Early childhood educators get an amazing opportunity to provide students with their first school experience. These teachers play a pivotal role as they lay the foundation for the next decade of learning. What can a doctorate degree bring to this field of children age birth-third grade? Surprisingly, there are many doors a doctorate in early childhood opens up for a professional. What exactly is a doctorate in early childhood education, what are the reasons to earn a doctorate, and what are some things to consider before pursuing a doctorate degree?
What is a Doctorate in Early Childhood Education?
A doctorate in early childhood allows an educator to make an even greater impact in the early childhood field. It deepens one’s knowledge, helps refine research skills, and allows educators to connect and network with other professionals in the field. A program such as this typically requires between 60-90 credit hours of work.
Additionally, admission requirements for a doctorate in early childhood education often require a master’s degree in a related field, letters of recommendation from academic and professional references, writing samples, statement of purpose, professional resume demonstrating teaching experience, and GRE scores. With all the requirements to work towards a doctorate, what are the reasons educators seek this degree?
Reasons to Earn a Doctorate in Early Childhood Education
Research from the National Association for the Education of Young Children reports that children’s brains undergo rapid development up to the age of eight. This rate of growth is much greater than at any other time in their lives. These reports also find strong evidence that education in these early years is a factor in determining a child’s later academic performance, professional success, and economic outcomes. A strong early childhood education can even influence the probability of involvement, or lack of involvement, in criminal activity in the future.
There are many reasons one would like to pursue a doctorate in the early childhood field. For starters, it sets an educator up for taking on research and leadership positions in early childhood education as well as teaching at the college or university level. Educators with a doctorate in early childhood can become candidates for administer or superintendent roles.
A doctoral degree also allows one to advance educational theories that can transform education at a broader level, creating positive changes in the field. There are many advantages to working towards a doctorate degree, but what are some other things someone should consider before embarking on the journey towards their next degree?
Things to Consider Before Pursuing a Doctorate
There are many reasons to pursue a doctorate degree. A good starting place is to determine your “why.”
- Are you a lifelong learner that wants to advance your knowledge in the field?
- Are you considering a role in administration?
- Do you want to work at the collegiate level?
Or maybe you simply want to max yourself out on the pay scale. There is no wrong answer, but knowing your why can help you keep your goals at the forefront of your mind as you enter into this next phase of schooling.
Once you have determined your why, do your homework. Be sure to pick a program that meets your personal and professional goals. Consider academic rigor, the requirements necessary for completion, and the faculty you will be working with.
Additionally, there are dozens of programs to consider, and the time required to complete them varies.
- Do you want to pursue a degree that can mostly be completed virtually?
- Do you learn best in person?
These are all valuable questions to put some thought into. Reaching out to an advisor at the schools you are considering is a great resource to consider. Ask for the contact information of recent graduates that would be available to answer questions. These students are often the most honest about the programs they have just completed and a great way to make sure you are choosing the best one for you.
Lastly, set realistic goals and expectations for yourself. Decide when it works best for you and your family to set aside the time you need to focus on your schooling. For some, that may be Saturday mornings. For others, that may be post kid bedtime a few nights a week. Establishing a routine will help make the school-work seem more predictable and less stressful. Additionally, make sure you turn to ways you can destress as well as self-care techniques so you don’t burn yourself out throughout the process.
Earning a doctorate in early childhood education is an amazing accomplishment. Determine your “why,” find the right program, and set realistic goals for yourself, all while making time for distress and self-care, will help make this journey a positive experience.
Because of the importance of those formative years, early childhood education careers are vital in setting learners up for success. In the field of education, the Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) degree is a terminal degree that can prepare professionals to make an impact in early childhood education. Ed.D. graduates who have studied topics like leadership and education policy can make a positive difference in school districts, classrooms, nonprofits, and other settings that deliver early childhood education.
Interested in advancing your career? Check out our available doctorate in education graduate programs and get started today!
