Early Childhood Education Degrees in Rhode Island
Some industries focus on improving life in the present moment, while others have long-lasting effects that can be seen decades later. Education fits into both categories.
The work you do as an educator changes the lives of children every day, but it also changes how children learn and view the world for the rest of their lives. Many experts agree that early education is a cornerstone of children’s lifelong academic success.
Becoming an Early Childhood Teacher in Rhode Island
When you start your career in Rhode Island, you benefit from the state’s tightly knit educational system, which is supported by a substantial amount of funding. Discover what the next step is in this process by contacting Rhode Island early childhood education programs.
Rhode Island strives to give early education professionals the tools, education, and training they need to make a difference in students’ lives. The Center for Early Learning Professionals in Rhode Island helps new teachers find mentors, get feedback on their teaching abilities, attend training seminars, and get legislative updates related to the field of education. As a student, you may want to join and start building your network of teaching experts.
This is the time to discover how to teach toddlers, play with preschoolers, and educate elementary students.
Reach out to early childhood education schools on our list below to learn more.
Getting Your Early Childhood Education Degree in Rhode Island
Rhode Island is known for its high-quality education system, which benefits you both as a college student and as an early education teacher. Make sure you choose to earn your Bachelor’s degree in education at an accredited university, as this is a core requirement of teacher licensing in Rhode Island.
In this state, all licensing goes through the Rhode Island Department of Education. They require passing scores on multiple Praxis exams, a clear background check, and proof of your undergraduate education before they award you a license.
Early Childhood Teacher Courses
- Early Childhood Curriculum
- Early Language and Literacy Development
- Education of Special Needs Students
- Assessment in Early Childhood
- Teaching Literacy in the Primary Grades
- Math and Science in Early Grades
- Language Arts and Social Studies in Early Grades
You may need to spend one to two years getting general education credits before you can start your actual teaching coursework. This is because most teaching programs have strict admissions requirements that test your general knowledge, your dedication to teaching, and your potential for teaching.
Overall, your teaching degree should take about eight semesters. This includes general academic courses, teaching theory courses, and classroom rotations. Early childhood education schools may assign you to different preschools, elementary schools, and daycares that expose you to various teaching settings and student needs.
Consider whether you’d like to spend your career working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, or young elementary students. This can help you choose a teaching site for your student teaching semester, which can significantly impact the early stages of your career.
Which Rhode Island program accommodates your learning style and your career goals?
Find out now by contacting local teaching schools below.
Working as an Early Childhood Educator in Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, job growth rates are very close to those reported in other New England states. Average salaries are generally significantly higher than those earned in nearby states and other parts of the country.
Between 2014 and 2024, demand for preschool teachers may swell 6% in Rhode Island (O*Net, 2016). Preschool teachers report an average income of $36,490 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016).
Job openings for elementary school teachers in RI may increase 2% through 2024 (O*Net, 2016). Professionals at this level earn an average of $68,330 per year (BLS, 2016).
Once you’ve started building your career, there are many ways you can improve your teaching skills and do more for the students you teach. Look into joining the Rhode Island Early Learning Council and becoming an advocate for your industry, your students, and the families you serve.
If you’re excited about the opportunity to earn an early childhood education degree, compare options now.
Just get in touch with the Rhode Island schools on our page.
