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

    Doctorate
      • Ed.D in Teaching and Learning with an Emphasis in Adult Learning - Qualitative Research
      • Ed.D in Teaching and Learning with an Emphasis in Adult Learning - Quantitative Research
      • Education Specialist in Teaching and Learning
    Master's
      • M.Ed. in Early Childhood
      • M.Ed. in Elementary Education
      • M.Ed. in Elementary Education and Special Education (NITL)
      • M.A. in Reading with an Emphasis in Elementary Education
      • MA in Curriculum and Instruction
      • M.A. in Communication with an Emphasis in Education
    Bachelor's
      • Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
      • BS in Early Childhood
      • B.S. in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education
      • B.S. in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in Christian Education
      • B.S. in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in STEM
      • B.S. in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in Teaching Reading
  • Online Programs Available
    2. Bryant & Stratton College

    Program Options

    Associate's
      • AAS Early Childhood Education
    Certificate
      • Early Childhood Care and Development Diploma
  • Campus and Online Programs
    3. The Chicago School

    Program Options

    Certificate
      • Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning
  • Online Programs Available
    4. Liberty University

    Program Options

    Doctorate
      • DME: Doctor of Music Education
      • EDD: Curriculum and Instruction
      • EDD: Curriculum and Instruction/Elementary Education
      • EDD: Curriculum and Instruction/Middle Grades Education
      • EDD: Curriculum and Instruction/Secondary Education
      • EDS: Curriculum and Instruction
    Certificate
      • CTG: Curriculum and Instruction
      • CTG: Higher Education Administration
  • Towson, MD

    Towson University

  • Online Programs Available
    6. Penn Foster High School

    Program Options

    High School Diploma
      • HS Diploma
  • Washington, DC

    Howard University

  • Philadelphia, PA

    University of Pennsylvania

  • Nashville, TN

    Vanderbilt University

Featured Schools

Grand Canyon University

  • Ed.D in Teaching and Learning with an Emphasis in Adult Learning - Qualitative Research
  • M.Ed. in Early Childhood
  • Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

What is your highest level of education?

Bryant & Stratton College

  • AAS Early Childhood Education
  • Early Childhood Care and Development Diploma

What is your high school graduation status?

The Chicago School

  • Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning

What is your highest level of education completed?

Liberty University

  • DME: Doctor of Music Education
  • EDD: Curriculum and Instruction
  • CTG: Curriculum and Instruction
  • CTG: Higher Education Administration

What is your highest level of education?

Penn Foster High School

  • HS Diploma

What is your highest level of education?