What is the best school for Early Childhood Education?
I have reconsidered my major, and have thought about going to Early Childhood Education and maybe going into the Psychology field to be able to mentor to the students that I would teach. #psychology #education #childhood #early
3 answers
Daniela Silva
Daniela’s Answer
Hi Madison,
Below, you can read about a pair of top schools that offer early childhood education programs. Early childhood educators focus on infants, preschoolers and children in pre-kindergarten (pre-K) through third grade. The early childhood education programs at these two schools both award a bachelor's degree, though University of Texas at Austin also offers master's and doctoral degree programs in early childhood education that emphasize educational theory or leadership. After reviewing profiles for the following two schools, check out the list of additional options for early childhood education training.
Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN
School Highlight: Undergraduates at Peabody are quickly placed in preschools and primary schools, sometimes beginning in their second semester, so they can gain as much practical experience as possible before graduation.
In 2016, Vanderbilt University was ranked 15th by U.S. News & World Report in its 'National Universities' category. They also ranked the Peabody College of Education and Human Development as 3rd in the nation in the 'Best Education Schools' category.
The curriculum begins with field observation and participation in classrooms in local schools, agencies and Peabody College's experimental programs. Students are required to complete a second major in child studies, which may add courses beyond the 120 hours needed for the primary major.
- The University of Texas at Austin
School Highlight: Students in UT's School of Education have the opportunity to join a variety of education-related student organizations, including the Bilingual Education Student Organization, the Student Council for Exceptional Children, and Teachers of Tomorrow.
The University of Texas at Austin (UT) was ranked 16th among 'Top Public Schools' by U.S. News & World Report in 2016. UT was also ranked as 10th among 'Best Education Schools' with exceptionally high-ranking specialty programs, including 'Special Education' at 4th and 'Educational Psychology' at 10th.
The College of Education's Department of Curriculum and Instruction offers an interdisciplinary program that leads to a Master of Arts, Master of Education or Doctor of Philosophy in Early Childhood Education. The program, which focuses on child development and research methodology, as well as early childhood education issues, is considered preparation for careers in public elementary schools, childcare centers and preschools.
Boston University: All students in early childhood programs spend a semester working in the Early Childhood Learning Lab located on campus.
Florida State University: Only a select group of students is admitted to the Early Childhood Education program each year, ensuring a high-quality program.
New York University: The core curriculum at NYU meets the 30-point liberal arts concentration needed to be a certified teacher in New York State.
Purdue University: Graduates of early childhood program are prepared for licensure in generalist and exceptional needs categories.
University of Georgia: Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd) in early childhood education prepares graduates to work with students up through the 5th grade.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: To be admitted into the Early Childhood Education Program, students must complete seven prerequisite courses.
Source: http://study.com/articles/Best_Early_Childhood_Education_Programs_List_of_Top_Schools.html
I wish you all the best in your choices!!
Paul Skilton-Sylvester
Paul’s Answer
I attended Bank Street College of Education. It's a small, private college in Manhattan that only does early and elementary education (they may have added a middle school program by now). It's one of the few places that I know of that really specializes in early childhood education. I recommend it.
Linda Ann’s Answer
To the schools already identified in two other posts I would add one in your backyard, so to speak: TCU. The undergraduate psychology program is quite good, They have a research laboratory which focuses on early childhood issues named after Karen Purvis an alumnus of the PhD program.
Dr. Purvis'research started with the psychological issues faced by children raised in orphanages overseas and then were adopted by American families. These babies, toddlers and young children presented with severe behavioral problems unable to bond with their new families (we call it an attachment disorder). She was able to develop effective interventions for these "damaged" children and to assist the families coping with their new adoptees.
I wish you well finding a school and curriculum that seems like a "good fit" for your long term goals!