Individuals who earn an online degree in early childhood education are generally interested in the early, formative years of children's lives. They tend to be interested in development and teaching and upon completion of the degree, are well equipped to lead a career in many areas. The most common career choice for those who hold the degree is to help children between the ages of one and eight grow and learn in a caring and well adjusted school or daycare environment. They act as resources for parents and the children themselves as they age and become more inquisitive and yearn for attention and direction.

Individuals with the degree may choose to work in a variety of setting just some of which include private or public schools, daycare centers or small independently owned daycare programs. In addition to a variety of working locations, individuals can specialize in a certain areas of early childhood education such as special needs children or children with English as a second language. Both of those areas are especially challenging but the need is great and the work is tremendously satisfying.

Students in early online childhood education programs generally have the opportunity to take classes that will offer information about instructional strategies, teaching methodologies, assessment techniques, theories of early childhood growth and development, and the impact of family and cultural diversity on early childhood. While much of the instruction is online, student will often have the opportunity to do some hands on learning and in many cases, may be required to complete and internship in a related occupation.

Salaries range for those who choose to teach early childhood education as do educational requirements. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, "median annual earnings of kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers ranged from $39,810 to $44,340 in 2002. The lowest 10 percent earned $24,960 to $29,850 while the top 10 percent earned $62,890 to $68,530. Median earnings for preschool teachers were $19,270."

Education Degrees in Early Childhood Education

Grand Canyon University Grand Canyon University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

The Grand Canyon University School of Education offers the following early childhood education programs. Master of Education in Elementary Education (Eligible for IR/Credential) This program designed for students who are interested in the education of children in the Grade K-8 setting and also seek a teaching certificate. The format and courses of this program are designed to meet the requirements of the adult learner while maximizing the content knowledge that the student already possesses. Courses are delivered by experts in their respective fields who have a large amount of knowledge and experience in areas of curriculum development, teaching methods, reading strategies, educational psychology. Master of Education in Elementary Education (Not Eligible for IR/Non-Credential) This program designed for students interested in the education of children in the K-8 setting, but who need to postpone student teaching or are not seeking a teaching certificate. This course is delivered by experts in the education field who have a vast amount of accumulated knowledge and experience in the areas of teaching methods, prescriptive reading, educational psychology and curriculum development. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Graduates of this program are prepared to become informed educators in a setting that does not require a teaching credential such as in the home, church, private schools. Request a Free Info Kit: early childhood degrees

Walden University Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.

Walden shares your commitment to education and has an education degree that can help you reach your goal. Walden school of education offers the following online early childhood program. Ph.D. in Education - Early Childhood Education The Ph.D. in early childhood education program produces high caliber professionals who can address the nation’s most demanding educational challenges. The early childhood specialization is designed to meet the students professional interests and the needs of the school, college or university. This degree is ideal if your career goals include teacher or administrator, faculty member at a university or community college, college president or superintendent. Request a Free Info Kit: online early childhood degree

University of Phoenix Online University of Phoenix was founded in 1976 and accredited in 1978. University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

The University of Phoenix School of education provides the following early child education program. Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education This graduate degree program will prepare candidates for teacher licensure in the field of early childhood. Students for this program will gain the skills and knowledge that will assist them in becoming competent and effective early childhood educators. The curriculum includes theories of early childhood growth and development, the impact of family and cultural diversity on early childhood, assessment techniques, teaching methodologies, instructional strategies. Student teaching is an integral part of the Early Childhood Education Program and provides a field-based experience in an early childhood setting. Request a Free Info Kit: early childhoods masters degree