Early Childhood Education Degrees in Delaware
One of the most effective ways to change society is to improve access to early childhood education. Far from just coloring and shape identification, early childhood education teaches children how to succeed in academic settings, how to build lifelong social skills, and how to build a love of learning.
For that reason, states like Delaware have made early education a huge priority for the next decade and beyond. High-quality training in this area can empower you to start a fulfilling teaching career.
Becoming an Early Childhood Teacher in Delaware
Which early childhood education schools fit your learning style and give you the teaching experience you need to thrive?
Get more information on local options by requesting information from schools below.
A huge body of research supports increase spending in early childhood education. In Delaware, funding is on the rise because of a study that found that preschool attendance creates better citizens (Delco Times, 2016).
This finding can change the state of Delaware as a whole, helping today’s children create a stronger society and quality of life in the future. Local agencies like the Delaware Early Childhood Council make education accessible to kids of all backgrounds, including those whose parents cannot afford to pay for preschool out-of-pocket.
It’s important to find an accredited program that meets the standards of Delaware’s education system.
Learn more about early childhood education Delaware options with the list of schools below, and reach out to programs that catch your eye.
Getting Your Early Childhood Education Degree in Delaware
There are several ways to get started in the field of early education.
If you pursue an early childhood education certificate, you may get the training you need to serve as an assistant in local preschools and kindergarten classes. You may be able to complete a certificate in one to two years.
If you want to have your own classroom and expand your student age range up to third grade, considered a Bachelor’s degree. It takes the average student four years to complete a Bachelor’s degree, although you may be able to save some time by attending summer courses when possible.
After passing a general knowledge test and meeting the academic standards of your school’s teaching program, you may get started with core teaching coursework.
Coursework Options in Delaware
- Educational Psychology
- Guiding Children’s Development and Learning
- Working with Families and Community Services
- Language, Literacy, and Linguistic Diversity
- Early Childhood Curriculum Development
- Foundations of Literacy Learning
- Early Childhood Integrated Curriculum
- Development and Assessment of Infants and Toddlers
- Assessment of the Whole Child
Depending on the school you choose, you may start classroom experience in your first or second semester. The earlier you get acclimated to a classroom setting and see how teaching theories are really applied, the more you can improve as a teacher by the time you graduate.
All of your coursework culminates in a semester of student teaching, which matches you with a local experienced teacher and allows you to take on teaching duties and responsibilities.
One of the benefits of studying early education is the huge variety of scholarships that are available in this field. As a Delaware student, you may apply for the Delaware T.E.A.C.H Scholarship. Many schools have dedicated scholarship funds for education students, so begin the application process early to fully explore your options.
Finally, you can apply for a license through the Delaware Department of Education. Testing requirements depend on which level of teaching license you apply for, but you do have to go through a background check to ensure that you can safely work with children.
There’s no time like right now to pursue the career that you have always wanted. Request information on earning an early childhood education degree from Delaware schools today.
Working as an Early Childhood Educator in Delaware
The field of education has seen healthy growth in Delaware in recent years, a trend that may continue for quite a while. According to O*Net, job openings for Delaware preschool teachers may increase 15% by the year 2024 (2016). Demand for elementary school teachers may increase 9% at the same time (O*Net, 2016).
On average, preschool teachers in this state earn $26,570 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016). The average annual income for an elementary school teacher in Delaware is $60,250 (BLS, 2016).
Look into local resources that can help you make the most of your education. The Delaware Association for the Education of Young Children advocates for educators and the children they serve, providing access to training events, networking opportunities, and other benefits.
If you’re ready to explore your future as a teacher, early childhood education schools are ready to help you get started.
Get in touch with schools near you to find a good fit.
