How to Identify a Good Early Childhood Education Degree Program

Early childhood education is one of the most significant and impactful career paths you can pursue. Ask any early childhood educator and they’ll likely gush over how much they love what they do. An early childhood education degree (ECE degree) opens many doors, leading the way to unlimited rewarding professional options from teaching preschool to operating your own childcare center and much more. However, it’s essential that you choose an ECE degree program that aligns with your specific career goals. 

For many adults, attending a four-year college isn’t a feasible option as it requires too much time and money. The good news is you don’t have to attend a traditional college to achieve a successful ECE career. Earning an ECE degree from a vocational school is an excellent option for those who dream of a career in education but lack the resources to commit to several years of higher education and hefty tuition fees from a four-year university.

How to Find the Best ECE Program 

When searching for the best ECE degree program for you, it’s important to eliminate schools that aren’t up to par. A quality ECE program focuses on education but not every course should focus on teaching related topics only. Many ECE students go on to accept positions outside of teaching, so it’s essential that required coursework is multifaceted, covering a broad range of topics through different approaches. 

Why Choose Athena Career Academy? 

Athena Career Academy is dedicated to offering a comprehensive Early Childhood Education Associate Degree Program Majoring in Early Childhood Education Birth through Age 5. You will learn how to educate, encourage, guide, and inspire while using Developmentally Appropriate Practice Methods. You will study the developmental levels from birth through age 8. Athena integrates the NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) standards into their curriculum and Ohio’s Early Learning and Development Standards in all Essential Domains Birth through age 5. 

However, that’s not all you’re going to get. Athena offers so much more, including: 

• Intimate learning environment 
• One-on-one attention 
• Low tuition rates 
• Excellent career opportunities upon graduation 
• Caring instructors fully invested in your success and future 
• Accelerated program in as little as 2 days a week 

Athena provides a warm, welcoming environment where students become lifelong friends. They encourage positive behavior, manners, and self-esteem building exercises to ensure students become successful professionals and stellar role models.

Benefits of a Career in Early Childhood Education 

A career in early childhood education provides immeasurable rewards. It’s why you’ll hear teachers refer to their career as a calling or passion instead of just a job. In addition to giving you a warm, fuzzy feeling, here are a few other reasons to explore this noble career path. 

• Health and Retirement Benefits 

Although a career in ECE doesn’t pay as high as some jobs, the benefits are a bonus. Health insurance is expensive, as is saving for retirement. Earning an early childhood education degree is worth the investment as it provides extra security for retirement. 

• Stable Job Growth 

The job growth rate for an early childhood educator is on track with the national average, making it a stable career option. If you’re worried about job security, rest assured there will always be a great demand for qualified, creative educators. 

• Additional Time Off 

Educators often get the added benefit of receiving more time off than other professionals, including weeknights, weekends, and many holidays off. 

If you’ve always felt like becoming a teacher is the perfect career for you, but thought it was out of reach due to time constraints or financial limitations, let’s talk. Contact Athena Career Academy to learn more about financial aid options, our flexible class schedules, and details about how to enroll in our no-wait-list ECE program to start earning your degree. The sooner you get started, the sooner you’ll be standing in front of your own classroom full of eager students.