What is Early Childhood Education?
ECE stands for Early Childhood Education, a theory of education regarding young children, generally including preschool, kindergarten, and first through third grade. While specific applications vary, much of ECE theory is based on the idea that children learn best through exploration and doing. The scholars Jean Piaget, Erik Erikson, John Dewey, and Lucy Sprague Mitchell were instrumental in guiding ECE to focus on children learning through play. This school of thought emphasizes the idea that playing meets a child’s physical, intellectual, language, emotional, and social (PILES) needs.
Pacific Oaks offers several Early Childhood Education degree programs for anyone interested in becoming a teacher, principal, or a leader in the education field.
- B.A. in Early Childhood Education
- M.A. in Early Childhood Education
- Ed.D. in Early Childhood Education
These degrees in Early Childhood Education focus on evidence-based learning, child development, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that can be applied when molding the future of childhood education.
How Do I Become a Teacher in California?
At a glance:
- Determine which grade level you wish to teach.
- Earn the appropriate teaching credential from an accredited college.*
- Maintain your teaching credential.
To become a teacher in California, teachers are required to have their B.A. or M.A. degree, as well as a teaching credential for the level that they wish to teach. Our in-person or online teacher credential programs can be part of a blended bachelor’s degree program or can be stand-alone for those who already have their bachelor’s degree. Teaching credentialing requirements vary by state. Some states do maintain reciprocity agreements, allowing people who have been issued certifications in one state to apply for similar credentials in others—although some additional coursework may be necessary.
* Pacific Oaks College is accredited by the WASC of Colleges Senior Colleges (WSCUC). In addition to WASC accreditation, the online Early Childhood Education certification program must also be on the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) approved programs list.
Additional Careers in Early Childhood Education
In addition to teaching, graduates of our Early Childhood Education programs can find rewarding careers in public or private schools, childcare programs, state agencies, and nonprofits in the following roles:
- Childcare/Preschool administrator
- Principal (requires master’s degree). Learn how to become a school principal.
- Assistant director
- Education Policy Analyst (requires doctorate)
- School Superintendent (requires master’s degree, Ed.D. degree recommended). Learn how to become a school superintendent.
- ECE Professor (requires ECE doctorate)
What Can You Do With an ECE Degree?
After graduating from an Early Childhood Education program, the most common career path is to become a teacher, typically in preschool or elementary school. There are other career options for ECE graduates and various settings that professionals can pursue post-graduation. Our Early Childhood Education programs prepare students to work in public schools, government agencies, childcare centers, faith or community organizations, not-for-profit organizations, and more. Learn more about the different work environments for ECE careers.
Why choose an Early Childhood Education degree in California?
Pacific Oaks, based in Pasadena, California has been instrumental in shaping the field of ECE since the U.S. government asked us to launch one of the nation’s first Head Start training programs in 1964. Due to the ongoing state educational reforms and investments, entering the workforce in California’s public education system offers benefits to professionals. With high demand, attractive benefits, professional development opportunities, and job stability, Early Childhood Education is an exciting field in California.
Our programs in Early Childhood Education integrate Pacific Oaks’ transformative approach to Early Childhood Education with a strong grounding in theory, research, and hands-on experience.
Students in our Early Childhood Education degree programs, online or in California, will have the opportunity to work with children and families from underrepresented and underprivileged areas. Our courses in early childhood development include collaborating with educational administrators and leaders on projects including program evaluation, business process, and creating and implementing policies and practices.
Ed.D. Early Childhood Education
As part of our growing ECE program, both online and in Pasadena, California, our Early Childhood Education doctorate prepares graduates for a variety of ECE-related careers. The Doctor of Education in Early Childhood Education program is the highest level of education to be achieved in this field.
The Ed.D. Early Childhood Education program encourages graduates to evaluate outcome-based learning experiences, analyze education policies for areas of improvement, use critical thinking and data in molding the ECE career fields for future generations, and train future educators in the core values for a positive impact.
Benefits of Online Early Childhood Education Degrees:
Pacific Oaks offers a variety of online ECE degrees and certification programs for those who do not live in California or need extra flexibility in their schedule. Our child development degrees online aim to prepare students for the working world of Early Childhood Education.Â
​​Online ECE courses at Pacific Oaks are offered through Canvas—an advanced interactive distance learning tool for easy access to instructors, coursework, and learning materials. Please view our technology requirements before choosing our online Early Childhood Education bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate programs.
Learn about the degree specializations available to candidates in the bachelor’s or master’s degree programs in Early Childhood Education that will help set you apart in leadership as you progress.
To find out more about the B.A., M.A., or Ed.D. in Early Childhood Education degree programs, complete the form below.