Early childhood education is important for the growth, development, and future success of children. A lot of emphasis is laid upon the need for quality education provided to young children. According to a report issued by the National Education Association (NEA), early childhood education has significant long-term benefits and should be highly promoted. The NEA has also supported the "Strong Start for Americas Children Act" in 2013 to help promote learning opportunities for children under the age of 5 and help low-income families seek high-quality education for their children. The US Department of Education is also working towards improving early childhood education.
This field has opened up many job opportunities for teachers. An early childhood education career is suitable for those who enjoy working with young children, and want to contribute to their community by reinforcing education. Similar to requirements of becoming a high school teacher or an elementary school teacher, an early childhood educator must acquire a degree in this area and get a teaching license. Many schools are offering early childhood education master programs.
Master in Early Childhood Education Degree
An early childhood education master's degree is a graduate-level educational program. It is designed to prepare teachers for the field of early childhood education. Students enrolled in this program focus upon the development and learning of children in preschool. The curriculum of the programs is geared towards helping students build the teaching skills needed to succeed in modern day classrooms, and meet the educational standards of the field. Students must complete core courses in the program. These courses cover all aspects of the field. In the initial phase of the program, students will undergo a thorough study of the fundamental areas and will develop a strong foundation of knowledge. Further in the program, more advanced topics are studied. Here are the main objectives of the degree program:
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Help students plan and develop classroom curriculums and study material
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Build strong teaching skills and assessment skills
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Learn how to evaluate educational progress
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Acquire a sound understanding of the cognitive development of young children and identify behavioral issues
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Understand the ethical and cultural implications
Licensing
In most states, early childhood education teachers must be licensed. Most employers prefer teachers to be certified by the state education board or a national organization like the Council for Professional Recognition. The educational and training requirements for obtaining a teaching license may vary slightly for each state.
Career Prospects
Most early childhood education teachers work in private or public schools and daycare centers. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 54% of childhood educators are employed by child day care services. With a master's degree in this field, you may be able to qualify for a range of teaching opportunities in schools. The annual income will be determined by factors such as state, license, skills, and credentials. The BLS stated that the median annual income of preschool teachers was $27,130 in 2012, and with a faster than average growth rate. This career is suitable for individuals who want to teach young kids and help in their development.