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.
Candidates aspiring for a career in the aviation industry may reach this goal by acquiring the relevant education and training. This preparation may begin from high school where students prepare for advanced study in the field of aviation by taking courses like trigonometry, calculus, algebra, physics, and chemistry.
Program Overview
Many organizations look for employees who have at least 2 years of college education. College graduation has almost become an entry level requirement by most employers. Degree programs types in aviation include the following:
*Associate of Science Degree
*Bachelor of Science Degree
*Master of Science Degree
*Doctor of Philosophy Degree
Programs are offered online, on-campus, and in a hybrid setting. With online education, students find it much easier to proceed with the coursework because they may be completed from the comfort of your home or work place. When pursuing online aviation degrees, you should look for schools that offer high quality education. To ensure this, you should always enroll in accredited programs. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the certifying body for colleges and universities offering aviation degrees that include pilot training. It also certifies civilian flight schools. If you are considering programs in aerospace engineering, you should look for ones that are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
The associate's degree program takes the least time to finish. Generally students could graduate after two years. The bachelor's degree, on the other hand, ususally requires four years of study. A master's degree may be obtained after one to two years of study after completing a bachelor's degree program. The PhD program will build research abilities, and is suitable for those who wish to carry out research and development in this sector.
Specializations Offered
The field of aviation is quite diverse and you could choose to specialize in an area that matches your interest and career goals. The following are some of the popular areas of study:
*Aviation Management
*Aeronautical Science
*Airline and Airport Management
*Aviation Maintenance Science
*Aerospace Engineering
*Meteorology
*Aircraft Operations
Coursework
The specific coursework depends upon the school and the type of specialization you are going for. Generally speaking, students enrolled in aviation degree programs will build a strong base in physics, mathematics, as well as in courses like:
*Introduction to Aviation
*Aviation Communication
*Aircraft Performance and Weather
*Aviation Regulations
*Aviation Marketing
*Air Transportation Management
*Aeronautical Sciences
*Aeronautical Technology (Composite Materials, Turbine Engines, and Aviation Electronics)
An important component of aviation programs is the lab courses that provide hands-on training in different facets of aviation.
Careers in Aviation
With this training and education you will have a competitive edge over other job applicants, and it may be easier for you to obtain employment. Some of the careers in aviation traditionally focused on attaining the required licensure. However, even for these positions a college degree is now preferred. Aviation degree holders are employed by aircraft manufacturers, higher education institutions, airports, and airlines. They could work as aircraft mechanics, flight controllers, pilots, accident investigators, flight dispatchers, aerospace engineers, aviation researchers, and instructors.