Early Childhood Education Degrees in Iowa
Although early education does teach children about shapes, colors, letters, and other basic topics, it does far more for their development than previously thought. Early education helps children appreciate learning, build critical thinking skills, and develop a solid sense of self.
Early education is a major priority in the United States, leading to a growing demand for licensed teachers in states like Iowa. If you have ever considered becoming a teacher, find out if you are a good fit for the field of early childhood education.
Becoming an Early Childhood Teacher in Iowa
Getting the right training gives you a solid foundation for a teaching career.
Request information from Iowa early childhood education programs below to learn more.
Since this field has grown so rapidly, there are many government agencies and nonprofit organizations that are focused on early education. These organizations can be an excellent resource for you, both when you are a student and when you become a licensed teacher.
Early Childhood Iowa looks at early education and how it can be combined with free meals, welfare, parent education, and medical care to give children a positive start in life. Teachers at this level often use the resources of the Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children, a group that serves the needs of teachers and the industry as a whole.
There are many Iowa schools that can get you on the right path for a new career.
Find out how to become an early childhood teacher by reaching out to schools today.
Getting Your Early Childhood Education Degree in Iowa
By the time you step foot in an early childhood classroom as a licensed teacher, you should have extensive experience in childhood development, learning styles, and teaching techniques.
To qualify for teacher licensure in Iowa, you need a Bachelor’s degree. This degree includes 120 credits, including general education courses, teaching courses, and classroom experience.
As a new student, you may enroll in general courses in topics like social studies, mathematics, and science. Once you have a high GPA and enough credits, you may qualify for acceptance to a teaching program.
From there, you move on to the second step of your education, which involves learning about the field of early education. Your required courses should offer plenty of background in teaching theory, as well as practical experience.
Common Course Offerings in Iowa
- Learning Technologies in the PK-6 Classroom
- Social Foundations of Education
- Literature for Children
- Assessment and Curricula for Ages Birth through 2
- Guidance and Group Management in Early Childhood
- Assessment and Programming for Ages 3 through 6
- Strategies in Teaching
- The Teaching of Reaching and Language Arts
- Teaching in Inclusive Primary Settings
Overall, you may spend close to 1000 hours in local classrooms. Much of your experience comes from student teaching, a full-semester experience that concludes your teaching degree.
By keeping the same hours as a full-time teacher, learning from a licensed teacher, and getting feedback on your teaching, you may polish your skills and get ready for your licensing exams and the job search.
Scholarships and grants aim to increase the amount of educators in Iowa by making it more practical for students to complete their degree. T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Iowa awards scholarships annually to early education students for help with tuition and living expenses.
There are lots of early education training programs in Iowa, which can help you find a school that meets your needs.
Start to explore your options now by reaching out to Iowa schools.
Working as an Early Childhood Educator in Iowa
Your teaching degree should give you the preparation you need to pass your licensing exams. Through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, you must pass the Praxis II exam and apply for your license.
Job growth rates in Iowa mirror those reported in other parts of the country. Job openings for preschool teachers may increase 14% by the year 2024 (O*Net, 2016). Elementary school teachers may see an 8% boost in demand during this time (O*Net, 2016).
Your income may be influenced by a number of factors, including which grade level you teach, which school district employs you, and how much experience you have. The average annual income for an Iowa preschool teacher is $27,070 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016). Elementary school teachers earn an average of $51,180 per year (BLS, 2016).
An early childhood education degree can help you get involved in one of the fastest growing sectors of education in the United States.
Discover which program is right for you and contact early childhood education schools today.
