An associate's degree in early childhood education can be earned in two years. Classes include child growth, child development and methods of teaching young children. Employees with an associate's degree in early childhood education work in preschools and daycare facilities as assistant or lead teachers.
Public elementary schools hire teachers with at least a bachelor's degree. Bachelor's degree programs in early childhood education usually take four years to complete. In addition to child development, child growth and methods of teaching young children, bachelor's degree programs cover general education requirements, classroom issues and pre-kindergarten through third grade instruction methods. Teachers with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education work as lead teachers in daycares and pre-schools or as elementary teachers.
A master's degree in early childhood education can be completed in three to five years and fulfills continuing education requirements for elementary teachers. Most school systems pay teachers more when they earn a master's degree. Master's degree programs in early childhood education often focus on technology and curriculum development in childcare centers or classrooms. Many programs emphasize knowledge of child development and communication skills in teacher-student and teacher-parent relations.
A doctoral degree in early childhood education prepares professionals for administrative jobs in education. Courses focus on research and development of educational theories and practices, classroom teaching methods, child psychology and sociology, curriculum development and administrative techniques. Professionals with doctoral degrees are paid high salaries in educational facilities.