Best Master's Programs in Early Childhood Education

While there are no specific undergraduate degree requirements for entry into a master's early childhood education program, the most direct bachelor's degree that can prepare you for entry is a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education. These programs teach foundational topics related to the education of young learners, including child development and pedagogy. Early childhood education bachelor's programs also require a practicum/student teaching experience, so potential master's degree applicants can get the experience working with young children that may be required for the application. Also, bachelor's degrees in early childhood education can lead to state teaching licensure/certification.

Early childhood education master's programs require the following materials for admission (some requirements will vary by school):

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Official transcripts for any undergraduate credits/degrees earned
• Personal statement or essay
• 3.0 minimum GPA
• Letters of recommendation

It is not required to have an education-related bachelor's degree for entry into an early childhood education master's program, but it can help. Some master's programs require applicants to have experience working with young children, so an undergraduate degree that gives you that opportunity may be beneficial. Additionally, experienced teachers who are looking for endorsement must be licensed, but this can vary by school.

Both M.A. and M.Ed. programs in early childhood education can prepare non-licensed and licensed teachers to work with young children. The specific outcomes, such as initial licensure, certification, or endorsement, can vary by school. Both types of degrees have courses in pedagogical techniques as well as experiential learning requirements. It's up to you to decide what type of degree and program will meet your specific needs. If your goal is to earn an endorsement, then search for programs that offer that, but be aware of the requirements. If you're looking for initial licensure, look for programs that offer foundational courses to help you get started. A great tool for finding schools and programs is the National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator. You can find schools by location, tuition, majors offered, and more. Another great resource for information is a school's academic advisor. They can answer any specific questions you may have about a program.

Accreditation is important for any degree field but it is especially important for teaching programs. Many licensure and certifications for teachers require graduation from an accredited program or college. Accreditation can be granted to an entire school as well as to specific programs within a school. For example, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) grants accreditation to schools as a whole. The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) grant accreditation to teacher preparation programs. Accreditation ensures you are receiving instruction that meets quality educational and professional standards.

Classes in early childhood education master's degree programs cover a broad array of topics related to the development of young children. Students take courses that educate them in how children develop socially, mentally, intellectually, morally, and emotionally from infancy to third grade, as well as best teaching practices for young learners. Other topics covered include working with bilingual children, children with special needs, how to communicate and work with families, and different instruction topics for young learners.

Early Childhood Education Foundational Courses

Early childhood education foundational courses cover topics that teachers of young children can apply to nearly any situation. For example, a course in child development teaches knowledge that can help future teachers assist students with any social, emotional, or academic needs because they are equipped with knowledge of how a child's brain should be processing information and experiences. Foundational courses explore how young children develop, how to communicate with and teach children of diverse backgrounds, and the curriculum for grades K-12 in core subjects such as English, mathematics, social studies, and science. Examples of a few core courses include:

• Advanced Child Development
• Early Childhood Assessment
• Teaching Language, Literacy, and English
• Early Childhood Mathematics
• Exceptional Children & Youth
• Research in Education
• Strategies for Inclusive Schooling
• Families, Societies, and Schools

Early Childhood Education Specialist & Elective Courses

Each program will have varying specialist and elective courses. For example, some schools may have special education courses as part of the core requirements, while others offer them as electives. Master's programs in early childhood education typically focus more on core courses, so there may be less room for choosing electives. Depending on the path a student wants to pursue, elective courses may lead to early childhood education endorsement. Specialist courses may be part of a concentration, such as early childhood administration or special education. It depends on the school, but a few courses may include:

• Early Childhood PE Education
• School Budgeting and Finance
• Constructivist Education
• Special Education Legislation

Licensure & Certification in Early Childhood Education

Early childhood education certification is required for K-3 public school teachers in all states. Depending on the state, it may be referred to as licensure. Grade school teachers must usually be licensed or certified in the specific grade they teach. Each state's licensure and certification requirements vary, but in general, the requirements can include:

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree
• Minimum GPA
• Completion of a teacher preparation program (which includes student teaching experience)
• The passing of a general teacher certification test as well as a test for the subject they will teach
• A background check

In some states, a master's degree may be required after earning certification, and all states require licensed teachers to take continuing education classes to maintain licensure.

Students are required to complete a practicum/field experience regardless of whether or not they are licensed teachers. This practicum allows them to gain significant experience teaching and working with children in grades K-3. Students work in a K-3 classroom under the supervision of a licensed teacher. They may work in one classroom for the duration of the practicum, or they may be required to work in classrooms of different grades in order to gain broad experience. The practicum usually lasts one semester or around 15 weeks, but some schools offer a residency program where students spend an entire year in the classroom gaining experience as they study.

After completing a master's degree in early childhood education, students can go on to earn a Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education. Doctoral programs in this subject prepare students to become researchers in childhood education and development as well as become college professors in the field. These programs are usually highly individualized, with much of the curriculum focused on a topic of the student's choosing, such as literacy, curriculum development, child development, teacher education, and more. Doctoral programs culminate in a dissertation, where students work independently and with faculty to conduct original research on a topic related to early childhood education. Much of the program is spent researching and writing this dissertation.

For students who do not want to commit to a full degree program, certificate programs are also available. It is possible to earn certificates in early childhood education, particularly in ECE assistance and ECE administration.

Those with an early childhood education master's degree can become kindergarten and elementary school teachers up to grade 2 (or 3, depending on the state) or they can work in more administrative positions, such as instructional coordinators for early childhood curriculum. While a master's degree may over qualify them, graduates can also find other jobs in early childhood education as pre-school teachers and teacher's assistants in K-3 classrooms. Graduates may also become directors for preschool and childcare centers with the appropriate experience.

Job Outlook for a Master's in Early Childhood Education

Employment of kindergarten and elementary school teachers is expected to not increase or decrease much, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS reports that from 2019-2029, the job outlook for kindergarten and elementary school teachers is 4 percent, which is as fast as the average. Enrollment in public kindergarten and elementary schools is expected to increase, but employment can vary because it depends on each state's and region's school budgets.

The employment of instructional coordinators is expected to grow by 6 percent, which is faster than the average, from 2019-2029, according to the BLS. This is because schools are increasingly needing to meet demands for state testing scores and graduation requirements, so instructional coordinators will be needed to develop curricula that are better suited for these requirements.

How to Become a Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher

Kindergarten and elementary school teachers are responsible for the educational, social, and emotional development of young children in grades K-6. They teach their students basic concepts in foundational courses such as mathematics, English, science, and social studies. Some teachers may teach only one or two subjects, depending on the grade level. For example, one teacher may only teach math and science while another only teaches English and social studies, so they may work together to teach all of the students. Some of their job duties align with general child care, such as overseeing lunch and recess and teaching rules to students to encourage good behavior. When they aren't teaching, they are developing lesson plans, grading homework and assignments, and communicating with children's parents about their progress. These teachers may work with special education teachers in order to help children with learning disabilities who are in their class.

Kindergarten and elementary school teachers need at least a bachelor's degree in elementary education or a related field, including early childhood education. Some schools may require a master's degree as well, especially after obtaining certification. All teachers in public schools must be licensed or certified, and grade school teachers must be licensed in the grade they teach. It is possible to become an elementary or kindergarten teacher without a related degree as long as a teacher preparation program is taken and licensure is earned. This includes taking part in a student teaching experience. The BLS states that kindergarten and elementary school teachers had a median annual wage of $59,420 as of 2019.

How to Become an Instructional Coordinator

Instructional coordinators, also known as curriculum specialists, develop and oversee school curriculums and teaching standards. Their primary responsibility is to ensure curriculum and teaching effectiveness. Job duties may include observing teachers in the classroom, discussing curriculum with school staff members, reviewing student test data, and recommending changes to the curriculum to the school board. They may also conduct teacher training in order to educate teachers on new educational techniques and learning methods. Instructional coordinators can specialize in a certain grade level or subject, including special education and English as a second language programs.

Instructional coordinators must have a master's degree in education (such as a Master of Education) or curriculum and instruction, as well as related work experience in school administration or as a licensed teacher. Experience in a certain subject or grade level may be required for some positions. For example, an instructional coordinator who works in early childhood education curriculum will need work experience as an early childhood education teacher. According to the BLS, the annual median wage for instructional coordinators was $66,290 as of 2019.

Obtaining financial aid for master's in early childhood education programs begins with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSA requirements include enrollment or planning to enroll in an accredited postsecondary school, good academic standing, and a valid social security number. Federal aid includes grants and loans that are given based on financial need.

Federal aid is not the only form of financial aid available. Scholarships are available at the national, state, and local levels and are offered by colleges, professional associations, and organizations. The criteria for these can differ, such as degree type, location, and if applicants belong to a historically underrepresented group. The National Institute for Labor Relations Research offers the Applegate-Jackson-Parks Future Teacher Scholarship of $1,000 to undergraduate and graduate education students who submit an essay. The Jack Kinnaman Scholarship is offered by the National Education Association; 5 awards of $2,500 each will go to students who are pursuing careers as educators.