Early Childhood Education (ECE) is a popular study program focused on developing young learners. However, international students may wonder how ECE differs from other education programs and what the admission requirements are. If you’re an international student thinking about studying Early Childhood Education, read on to find out what you need to know about this exciting field!
Curious about other top career choices? These four fields are in high demand.
What is Early Childhood Education?
As the name suggests, Early Childhood Education focuses on the early stages of a child’s learning. These educators work with students under the age of 5, helping them grow emotionally, physically, and intellectually. ECE programs blend theoretical and hands-on coursework to make sure postsecondary students build the knowledge and skills they need to effectively teach and interact with young children. In your studies, you’ll learn about children’s developmental milestones and learning processes, as well as current teaching strategies and technology.
What are Common Entry Requirements?
Most ECE programs differ from other education-centric programs around prerequisites. While you usually need to have a Bachelor’s Degree before pursuing a Bachelor of Education, many colleges offer Early Childhood Education programs at entry level. This means the minimum prerequisite for some ECE programs is a high school diploma. However, some ECE programs will require a previous undergraduate degree. So, make sure you check your program admission page carefully before applying!
Since you’ll be in contact with children every day, different health certificates, immunizations, and vulnerable sector police record checks may also be mandatory before you can start working.
These top interpersonal skills are also good ones for ECEs to develop.
What Can I Do with a Degree in Early Childhood Education?
A diploma or degree in Early Childhood Education prepares you for much more than teaching preschool or kindergarten. In addition to those important fields, graduates will have the skills and knowledge to pursue career opportunities such as:
- Home- or school-based childcare provider
- Child care consultant
- Family support specialist
- Researcher
- Sales representative in the education market
Basically, if a job involves the education and wellbeing of young children, an Early Childhood Education degree or diploma will prepare you for it.
Why Is a Career in Early Childhood Education Worth It?
A career in Early Childhood Education lets you make a difference in the lives of our next generation. You’ll watch students make friends, write their name for the first time (sometimes with the letters in the right order, sometimes not yet), and smile as they learn new things.
Educators in this field teach very young students and must be patient, kind, resourceful, and open-minded. ECEs also need to understand different learning styles and neurodiversity, so different students can thrive in their learning environment.
It’s also a job where you’ll move around lots, as students under five years old don’t sit still very often! So if you want a desk job, this career might not be right for you, but if you’re looking for a role where play, laughter, and learning is something you do every day, consider becoming an ECE.
Plus, across the world, there is increasing demand for these professionals, so your job prospects are strong. In Canada, some projections note that 65,000 more child care workers, nearly half being registered ECEs, will be needed to accommodate the country’s upcoming changes to child care policy in 2023.
Where Can I Study ECE?
ApplyBoard is partnered with many colleges and universities that offer Early Childhood Education programs, including Fanshawe College and Brock University.
Curious about other early childhood education programs? Check our website for ECE programs offered in Australia, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Still not sure what you want to study? Read our free Program Selection Guide.
