Early Childhood Ed Degree Online

A degree in early childhood education trains professionals for work with children below the typical school age, usually children between 3 and 5. The curriculum in this educational track includes child psychology, parenting, and early learning strategies. Most professionals in this field work in elementary or pre-schools.

Early Childhood Ed

• Early childhood education includes those kids who are between the ages of 3 and 5.
• Regulations for early childhood education vary; some places require a specialized degree, while others require only a high school diploma.
• Many early childhood education programs work with interchangeably with parents and their children.

What is considered early childhood education?

The field of childhood education is generally split into two different approaches: the child-focused and the family-focused. These approaches may vary in theory, but both are centered on providing the best start for preschool and pre-kindergarten children. Child-focused programs include preschool programs designed to promote child development and improve a child�s chances of being successful in school. Child care or day care programs also fit into this category of early childhood education and are usually limited to children between the ages of 3 and 5. Family-focused approaches to early childhood education include parent training programs and family support programs. Also within this category are two-generation programs, which are designed to help young children get the best possible start in life and, to help their parents become economically responsible.

What kinds of degrees are needed to work in early childhood education?

Not all schools offer an early childhood education programs and not all early childhood education programs are in schools. Therefore, the regulations for teachers vary. Early childhood education is an avenue of the education field that officially requires very little as far as degrees and certification for teachers. An early education teacher is expected to be a high school graduate, and it helps to have some formal training, such as an associate�s in early childhood education. The options for educational degrees within early childhood education go from the basics of an associate�s degree, to as far as a Ph.D degree. Those with a master�s or Ph.D. degree usually work in the research field or work to train other teachers in the field.

What career opportunities are opened with a degree in early childhood education?

Typically those that go into early childhood education with an associate�s or bachelor�s degree work as teachers in public or private early education programs. These positions are needed in great numbers, especially as the population grows. Early education professionals with a master�s degree or PhD will most likely work in higher education, training teachers and doing research in early childhood education.

How much money does an early childhood education professional make?

A teacher going into early childhood education makes an average of $22,000 a year, with a range between $18,000 and $28,000. The training for such positions is not very extensive, therefore, the salary is minimal. As individuals get more education and specialization within the field, however, salary is likely to increase. Working in higher education offers more chance for a higher salary. College professors in early childhood education make an average salary of $52,000 a year, with a range between $37,000 and $99,000.

What are the leading schools offering programs in Early Childhood Ed?

• University of Phoenix - Education : Founded in 1976, University of Phoenix Online is the largest private university in the United States offering Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees in Education. The University of Phoenix also meets individual requirements set by state education departments which means a degree earned at the University of Phoenix is guaranteed to be honored in all states in the U.S.
  
• Walden University : Walden University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offers Ph.D., master's and bachelor's degrees in management and doctoral and master's degrees in psychology, education and health and human services to meet the specific needs of adult learners. Walden University has over 30 years of experience delivering programs from a distance while maintaining its student-centered focus on quality and integrity.
• Ellis College - Undergraduate : With more than 20 accredited degree programs designed to fit the needs of working adults, Ellis College is a premium choice for the career-minded individual. A division of the New York Institute of Technology, Ellis offers online bachelor degrees in popular fields of study such as business, finance, marketing, technology, information systems and more.
• Argosy University (Education & Psych) : Argosy University (Education & Psych), with 18 campus locations throughout U.S., offers Bachelors, Masters, Ph.D., Ed.D., Psy.D. and postgraduate programs in Clinical Psychology, Counseling, Curriculum Instruction, Education, Forensic Psychology, Marriage & Family Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling and School Psychology.
  
• Penn Foster College : Penn Foster College is one of the largest and most respected Distance Learning Institutions offering Associate degree programs. Penn Foster College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), which is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency.
  
• Kaplan University - Education Programs : Kaplan University Online offers accelerated online career training through master's degree education. Graduate students choose from a variety of education degrees to advance and build on existing teaching skills or work toward a new teaching career.
  
• ICS Canada : ICS Canada offers career training in Business, Design, Education, Vocational, Healthcare, Legal Studies, and Information Technology fields through flexible distance learning.
  
• California University of Pennsylvania : California University of Pennsylvania provides career-oriented online training to those students interested in professional careers in education and legal studies. Bachelor and master degrees are available along with graduate certificates to help students start new careers without disrupting their busy schedules.
  
• Fisher College : Established in 1903, Fisher College is a career education institution dedicated to providing online learning to those students who might otherwise be unable to attain a higher education degree. Students can earn an certificate, associate, or bachelor degree in Business, Information Technology, Education, or Healthcare without ever entering a classroom.
  
• Penn Foster Career School - Business : Penn Foster Career School (formerly Thomson Education Direct), the world's largest and most respected distance learning institution offers Career Diploma programs in the fields of Business, Bookkeeping, Court Reporting, Education, and Paralegal.