Elementary education programs typically focus on preparing teachers to instruct children in kindergarten through grade five or six. In contrast, early childhood education programs cover child development and instructional practices pertaining to children through 8 years old.
Pre-service teachers should compare specific program features. These include student-teaching opportunities, curriculum and certification options. Depending on what ages the teacher would like to work with, one of the degrees might not provide appropriate training.
Although both types of degrees lead to teacher licensure or certification, interested individuals should compare specific state requirements. For example, in the state of Pennsylvania, early childhood degree-holders may not teach children over grade three, and elementary degree-holders may not teach children younger than kindergarten.
Although both degrees might lead to state certification, some early childhood degrees do not. Schools that offer associate and diploma programs in early childhood education typically do not have a certification option.