Early Childhood Education Graduate Programs

Those interested in pursuing graduate study in early childhood education should know the following programs may also be relevant to their learning goals:

• Infant/toddler education
• Curriculum development
• Teaching and learning
• Special education
• Child development

Those considering applying to early childhood education graduate schools should ideally possess the following qualities:

• Comfortable with and passionate about working with young children
• Compassionate
• Good classroom management skills
• Strong interest in developmental theory

Early Childhood Education Graduate Programs and Curriculum

Each early childhood education graduate programs differ in their concentration, it is important to identify your areas of interest in advance to ensure the schools to which you’re applying will meet your needs. The following list represents a sample of courses that an early childhood education graduate student could reasonably expect to encounter.

• Education and culture
• Designing and assessing learning and teaching
• Human development
• Research in early childhood education
• Language and literacy
• Diversity and early childhood education
• Cognitive development of children
• Biliguialism and language acquisition

On average, master’s degrees in early childhood education take one to three years to complete. They include classwork and a capstone project or thesis. Some also require an internship or “lab work”, which enables students to put their learning into practice. Master’s students should note most, but not all, master’s programs qualify the graduate for licensure as a teacher. Check your state’s requirements and your school of choice to ensure your coursework will meet the necessary requirements.

Ph.D. degrees in early childhood education can take anywhere from four to six years. They require coursework, passing grades on oral and written exams, and completion of a dissertation. An internship is usually required.

Applicants to early childhood education graduate programs should hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. They will be required to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and any relevant standardized test scores. Relevant work or volunteer experience can also further inform your decision and enhance your resume.

Early Childhood Education Career Paths

Most individuals holding a graduate degree in early childhood education teach classes from pre-kindergarten to second grade. Others may find work as consultants, tutors, policy advisors and at non-profits. Some individuals may pursue a career in administration such as acting as an instructional coordinator working with teachers and other administrators to oversee the development of a school’s curriculum. Those holding a doctoral degree in early childhood education may be qualified to teach and conduct research at the university level.

Early Childhood Education Salary and Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2010, kindergarten and elementary school teachers earned a median salary of $51,380 per year. The minimum education requirement listed is a bachelor’s degree. Job growth between 2010 and 2020 is projected to be 17%, which is about average. Instructional coordinators earned a median annual salary of $58,830; growth in this profession is projected to be 20 percent between 2010 and 2020, faster than the average of all other occupations, and requires a master’s degree.

In contrast, similar jobs involving work with children pay significantly less. The 2010 median pay of a preschool teacher was $25,700 per year, and the minimum education requirement listed is an associate’s degree. Job growth between 2010 and 2020 is projected to be 25%, which is faster than average for all occupations. Also in 2010, childcare workers earned a median pay of $19,300; a high school diploma is the minimum education requirement.

Data according to

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Education-Training-and-Library/Kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Education-Training-and-Library/Instructional-coordinators.htm

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/preschool-teachers.htm

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/childcare-workers.htm