Early Childhood Education: Career Diploma Description

About this article
A diploma in early childhood education is the first step towards a rewarding career as an educator of children. This diploma program combines theory and practice to produce a graduate who is qualified to find work in a preschool, elementary school, or other child education and care facility. Typical coursework includes psychology of childhood and individual program planning. Read on to find out more.
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What is an Early Childhood Education Diploma?

In an early childhood education diploma program you will learn about the education needs specific to young children and how to go about fulfilling them. Learn about early childhood psychology and behavior and the specific teaching practices that cater to them. Also learn about how to communicate with children and their families to ensure that each child receives the attention he deserves.

Specific Skills You Will Learn

Throughout the course of a childhood education diploma program you will become an expert in the assessment of the educational needs of children. Learn observation techniques and theories and how to implement them into progress reports and personalized learning plans. You will also learn about children with special needs and how to meet them. Most diploma programs incorporate extensive classroom time with children as a way of getting hands-on experience.

Courses

In the typical early childhood education diploma program you will encounter the following courses:

  • Psychology of Childhood
  • Writing Skills
  • Children with Special Needs
  • Observation of Children
  • Individual Program Planning
  • Children and the Family

Why Get an Early Childhood Education Diploma?

Although the career of early childhood educator is a rewarding one and appeals to many, it takes extensive specific instruction in the field to become a practitioner. Teachers in all 50 states must be licensed if they are to work in public schools and many other schools as well.

What can I do with an Early Childhood Education Diploma?

Those who hold a diploma in early childhood education go on to find work in preschools, elementary schools, day care programs, as tutors, and in government educational services.

Job Outlook and Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), the demand for early childhood educators will grow as fast or faster than the national average until the year 2014. Potential legislation mandating free pre-school education in some state may drive up demand for these positions. The median annual income of early childhood educators was around $21,000.

Popular Schools

  • Online Programs Available
    1. Grand Canyon University

    Program Options

    Master's
      • M.Ed. in Early Childhood
      • M.Ed. in Elementary Education
      • MA in Curriculum and Instruction
      • M.A. in Communication with an Emphasis in Education
      • M.Ed. in Secondary Education with an Emphasis in Humanities (ITL)
      • M.Ed. in Secondary Education with an Emphasis in Humanities (NITL)
    Bachelor's
      • B.S. in Behavioral Health Science with an Emphasis in Infancy and Early Childhood Studies
  • Online Programs Available
    2. National University

    Program Options

    Doctorate
      • EdD - Early Childhood Education
      • PhD - Early Childhood Education
      • Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
      • Doctor of Education in Instructional Design
      • EdD - Curriculum and Teaching
      • EdD - General Education
    Master's
      • MEd - Early Childhood Education
      • MEd - Curriculum and Teaching
      • MEd - General Education
      • MEd - Reading Education
    Certificate
      • EdS - Early Childhood Education
      • EdS - Curriculum and Teaching
      • EdS - General Education
  • Online Programs Available
    3. Purdue Global

    Program Options

    Master's
      • Master: Education (for Practicing Teachers: K-12)
      • M.S. in Health Education
    Bachelor's
      • Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Administration
    Associate's
      • Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development
  • Nashville, TN

    Vanderbilt University

  • Online Programs Available
    5. Liberty University

    Program Options

    Doctorate
      • PHD: Educational Research
    Master's
      • MAT: Elementary Education (36 Hours)
      • MAT: Elementary Education (45 Hours)
      • MAT: Elementary Education (45 Hours): Special Education General Curriculum (K-6) Add-On
      • MED: Special Student (Non-Degree) - Education
      • MA: Educational Studies
      • MAT: Elementary Education Curriculum to Ed.S. in School Curriculum & Instructional Planning
    Bachelor's
      • BED: Elementary Education
    Certificate
      • CERT: Preschool
      • GRAD CERT: Preschool
      • GRAD CERT: Executive Curriculum & Instruction
      • GRAD CERT: Middle Grades
      • GRAD CERT: Urban Education
  • Philadelphia, PA

    University of Pennsylvania

  • Gainesville, FL

    University of Florida

  • Boston, MA

    Boston University

Featured Schools

Grand Canyon University

  • M.Ed. in Early Childhood
  • M.Ed. in Elementary Education
  • B.S. in Behavioral Health Science with an Emphasis in Infancy and Early Childhood Studies

What is your highest level of education?

National University

  • EdD - Early Childhood Education
  • MEd - Early Childhood Education
  • EdS - Early Childhood Education

What is your highest level of education?

Purdue Global

  • Master: Education (for Practicing Teachers: K-12)
  • Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Administration
  • Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development

Which subject are you interested in?

Liberty University

  • PHD: Educational Research
  • MAT: Elementary Education (36 Hours)
  • BED: Elementary Education
  • CERT: Preschool

What is your highest level of education?