Preschool teachers wishing to get a degree in early childhood education need to take the general education courses required for all bachelor's of arts degrees. At most colleges and universities, these courses make up approximately 45 of the 120 or so credits required for the BA. General education courses include composition, speech, math (usually algebra), laboratory science such as biology or chemistry, sociology, psychology, history, literature, humanities, art and physical education.
Higher level courses for preschool teachers often focus on teaching methods for young children. These classes teach physical, social and cognitive development and often cover topics such as diversity and special needs. Titles like Children's Literature, Multicultural Education, Language Development, Observing and Assessing the Young Child, Developmental Psychology, Teaching Art to Preschoolers, Creative Expression and Play in Young Children, Education of the Exceptional Student and Working with Infants and Toddlers are common. Technology offerings continue to grow.
Other courses deal with more administrative concepts such as nutrition, statistics, community relations, assessment and classroom and behavioral management. Some schools hold classes that deal with the legal aspects of setting up and maintaining a preschool, how to obtain licensing, staff relationships, working with parents and general leadership strategies. Graduate level classes in early childhood education cover these same general issues but more in-depth than undergraduate courses. Research courses are generally reserved for master's or Ph.D. candidates.
Courses for early childhood education degrees include field experience. Students spend time observing and evaluating experienced teachers in preschool settings before working as teachers in the centers themselves under supervision. Cooperating teachers and university or college supervisors meet with these student teachers to discuss problems, goals and strategies. Graduate schools typically require students to take a class in which they complete a project or thesis that often involves such hands-on experience.