Early Childhood Education Programs: Frequently Asked Questions

Are you thinking about improving your knowledge and competencies in order to better enhance children's outcomes in your program? With the current growing interest in quality early childhood education, demand for highly qualified early childhood teachers is on the rise. If you are considering going back to school, be sure that you are an "educated higher education consumer."

In today's early childhood education environment, it is very important to have the degree and/or credential that can help you achieve your career goals. Once you have decided to continue your education, you will be faced with numerous early childhood education programs from which to choose. You may find yourself asking the question - "How am I supposed to know whether these programs are legitimate or even right for me?"

Below are some questions and answers to help guide you as you go through this process:

1. What should I look for when considering enrolling in an early education degree program? Early childhood education and teacher preparation programs prepare individuals to work with young children. Numerous research studies attest to the critical importance of the education and professional development of early childhood practitioners to children's positive outcomes. Two federal programs, the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law and Good Start, Grow Smart, which emphasize quality of early childhood education and teacher preparation programs, have focused national attention on the importance of "highly qualified teachers" in children's educational success. Some of the things to consider when looking for a quality early childhood teacher preparation program are:

-Program accreditation
-Characteristics and qualifications of the faculty
-Types of courses and degrees offered
-What kind of practicum experiences are provided to students?
-Does the school have partnerships with other colleges so you can complete a bachelor's degree?
-Does the program cover the full range of early childhood (Birth through grade 3)?
-Accessibility of programs to students
-Support and guidance for non-traditional students
-Variety of course delivery options

2. What is accreditation?
Today, higher education programs are offered in a variety of ways - traditional and classroom-based on and off campus, online, or hybrid which is a combination of face-to-face instruction and online. Determining which early childhood education programs are legitimate can be a daunting experience. That is why it is important to know if the early childhood education program is accredited before you enroll. Accreditation ensures that the programs of study offered meet standards for quality higher education.

An accrediting organization reviews colleges, universities and other higher education institutions in order to guarantee their effectiveness, quality and improvement efforts. Accreditation is provided by private, non-governmental organizations established specifically to review higher education institutions and their programs of study.

3. How can I tell if the college I am considering is accredited or not?
Visit either the UCEA directory or The Department of Education's website. You may also contact the institution itself to find out if it is accredited and by which body, and then research the accreditation organization to verify its legitimacy.

For more information about advancing your education career contact your local online learning institution.