No educational degree comes without its own requirement and ECE is not left out. In this article, we have listed out the early childhood education degree requirements, making it easy for aspiring educators to understand and prepare for this program.
But before we begin, do you know what early childhood education is? Do you know the degrees available in this program and the number of years that is required to study this program in respect to the degree you choose? Or the jobs that awaits a degree holder in this field? Well don’t you panic a bit because we’ve included all this in this article.
In addition, we have given you some personal preparation which you will need to make, in order to have an advantage over others in this program and the major duties and contribution of early childhood educators to the society.
Table of Contents
What is Early Childhood Education?
Early Childhood Education (ECE) is one popular study program known across the world and it is focused on developing the young minds of children.
However, students may begin to wonder how ECE differs from other education programs and what the admission requirements are. If you’re an international student thinking about studying Early Childhood Education in another country, there are a lot of things that makes this an exciting field. So you have to read on to discover the excitement in this field.
Early Childhood Education program focuses on the early stages of a child’s learning. Educators in this field work with students below the age of 5, and helps them grow emotionally, physically, and intellectually during their formative years.
ECE programs blend theoretical and practical coursework to make sure students have knowledge and skills to not just teach but also to interact with young children.
You will learn about the common children developmental milestones and their learning processes, as well as up-to-date teaching techniques and technologies.
Duties Of Early Childhood Educators
Early childhood educators specialize in the learning, developmental, social, and physical needs of young children.
These educators are charged with the duty of providing a safe and comfortable environment in which young children can learn not just early academics, but social, motor, and adaptive skills.
Educators also have the duty to provide opportunities and activities for structured and unstructured play, as well as light snacks during the school day.
Another duty of early childhood educators is to discuss the children’s behavior and development regularly with their parents. Those working in head start program can expect to make home visits and counsel parents.
Educators working with students in early childhood specialize in childhood learning and developmental health. Lastly, educators teaching pre-kindergarten (pre-K) through third grade can be expected to teach some core subjects such as reading, math, science, and social studies according to the curriculum set out by their school or district.
Types of Early Childhood Education Degree
In as much as not all institutions require a degree in early childhood education to work with young kids, many do require some specialized training, and increasingly, you must get at least a type of degree before you can begin a career in early childhood education.
There are 3 main types of early childhood education degree programs, depending on the type of job you’ll be looking for. These degree programs are as follows:
- Associate’s Degree (2 years)
- Bachelor’s Degree (4 years)
- Graduate Degrees, including Master’s and Doctoral Degrees (2-6 years).
Many academic schools offer an early childhood education online degree, or fast-track teacher certification programs if you already have a degree in a specific subject area. Also, if you plan to advance your career into administration, or own your own preschool, then you have to get a degree.
You should also know that each type of program have different courses which you can choose to study under the ECE curriculum.
Early Childhood Education Degree Requirements
We will begin with the entry requirements needed to enroll in an early childhood education degree program.
Entry Requirements
When it comes to entry requirements, most ECE programs differ from other education fields. While you typically need to already have a Bachelor’s Degree to pursue a Bachelor of Education, ECE works a little differently. Many academic schools offer Early Childhood Education at entry level, with the minimum requirement being a high school diploma.
However, some early childhood education degree programs require you to have completed an undergraduate degree. Preschool teachers may be required to only hold an associate degree to begin with
Since there would be contact with children, there are other requirements needed before you are admitted to study. These requirements are;
- Health certificates
- Immunizations
- Police Record Checks may also be required.
- Experience working with young children will be seen as a definite asset, and may be required by many institutions.
- Placement Requirements
- Academic and Career Entrance Certificate (ACE)
- Human Services Foundation Ontario College Certificate standing in the required courses stated below
- Ontario High School Equivalency Certificate (GED), if you want to study in Canada.
Mature Applicant will need to have a grade 12 in the following subjects;
- Mathematics with a grade of 50% or higher or equivalent
- English language with a grade of 50% or higher or equivalent.
In need of information on studying early childhood education in Canada? You should click on the link above.
Degree Requirements
These requirements are those needed before you are granted a degree, that is to say, before you can graduate and begin practicing this program.
The requirements are to pass all your courses with good grades, minimum of a ‘C’ to be able to graduate and be granted either a bachelor’s degree or a graduate degree (master’s or doctorate).
English Language Requirements
Any applicant whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English language by one of the following methods:
- A Grade 12 College Stream or University Stream English credit from an Ontario Secondary School (for those in Canada or wants to study in Canada) or equivalent, depending on the program’s Admission Requirements
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 79 for the Internet-based test (iBT), with test results within the last 2 years
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test with an overall score of 6.0 with no score less than 5.5 in any of the four bands, with test results within the last 2 years.
Jobs available for a degree in Early Childhood Education
A diploma or degree in Early Childhood Education prepares you for much more than teaching preschool or kindergarten. In addition to this exciting field, graduates will have the skills and knowledge to pursue career opportunities such as:
- Home Child-care Provider
- Child-care Consultant
- Family Support Specialist
- Researcher
- Sales Representative (Education Market)
- Home child-care provider
- Camp counselors
- Transition homes for abused women and children.
Basically, if a job involves the education and well-being of young children, an Early Childhood Education degree or diploma will get it for you.
Recommended Personal Preparation
Like we stated above while we listed the requirements needed to get enrolled in an early childhood education degree, we listed experience as one of the degree requirements that have to be met to get an upper hand.
Here are a few things you need to do to gain and prepare for this program:
1. Students should develop leadership experience in schools, churches, community and special activity interests appropriate in preparation for this field.
2. Knowledge of and interest in this field plus good writing skills must be gotten.
3. Visitation to or experience in early childhood settings for observation purposes is also highly recommended.
Significance of acquiring an Early Childhood Education Degree
You may be wondering, what are the significance of acquiring a degree in this program? What do you contribute to the society as an educator? We’ve laid down the significance of acquiring an early childhood education degree.
Studies that have been conducted over the several decades in the past, have given a lot of weight to the importance of acquiring an early childhood education degree and preparing children to get entry and succeed in a post-kindergarten school environment.
One of the benefits include a reduced risk of social-emotional mental health problems and increased self-sufficiency as children mature and enter adulthood.
Another significant effect of being an ECE professional is contributing in the closure of the educational achievement gap between low and high-income students.
Historically, there has been a significant gap in the educational performance between children of low socioeconomic status and children of high socioeconomic status.
Studies have also shown, however, that the participation in ECE can increase high school graduation rates, improve performance on standardized tests, and reduce the number of students who have to repeat a grade or be placed in a special education program.
In summary, you’ve known not only the requirements needed to get a degree in early childhood education but also the duties of early childhood educators and a quick overview of what ECE is all about. The requirements to study this course is not impossible to get as it is achievable and attainable. With hardwork and the necessary personal preparation we listed above, you’re sure to become an early childhood educator.
