This program may lead to licensure.
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College. Admission requirements include the following:
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies. Ready to apply? Begin your application now.
International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy .
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
This Master’s degree requires 37 - 46 units units distributed as follows:
Take the following 37 - 46 units: Block A (6 - 15 units)
Courses taken in Block A are required for those candidates entering the program without an education degree. Candidates with an education degree will be evaluated by the department prior to admission. Upon transcript and prior completed coursework evaluation, requirements in Block A may be considered met and/or transfer credit may be applied. Prerequisite: Admission to Elementary Education - Certification (MEd) or Early Childhood Special Education - Certification (MEd)">ECI 502 is a required course for partial completion of the state-mandated Literacy Endorsement/Science of Reading (A.R.S. §15-501.01(C)(4)), and in most cases, students will be asked to take Prerequisite: Admission to Elementary Education - Certification (MEd) or Early Childhood Special Education - Certification (MEd)">ECI 502 . For candidates who meet all Block A requirements, additional elective courses (chosen in consultations with your advisor) may be required to earn the 37 - 46 units required for the degree.
Block B (31 - 37 units):
In order to obtain an Arizona teaching certificate, you must also take the required Arizona Educator Exam:
Be aware that Arizona state teacher certification requirements leading to Institutional Recommendations may change at any time, and may impact program of study requirements. Also, some districts/schools in Arizona may require additional NES exams if the position is responsible for instruction, evaluation and assigns grades for core academic subjects, such as a Special Education teacher in a self-contained classroom.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.
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When planning a career in education, many prospective teachers consider pursuing either early childhood education or elementary education. Educators in both areas play crucial roles in the development and education of young children, yet they differ significantly in focus, required skills, educational pathways, and career outlooks.
Comparing these two specializations, early childhood education versus elementary education, reveals distinct responsibilities, competencies, and opportunities for each role. Understanding these variations and the education requirements for each role can help aspiring teachers prepare to support the next generation effectively.
Here we will take a look at the key differences in the job responsibilities and work environments of teachers who specialize in early childhood education and elementary education.
Early childhood educators work with young children, ranging from infants to those who are around 8 years old, typically in preschool and early elementary settings. Educators in both areas play crucial roles in the development and education of young children, yet they differ significantly in focus, required skills, educational pathways, and career outlooks.
Early childhood educators work in a variety of settings, including public and private preschools, child care centers, Head Start programs, and elementary schools. The role often involves creating a safe and nurturing environment for young children, assessing their developmental progress, and collaborating with their parents and other educators to support each child’s growth.
Elementary educators teach children in kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade. Elementary school teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the educational experiences of the children in their classroom, who are typically between the ages of 5 and 11. Their work encompasses a range of responsibilities that extend beyond classroom instruction, such as school administrative duties and extracurricular involvement.
These teachers are responsible for developing children’s foundational skills in various subjects, including math, reading, science, and social studies, while also supporting their social and emotional development.
Elementary school teachers primarily work in public or private elementary schools. Public schools are funded by the government and are free for students to attend, while private schools are funded through tuition paid by families and sometimes other private sources. Some elementary teachers may also work in charter schools, which are publicly funded but operate independently of the public school system.
While there is some overlap in the skills required for early childhood educators and elementary educators, certain abilities stand out as especially important in each role. Here are some highlights:
Both early childhood educators and elementary educators must earn a relevant degree. How long it takes to become a teacher can vary depending on each individual’s educational path and mode of study.
The education and training requirements for preschool teachers vary by setting and state regulations, with most positions requiring at least an associate degree.
To enter the field of early childhood education within a public school system, a bachelor’s degree, such as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Early Childhood Education is typically required. This degree provides a comprehensive understanding of child development, curriculum planning, and effective teaching strategies for young learners.
Coursework often includes subjects such as child psychology, early literacy, classroom management, and creative arts.
Hands-on experience through student teaching or internships is often a focal point of the program, providing practical skills and real-world experience.
In addition to earning a degree, obtaining state-specific certification or licensure is often necessary to work as an early childhood educator, and is required for those working in a public school system. The requirements for certification vary by state, but they generally include passing exams that assess knowledge of teaching practices and child development. Many states also require continuing education credits to maintain certification.
Teaching jobs in elementary education usually require a bachelor’s degree, such as a BA in Elementary Education . State-specific certification or licensure is also required to teach at the elementary level.
Most elementary education degree programs are teacher preparation programs. These programs combine academic coursework with practical teaching experience. Students typically complete a series of education courses that cover teaching methods, curriculum design, and assessment techniques. Individuals who have earned an undergraduate degree in a field outside of education can often prepare for licensure by participating in a graduate-level teacher preparation program.
Practical experience through student teaching or internships is an essential part of elementary education programs as well, offering prospective teachers the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in a classroom setting and develop effective teaching strategies.
After completing their degree program, aspiring elementary school teachers must obtain state certification or licensure to teach in public schools.
Once certified, elementary school teachers are usually required to stay current on their continuing education and professional development to maintain their certification and keep up with the latest educational best practices.
Understanding the job outlook for early childhood and elementary education can help prospective teachers make an informed career decision.
Preschool teachers usually work in child care centers or in public or private schools. Many follow the traditional 10-month school year, but some positions are year-round.
As of May 2023, the median annual salary for preschool teachers was $37,130, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The BLS projects that employment of preschool teachers will grow by 3% from 2022 to 2032, which matches the average growth rate projected for all occupations. There are projected to be about 56,300 job openings annually, mainly due to workers transferring to other occupations or leaving the workforce, such as for retirement.
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers typically work in public or private schools. They generally teach during school hours when students are present, and they may prepare lessons and grade assignments on evenings or weekends. Most of these teachers have summers off and do not work during that time.
As of May 2023, the median annual salary for elementary school teachers, excluding special education teachers, was $63,680, according to the BLS. For kindergarten teachers, excluding special education, the median annual salary was $62,690.
The BLS estimates that employment of kindergarten and elementary school teachers will remain relatively stable from 2022 to 2032. Despite minimal growth in employment, the agency projects that there will be about 109,000 job openings each year, on average.
Deciding whether to pursue a career in early childhood education or elementary education depends on the interests, skills, and career goals of the aspiring teacher. Both roles offer rewarding opportunities to make a significant impact on children’s lives. If you enjoy working with very young children and have a nurturing personality, early childhood education might be the right fit for you. If you prefer teaching a broad range of subjects to slightly older children, elementary education could be your calling.
At Mid-America Christian University, we offer comprehensive BA in Early Childhood Education and BA in Elementary Education programs, as well as graduate-level degree and certificate programs. Our programs are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills you’ll need to excel in either of these rewarding careers.
To learn more about how a degree from Mid-America Christian University can prepare you for a career as a teacher, please explore our education degree programs .
Recommended Readings:
Careers in Education: Teaching and Beyond How to Become a Therapist Types of Ministry Degrees
Forbes , “Earning an Elementary Education Degree: Everything You Need to Know” Forbes , “Guide to Early Childhood Education Careers: 7 Roles to Consider” UNESCO, “What You Need to Know About Early Childhood Care and Education” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Preschool Teachers
The Accelerated Adult Degree Program of Chestnut Hill College’s (AADP) Early Childhood Studies program offers a Montessori Credential. Courses on the philosophy and educational theory of Dr. Maria Montessori and the application of her method prepare students for the internship in a Montessori classroom.
Chestnut Hill College is one of only eleven colleges/universities in the U.S. offering a Montessori Early Childhood program as part of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree . Chestnut Hill College’s program is an affiliate of the American Montessori Society (AMS) and is accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE).
For more information, email [email protected] .
Students in these programs may be eligible for PA T.E.A.C.H. Scholarships and/or PHMC ECE PDO Scholarships.
Apply to T.E.A.C.H.: https://www.pacca.org/teach_scholarship.php
Please contact Elaine R. Green , Ed.D. PHMC Grant/SCPS Administrator at green @chc.edu for information about PHMC ECE PDO Scholarships.
These support funds are available to students who are currently enrolled (or planning to enroll) in one of these programs ( Childcare Management, Early Childhood Studies, Early Childhood Studies with a Montessori Infant Toddler Credential, and Early Childhood Studies with a Montessori Early Childhood Credential)
Students can transfer up to 75 credits from another accredited college or university, and there are several alternative options to earn credit for on-the-job experience and training programs.
Offices in the Accelerated Adult Degree Program remain closed and we are working remotely. For assistance, please email [email protected] or call 215-248-7063. Prospective students should email [email protected] .
Download the Current Academic Calendar
Download the Accelerated Adult Degree Program Catalog
9601 Germantown Avenue Philadelphia PA 19118
For more information or to schedule a personal visit with an Admissions Representative:
Call – 215-248-7001 | Email – [email protected]
The AADP program offers bachelor’s and associate’s degrees with all courses scheduled in accelerated 8-week formats for maximum flexibility and fast degree completion time. The calendar year is divided into six, 8-week sessions, and students may enter at the beginning of any session. Classes are conveniently offered in the evenings (6 p.m. – 9 p.m.) to fit an adult’s busy schedule.
New students may start programs from scratch with zero credits; or for those students with prior learning, we allow a transfer of up to 75 credits from another accredited college or university where applicable. Additionally, Prior Learning Assessment options can help students earn credit for on-the-job and training program experience they may already have.
Portfolio assessment.
Students who have acquired knowledge through prior experience may apply for credit through portfolio assessment. Designed for the highly self-directed learner, this process demands rigorous self-assessment, critical analysis of the level of learning acquired, work samples and/or exhibits, third-party verification, and other documentation. Well-documented college-level learning can earn up to fifteen college credits.
The Accelerated Adult Degree Program recognizes fifteen approved CLEP credits at the ACE recommended level. Each CLEP examination is equivalent to one three-credit course. CLEP credits are recorded on the academic transcript as transfer credits and not calculated in the cumulative GPA.
Students may challenge up to twelve credits in four approved courses after the successful completion of fifteen credits. Challenge Examination grades are calculated in the cumulative GPA; a grade of “C” or above must be achieved for credit to be awarded.
Credit earned for field placement in the student’s program of study.
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NAEYC's online professional development introduces early childhood educators to core ideas from NAEYC's position statements, books, journals, and more. Designed with busy educators in mind, our online resources provide self-paced, interactive learning that connects professional knowledge to daily practice through practical strategies that ...
Early childhood education courses cover a variety of topics essential for understanding and fostering the development of young children. These include the basics of child development theories, early childhood curriculum design, and classroom management.Learners will explore topics such as cognitive and social development, literacy and numeracy skills, and inclusive education practices.
Cost of an Early Childhood Education Online Bachelor's Degree. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average public, four-year college charged $9,375 in tuition and fees ...
Cost per Credit: In-State | $236 Out-of-State | $649 Credits to Graduate: 120 FIU's early childhood education degree, with a non-certification track, focuses on curriculum development, teaching methods, and early childhood education.The virtual courses explore assessments and evaluations of young children, child development, family literacy, and language and literacy development.
Engage with fellow early childhood professionals and spend a dynamic day at NAEYC headquarters with our Professional Learning and Engagement team. See all upcoming workshops. NAEYC offers a variety of webinars and trainings that build professional development and highlight important topics in the early childhood education field.
Technology fees are another key factor; these fees often apply to online students but not their brick-and-mortar counterparts. Per-credit costs for an online early childhood education degree ...
Best online courses in Early Childhood Education from Udemy, Study.com, OpenLearn, YouTube and other top learning platforms around the world. ... Learn Early Childhood Education, earn certificates with paid and free online courses from Harvard, Stanford, University of Washington, The Open University and other top universities around the world. ...
Virtual Institute. Thank you for participating in the Virtual Institute! 33,600 individuals accessed presentations on the latest research and best practices in early childhood education, earning a total of 280,630 certificates throughout the event. From June 1 - July 17, NAEYC offered over 100 recorded presentations of content shared by NAEYC ...
Transforming early childhood education. The online Early Care & Education (ECE) program centers young children, families, and communities through interdisciplinary coursework and practice-based learning rooted in equity, diversity and inclusion. Students join ECE for the flexibility and affordability, gaining a full UW education while living ...
Annual Tuition: $28,544. Learn More. Online degree: Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. Courses: Educational Technology, Children's Literature, Developmentally Appropriate Practice I. Why we like them: CUH boasts an impressive graduation rate of 66%, situating it in the 80th percentile.
Tuition rates for the online early childhood certificates we included in this list range from $76 to $451 per credit. The typical certificate requires 12 to 36 credits, bringing the total ...
The school and/or program descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy. The data is primarily sourced from government databases such as IPEDS — see sources section for more details. #1 Best Early Childhood Education Degrees Online. The University of Washington.
Location can influence salaries for early childhood education professionals. For example, childcare workers in the District of Columbia have an average salary of $41,540, while those in Mississippi earn an average of $22,620. The following table highlights common jobs for graduates of accredited early childhood education programs.
Our online format allows you to learn at your own pace, on your own schedule, and from anywhere with internet access. CCEI's certificate programs cover a wide range of topics in early childhood education. Our courses are research-based and developed by experts in their field designed to be both informative and engaging.
Our Early Childhood Education Degree online can prepare students for entry-level jobs such as preschool teacher, teacher's aide, and child care professional. College-level early childhood classes cover fundamental topics including how to promote language, literacy, and social skills development for preschoolers and young children.
Online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership & Learning: Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education Track The online Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (IECE) track is designed to prepare early childcare professionals to deliver high-quality, effective and diverse education to young learners in Pre-K classrooms ...
120. Credits. To earn your Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education at the University of Arizona Global Campus, you must complete 120 credits. You will need to complete 30 upper-division credits, of which 18 credits must be from the major program. A total of 30 credits must be completed at UAGC to meet the residency requirement.
Best online courses in Early Childhood Development from Harvard, The Open University, SUNY, University of Reading and other top universities around the world ... curriculum, and key subject areas to equip educators with essential knowledge for early childhood education. Add to list Study.com 30 hours On-Demand Paid Course OAE Prekindergarten ...
Earn an online degree in early childhood education with Ohio State's Online Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and Development ECE program. Menu. ... Registered Virtual Lab School users who have completed all 15 foundational courses within the Infant Toddler, Preschool, or School-Age track, can use 13 credit hours from the Virtual ...
Online courses are synchronous (Zoom and Moodle), the in-person courses run in the ECCE classrooms DTN. ... On completion of the Early Childhood Care and Education Certificate, graduates will be able to: Protect and promote the psychological and physical safety, health and well-being of young children 2-6 years of age. Develop and maintain a ...
As of July 28, 2020, the New York City Early Intervention Program became a sponsor-approved provider of continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) units. Early Intervention providers can also use the professional development training hours to fulfill annual training requirements, as specified by the NYS Department of Health Bureau of Early ...
Coursework provides students with professional preparation focused on the implementation of evidence-based and recommended practices in Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education for diverse children with disabilities, and their families. Students further refine their professional skills through embedded and applied learning experiences.
Learn about the collaborative initiative to advance a unified early childhood education profession. Advancing Equity Initiative. ... Enhance your career and improve your knowledge, skills, and practices with our online training. Topics. Explore key early childhood topics such Developmentally Appropriate Practice, play, and math.
Education Requirements for Early Childhood Education. The education and training requirements for preschool teachers vary by setting and state regulations, with most positions requiring at least an associate degree. To enter the field of early childhood education within a public school system, a bachelor's degree, such as a Bachelor of Arts ...
The Accelerated Adult Degree Program of Chestnut Hill College's (AADP) Early Childhood Studies program offers a Montessori Credential. Courses on the philosophy and educational theory of Dr. Maria Montessori and the application of her method prepare students for the internship in a Montessori classroom. Chestnut Hill College is one of only eleven colleges/universities in the U.S. offering a ...
Mytishchi is a mid-sized industrial city in North Moscow Oblast, which borders Moscow to the southwest. It is perhaps Moscow Oblast's principal industrial center, particularly for machinery and armaments. Photo: Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 3.0. Photo: Ludvig14, CC BY-SA 4.0. Ukraine is facing shortages in its brave fight to survive.
Mytishchi is a mid-sized industrial city in North Moscow Oblast, which borders Moscow to the southwest. It is perhaps Moscow Oblast's principal industrial center, particularly for machinery and armaments.. Get in []. A convenient elektrichka route (in fact, the first elektrichka route in Russia) runs frequently all day between Mytishchi and Moscow's Yaroslavsky Train Station.
Река Уча — небольшой приток Клязьмы в Подмосковье. Даже на застроенном севере прекрасна Московская область. Река Уча, к примеру, готова предоставить несколько мест для пикника и попутного ...
Mytishchi has a humid continental climate, which is the same as Moscow but usually a few degrees colder due to significantly lesser impact of urban heat island.The city features long, cold winters (with temperatures as low as −25 °C (−13 °F) to −30 °C (−22 °F) occurring every winter and a record low of −43 °C (−45 °F)), and short, warm-hot summers (with a record high of 38 ...