What level can you teach up to with a Bachlors in Early Childhood Education?

[newmoon]

I want to be a teacher and focus on the younger grades. I have heard that with a degree in early childhood education you can teach up to third grade? I just wanted to know if anyone who has a degree or knows anyone with a degree in early childhood education, if they teach in public schools and how high of a grade, they or you teach. I don't want to just be a preschool teacher. I am debating getting my bachelors in early childhood education, or get my bachelors in elementary education with a minor in early childhood education.

 

[LilyLouise]

In most states you can teach up to and including third grade. Many colleges allow a "double major" in this and Elementary Education. Instead of getting just a P-3 (Early Childhood) you can become certified in P-5 (in New Jersey Elementary Education only certifies you to teach up to and including fifth grade). Depending on your state, you may have to take two certification tests (one for Early Childhood and one for Elementary Education). Check with your University, they will be able to help you navigate your state's certification requirement process.

Good luck! Congrats on the career choice.

 

[Blondie23]

The education system is changing up (at least in PA), so I would call the specific college that you are interested in to be sure.

As of now, a bachelors in Early Childhood usually covers up to third grade. (Be careful not to do a 2 year associates degree, that is only preschool and sometimes kindergarten)

Right now (2009) Elementary Education covers Kindergarten to Sixth Grade, but at least in PA they are changing it up (in 2010) so that Early Childhood will be K-3, and Elementary will be 3-6. So make sure you call the college and get the specifics, you dont want to major in elem. education if it would only cover the older grades.

Good lucK!