact information as colleges usually require 2-3 references and a criminal background check in addition to the regular admissions requirements.

3. Search possible early childhood education degree programs and decide if you want to attend a community college, 4-year college, specialty school, or online program. A community college might give you a wider range of degrees and offer other options in case you decide that an early childhood education is not for you. Online programs are flexible yet lack one-on-one interaction. Specialty schools will focus on the specific degree and relevant course material. At any college, talk to a counselor and see which kinds of degrees and programs are offered, if financial aid is available, and if there are flexible night/weekend classes.

4. Once you have been admitted to a degree program, investigate student loan and financial aid options. Sometimes community colleges offer local scholarships. There might also be government assistance available to those going into the education field, especially in states that are in need of teachers. Make sure to stay on top of prerequisites. Sometimes there are specific math requirements or state education tests that the college will say that you have to pass in order to stay in an early childhood education degree program. Plan for these early and get tutoring if necessary.

5. If you have time off (such as summers) during your quest for an early childhood education degree, try to get some extra hands-on practice working with children. If you cannot get a job, try volunteering. There are many mentoring, tutoring, and day camp organizations looking for volunteers.

Tips & Warnings

• If time and money are major obstacles to getting an early childhood education degree, you might consider getting a quicker degree such as a certificate, and then finding an employer who will help pay for more education later on.
• Since an early childhood education degree is supposed to provide experience, make sure to choose a program that offers hands-on instruction and experience with kids.
• While a school may advertise that an early childhood education degree will take a certain period of time to complete, keep in mind that there might be perquisite classes you will have to have before you can take the courses needed for the degree.

Resources

• Good Teaching Community Resource

[mlt34]

on 8/21/2009 Teaching is so necessary and honorable, but under appreciated. We all need to thank our teachers.

[Jolocol]

on 6/23/2009 Excellent information, suggestions and resources. The idea of working with children on your breaks can really help you know if you've chosen the correct field!