Is obtaining an asb degree in early childhood education  really necessary for working in preschools?
140343
Yes it is. In this day and age it is very competitive. Also, many states require such a degree for employees of licensed programs.
618052
I agree completely with warren1515.  young children learn through playing.  Some of the academics that are done in kindergarten are appropriate and good but there should always be play time, the kids need it and will get burned out if they don't get it.  I also think that many school systems assume that all children are going to preschool and getting the skills they need to begin kindergarten with this new curriculum and that is just not the case.  Many states are now beginning free state funded preschools to encourage parents to put their kids in preschool.
622491
They are a good way to get a degree for people with limited time, such as working parents, etc.\n\nMy friend received her master's degree through online courses.  It took her only one year as opposed to the normal two years.  She had to write papers and participate in weekly chat groups, but nothing very extensive.  While she's enjoying the salary hike thanks to having her master's degree, she says that she didn't really get a lot from the courses themselves.  She also admits that she didn't put as much effort into it as she could have, though.\n\nIf you were able to choose either online courses or a traditional classroom setting for your bachelor's degree, however, I would definitely opt for the classroom!
988751
For accredited social work, that doesn't exist because you're required internships, supervision, etc. It's considered a professional degree to have even a BSW and requires classroom attendance. I'm sorry that other options don't exist.\n\nI got my BSW at the University of North Texas and it was GREAT! \nI got my MSSW at the University of Texas at Arlington and it was fabulous, also.\n\nBoth universities are in the DFW area. Both are great! Good luck with whatever you choose.
1045858
I am currently a senior early childhood major in college.  In my four years of being an early childhood major, I have learned the basics about education, (including theorists and the history of the education system in the United States).  My very first college class in early chilldhood education was entitled the Foundations of Education.  From there, I took an Intro to Early Childhood Class.  This class introduced me to the developmental stages of children in the early childhood levels.  We also covered basic terminology that everyday early childhood teachers would use.  At my school, we are fortunate enough to take a course on Intro to Inclusive Early Childhood.  This course gave me a variety of information on students who will/might have diabilities as well as how to fill out an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for students.\nMy junior and senior years of college have included courses on how to teach specific subjects, i.e., Teaching mathematics to early childhood students.  In this methods classes, we learn how to teach specifics areas as well as participate in activities and use manipulatives.  During all of my early childhood courses, I have the opportunity to gain field experience by observing, teaching, and working in early childhood classrooms.\n\nI hope this makes sense.  Early Childhood Education is a wonderful major to go into.  I have enjoyed my time and am eager to get into the classroom!  Good luck!
898065
I majored in Child Development. I don't do much with it now, but it does come in handy every now and again with my own children. You learn about how children develop ie: average age they begin to walk, talk, etc.
863691
In FL, we have 2 paths for Elementary Education one is Elementary Education (K-5) the other is PreK Primary which is prek -3.  I think teaching is a "good" profession as it is high demand, you can move and easily find a job, there are a lot of opportunities for continuing growth, the kids are pretty cool and you get a lot of time off.  Now the bad, the salary is kind of crap, parents can be a pain in the butt,  no child left behind (not even the little kid in the back who sleeps everyday and is borderline abused and doesn't eat at home and has to stay up cleaning the house) ie you are responsible for the education of every kid in your room regardless of their home life (and some are pretty terrible).  I love teaching!  But it is NOT an easy job!!!  But can be very rewarding.
862741
I know a lot about child care as that is my field. I don't have a CDA, but I do know that someone in Head Start told me they would choose a CDA over someone, like me, with an elem. ed. degree and years of ECE experience. \n\nWhat is it you want to know?
460753
In order to work in some professions, it is required.  Physical Therapy and Advance Nurse Practioners, Social Workers who want to be therapists, most teaching positions encourage graduate degrees and if you want to teach on a college level require as a minimum a graduate degree.  If you wanted to do research, a minimum of a graduate degree is required.  Additionally there are jobs in business that have minimum requirements of a graduate degree - such as certain finance jobs, product management, consulting work, etc.  As you can see, many, many jobs require advanced education as even a stepping stone toward entry.  \n\nMost of these jobs pay pretty well - and they should since they require more education and high levels of responsibility, but that might not be the only reason you want to do it.  There's something to be said about running a project or making the decisions about therapy or whatever...being in charge that is rewarding and more interesting than just arriving at work and punching a clock.
1094527
Any type of degree or certification improves your chances over those who don't have it.  An AA is also a good stepping stone to a Bachelor's...and sounds like it's a good short-term goal for you.  As an individual who has to hire people periodically, if an individual is over 25 and doesn't have a degree or certification of any sort, I put their resume aside.  I worked full time, had a full time job, and helped support a household and still managed to find time to improve myself with education.  So, I expect the same of those who will work for me.
1141623
You are certainly qualified.  That is the problem.  I am currently a senior early childhood major (about to start my student teaching).  I have been told countless times that I need to get a job before I go for my master's degree because if I go straight for my master's degree after graduating with my BA, schools will not hire me because I would be higher on the pay scale.  School districts want to hire someone who is just starting out.  They want to pay the lowest amount possible.  Seeing as I am a female, I am also against the odds getting a job immediately because schools are searching for males to be early childhood teachers. A male would be hired before me anyday and schools look at the fact that males can coach sports. It's unfortunate about your situation.  With your experience, any school would be lucky enough to have you.\n\nGood luck.
671550
early childhood education or elementary education
219907
It's true.  Associates degrees don't get you anywhere except maybe an internship.  I have an Assoc. in Education, and I couldn't even get a job as an aide in a daycare.
223003
It's EXTREMELY important to get a college degree if you want a decent job.  Today's job market is much more competitive than it has *ever* been.  Today, bachelor's degrees are the *standard* (whereas a generation ago, a high school diploma was) for a *decent* job.  For anything beyond a decent job (and by decent, I mean simply steady employment with enough pay to *just* get by), you'll need an advanced degree.
652983
You need a BA in your subject area, your case Early Childhood Education (this is pre-K to 3 in most states). Unfortunately, you can't be certified in only Kindergarten. You also need to take a few teaching tests called the Praxis. As far as how much you make, it's varied from state to state and even by district (I started at $37,000 in CT with a BA). \n\nI teach Middle School, but I love it. If you are seriously interested see if you can either observe or help out in a local kindergarten class a few days a week (to get hands-on experience) or apply to work as a teacher at a daycare (such as Children's Discovery Center or Kindercare). You can teach school-age children and are expected to have lesson plans, etc. It's a good trial to see if it's something you want to do without wasting a lot of time and money in college to find out you don't want to do it.
151041
very legal. if you want your preschool to rin smoothly, it helps so much to have like-minded employees who belive in the morals of your school. i am a 7th grader at a christian school, and all of my teachers are strong christians.
281882
One of my undergrad degrees is Occupational Education.  \n\nMy 3 year old son is in pre-school.  He is a mainstreamed special needs child with downs.  He is very high functioning and has been in early intervention programs since six months age.\n\nThe Pre-k program here is awesome.  We have been in the classrom and observed the teacher and her aids working with the kids and they are thriving and developing exceptionaly well.\n\nWe went and checked it out before we put him in this program which is something I reccomend you do.  But I can not say enough good things about this program and the jump start it gives kids on both an educational and a social skills level.  \nThe spend a lot of time assessing developmental skills and if there are issues will likely spot them quick.  My boy gets his O.T. , P.T., speech, and sign language instruction from board certified therapists and educators, not something easily found at a day care. \n\nExcellent emphasis on communication skills to prep them for  more formal education.   \n\nBy the time these kids are at the Kindergarden age, they are at full speed, minds focused on learning, and are well prepared.  My little guy is up before 6 am and smiling ear to ear, love school, and comes home hunting for more things to learn about.