Future educators are trained in Early Childhood Education to motivate students and foster a welcoming environment that caters to their curiosity and love of learning. Students often gain knowledge on how to instruct youngsters of various age groups but typically between the ages of two and eight.

Students pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education acquire tools to assist the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth of young children. They learn about the key phases of child development as well as how to support young children in achieving each developmental milestone. An Early Childhood Education course will help develop skill sets in basic English, special education, talent development, reading, mathematics, and the arts.

A strong foundation in Early Childhood Education will enable students to observe children well and to listen intently so as to be able to respond to their emotional and educational needs without being overbearing. Students will also need to come up with imaginative ways to engage in activities with their students. Additionally, students will need to improve their communication skills to keep excellent ties with parents and provide them with advice on how to support their children's healthy development.

Study levels:

Colleges and universities in India and abroad offer a variety of undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes in Early Childhood Education and these include:

• Bachelor of Science in Education in Early Childhood and Childhood Education
• Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development
• Bachelor Degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education
• Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science with emphasis on Child Development and Education
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education in a Mobile Society
• Master Degree in Research and Innovation in Specific Didactics for early Childhood and Primary Education
• Master in Early Language Education for Intercultural Communication
• Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)
• Master of Science in Developmental Psychopathology in Education and Child Studies
• Master Degree in Early Care
• Master Degree in Montessori Pedagogy
• Master of Arts in Childhood Studies
• Master of Fine Arts in Child Culture Design
• Master of Science In Education and Child Studies
• Master of Science in Interventions in Childhood
• Ph.D. in Research Training in Pedagogical Resources and Learning Processes in Kindergarten and School
• Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education

Specialisations:

Students can further refine their knowledge in child development by selecting an area of specialisation in Early Childhood Education from the following:

• Early Childhood Curriculum and Methods
• Language Development in Young Children
• Children’s Literature
• Administration of Early Childhood Education
• Advanced Topics in Child Development and Learning
• Building Family and Community Partnerships
• Foundations of Early Childhood Education
• Play and Learning in Early Childhood Education
• Infant / Toddler Learning Environments
• Child Guidance and Classroom Management
• Constructivist Teaching with Young Children
• Young Children with Special Needs
• Assessment in Early Childhood and Elementary Education

Employability:

Graduates with a degree in Early Childhood Education are open to an array of job opportunities in hospitals, special education facilities, public or private kindergartens and schools, as well as administrative roles, or lobbying for improved state educational systems.

Job roles include:

• Early Years Teacher
• Education Consultant
• Family Support Worker
• Learning Mentor
• Primary School Teacher
• Special Educational Needs Coordinator
• Social Worker
• Teaching Assistant
• Youth Worker
• Child Psychotherapist
• Children’s Nurse
• Community Development Worker
• Speech and Language Therapist
• Childcare Centre Director
• Home-Based Service Provider
• Reading Specialist
• Intervention Specialist