Early Childhood Education Alternative Teacher Certification Programs
The field of early childhood education is an essential part of America’s education system. What children learn in this stage of their life stays with them through the rest of their educational journey. As a result, this field requires skilled professionals that can tailor their teaching style to suit the needs of young children.
Alternative certification programs offer a way for bachelor’s degree holders to get into the field of education without having to repeat all of their coursework. This page explains the requirements and training you need, including a list of schools that offer these programs.
Alternative certification programs offer a way for bachelor’s degree holders to get into the field of education without having to repeat all of their coursework. You must have a bachelor’s degree in any field to qualify for an alternative certification program. Your academic performance may be an important part of the admissions process, as your school may require you to have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Class Requirements for Earning an Alternative Teacher Certification in Early Childhood Ed
Since you should already have your prerequisite courses completed, you should be able to jump right into early childhood education courses in your curriculum. You may take courses like Child Growth and Development, Child, Family, & Community, and Language & Literature for the Young Child. Other courses may also delve into specific areas of instruction for this age group. For example, you may take courses like Math and Science for Young Children, Art and Music for the Young Child, and General Instruction Techniques for the Young Child.
At the end of your degree program, you should anticipate a practical experience component. You may put your skills to work in a preschool, 4K, or kindergarten classroom. This is an important part of your education, as it may help you develop connections with local teaching professionals.
Work Opportunities
Skilled teachers are in high demand all over the country, which is why there are so many scholarship programs for early childhood education students. The Bright Future Scholarship is worth between $250 and $1000 for full-time early childhood education students. It’s likely that your state offers teaching scholarships. For example, T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Wisconsin supports students with financial aid opportunities.
With your alternative early childhood teaching certification in hand, you may be ready to start your career. You may wish to become a preschool teacher. Preschool teachers earn an average salary of $27,570 per year and job openings are expected to increase by 17% through 2022 (O*Net, 2013 and 2012). Those who go into kindergarten teaching may claim an average salary of $50,230 per year (O*Net, 2013). Job openings in this field may increase by 13% through 2022 (O*Net, 2012).
Choosing a career in early childhood education can give you the chance to shape the minds of the next generation through careful instruction and proper education techniques. To learn more about the early childhood certification options in your area, reach out to alternative certification programs near you.
