If you would like to teach young children, it is important to compare the concentrations for a Early Childhood Education to choose what you would like to specialize in. There are plenty of different college degrees centered around teaching and education, but if you plan on working closely with young children it is important that you choose the right program that puts the right focus on the right topics.
Read this guide and learn what you need to know about being an early education teacher.
What Can You Do with a Degree in Early Childhood Education?
When you are comparing programs to become an educator who works with young kids, you need to decide if you want to earn a degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or a degree in Elementary Education. A bachelor’s degree in ECE can help you become a preschool teacher, a kindergarten teacher and may even qualify you to work with kids through third grade. If you want to work with all ages between preschool and sixth grade, earning your general degree education may be more suited for your goals.
What Do You Learn When You Study for an ECE Degree?
When you take your Bachelor’s degree majoring in ECE, you will focus on the basic skills that you need to work with younger children. You will focus on simple math tasks, reading, writing, and simple things like communicating with young children individually and in groups. There will not be a focus on advanced subjects like history or science, which kids in preschool through third grade typically do not cover.
Where Can You Teach with Your ECE Degree?
There are a long list of places you can go with your ECE degree. You can start by working at a public or private preschool where you care for children in a formal learning environment and you stimulate a child’s interest for interacting with peers. You can also work in Montessori schools where children in different age ranges work together side-by-side in a non-traditional sense. If you want to work in a public school, you can be a kindergarten teacher or teach up to third grade.
What Concentrations Are Available When Studying for Your ECE Degree?
All ECE degree programs require you to complete core curriculum. Some of the core curriculum you will cover includes: Introduction to Applied Child Development, Globalization of Family Relationships, Working with Diverse Families, Research Methods, Public Policy and Child Advocacy.
Once you complete core courses, you can focus classes on certain major concentrations. Some of these major concentrations that are most popular include: School Age Child Concentration, Youth Work Concentration, Policy and Advocacy Concentration. You may also be able to choose sub-specialities like: Literacy, Music for Children, Language, Environmental Education and Science and Math Technology.
It is important that you review the demand for early childhood teachers and where they are needed the most before you make an educational plan. With a growing demand for teacher assistants and educators who specialize in working with young kids, earning a specialized degree is crucial for success. Sift through the concentrations for a Early Childhood Education degree and then start to compare programs with a good reputation.
Related Resource: Top 10 Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education
