Early Childhood Education- Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is Early Childhood Education?  Early Childhood Education is an education specialty designed to prepare individuals to work with children birth through third grade and their families.
  2. What are typical job opportunities in Early Childhood Education?  Graduates of the two year programs in Early Childhood Education at Columbia State may be employed as assistants in public schools, home visitors, lead teachers in preschool programs (private or Head Start programs), or directors of pre-school centers.
  3. Can I teach in pre-kindergarten at risk or public schools with a two year degree?  No.  You could be an assistant, but not a lead teacher.
  4. What is the difference between Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education?  The Elementary Education program is designed for K - 8th grade at the present time.  The methodology differs in Elementary Education because it is teaching through direct instruction with some rote learning, some hands-on, and some teacher or child produced activities.  Early Childhood Education is designed for children birth through third grade.  It focuses on the child as the learner and individualized developmentally appropriate activities to support the children's domains.  Most school systems prefer Early Childhood Certification for children below the third grade level.
  5. I am not sure which program best suits my needs.  What should I do?  Call or e-mail the director to set up an appointment to discuss the possibilities.

            

            

            

 


 
Columbia State Community College is a Tennessee Board of Regents Institution and is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer committed to the education of a nonracially identifiable student body.   The views and opinions expressed on this page are strictly those of the director.  The contents of this page have not been reviewed or approved by Columbia State Community College.