If you're interested in working with younger children, you should pursue a bachelor of science in early childhood education. While many workers in this field get hired at day care centers and preschools, you will also be qualified to work in lower grade levels at elementary schools. In some states, you can work at a religious or private school with just an associate's degree in early childhood education, but all 50 states require at least a bachelor's degree in this field to work at a public elementary school. In your degree program, you'll cover information such as family support, basic learning skills for children and curriculum management.
Like with early childhood, all states require a four-year bachelor's degree to work in public schools, though some states' private and religious schools may only require associate's degrees. A BS in elementary education degree program includes courses in core academics (math, art, history, science and language), educational psychology and specialty areas, which are the core academic areas that most interest you. You'll also complete a student-teaching program, which puts you in the classroom for real-life experience teaching elementary school children. You can also go on to get your master's degree in elementary education, which allows you to learn advanced teaching skills and qualify for head teacher positions.
A bachelor's degree in special education allows you to work with students at all levels, including elementary school. Many states are now requiring you to go on to get a master's degree in this field, so check with you state to find specific qualifying information. You can also get a doctorate degree in this field. This degree teaches you how to approach teaching with students who have physical and mental disabilities, so along with typical education courses, you'll also take courses in areas such as speech therapy or nonverbal communication.