What to Look for in an Early Childhood Education Program in 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What curriculum features matter most in an early childhood education program?

When choosing early childhood education programs, the curriculum serves as the backbone of student preparation. A well-structured program goes beyond general coursework, weaving together theory, practice, and professional standards to ensure graduates can thrive as effective educators. 

Strong curricula strike a balance between developmental science, culturally responsive teaching, and hands-on application, giving students the skills and knowledge to address the diverse needs of young learners. Moreover, programs aligned with current research and national standards better equip graduates to meet licensure requirements and adapt to the evolving demands of the field.

The curriculum features to look for in an  early childhood education program include:

• Child Development Courses: Cover cognitive, social, and emotional milestones from infancy through early childhood.
• Teaching Methods and Pedagogy: Explore evidence-based instructional strategies tailored to early learners.
• Assessment and Evaluation Techniques: Train students to use observation, screenings, and developmental assessments effectively.
• Cultural and Inclusive Practices: Provide approaches for teaching diverse classrooms with equity and sensitivity.
• Family and Community Engagement: Examine strategies for building strong partnerships with families and communities.
• Curriculum Planning and Design: Teach students to design developmentally appropriate lesson plans and activities.

Which teacher qualifications define a strong early childhood education program?

Faculty expertise directly influences the rigor and credibility of early childhood education programs. Instructors who combine advanced academic training with hands-on classroom experience are best positioned to prepare future educators for the professional demands of their field.

Beyond lectures, experienced faculty can bridge theory and practice, while also opening doors to mentorship, research opportunities, and professional networks. When evaluating programs, review faculty qualifications to ensure that students learn from knowledgeable practitioners who remain actively engaged in the field.

Some of the Important teacher qualifications to consider include:

• Advanced Degrees (Master’s or Doctorate): Indicate deeper expertise in child development, education, or research. In 2023, 2,221,474 early childhood education professionals hold master’s degrees, while 153,265 hold doctorates.
• Practical Classroom Experience: Ensure instructors connect theory with real-world teaching practices and provide students with actionable insights.
• Active Research Contributions: Demonstrate engagement with current educational studies, policy, and innovations in early learning.
• Professional Licenses or Certifications: Reflect credibility and alignment with teaching standards. Depending on state requirements, this may include a teaching credential or a specialized early childhood license. The widely recognized Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate is often required by employers.
• Specialized Training: Provide expertise in areas such as special education, Montessori methods, or bilingual education
• Mentorship and Student Support: Offer career guidance, professional development advice, and long-term networking opportunities.

This chart from Data USA illustrates the degree types most frequently earned by professionals in early childhood education.

What internship opportunities should you look for in early childhood education programs?

Hands-on training stands at the core of early childhood education, as it transforms classroom knowledge into professional competence. For those pursuing the cheapest online masters degree in early childhood education, internships and practicums create this bridge by immersing students in authentic learning environments where they can apply theory to practice. 

Strong programs offer varied placements that cultivate teaching skills, foster professional confidence, and strengthen career opportunities after graduation. Here are some of the valuable internship opportunities in early childhood education programs:

• Preschool Classrooms: Provide direct practice in teaching young children within structured learning environments.
• Head Start Programs: Offer experience in federally funded programs serving diverse populations. The Office of Head Start also funds five annual fellows with a $95,000 stipend, full benefits, and housing support in Washington, D.C.
• Special Education Settings: Build expertise in adapting curriculum for children with developmental or learning differences.
• Childcare Centers: Strengthen the ability to balance early education with essential caregiving responsibilities.
• Community-Based Programs: Expand skills in family engagement, outreach, and early intervention services.
• University-Affiliated Labs: Provide guided teaching experiences within research-driven environments.

How do early childhood education programs integrate research, theory, and best practices?

High-quality early childhood education programs do more than teach concepts in isolation. They actively integrate theory, research, and practice. This approach ensures that students not only learn the foundations of child development but also practice applying them in authentic settings. 

By blending coursework, applied learning, and faculty expertise, programs equip graduates with the skills to make evidence-based decisions in diverse classrooms. Moreover, this integration bridges the gap between academic study and the daily realities of teaching, fostering both competence and confidence in future educators.

Here are the ways early childhood education programs connect theory to practice:

• Coursework Grounded in Research: Align assignments and readings with the latest findings in child development and pedagogy.
• Case Studies and Simulations: Provide structured opportunities to analyze scenarios and solve classroom-based challenges.
• Observation Hours: Require students to document and reflect on children’s behavior in real educational environments.
• Practice-Based Assessments: Evaluate students by having them design lesson plans, conduct assessments, or adapt strategies for diverse learners.
• Capstone Projects: Involve applying research and theory to address real-world challenges in early learning contexts.
• Faculty with Active Research Roles: Ensure classroom teaching reflects emerging knowledge and innovative practices in the field.

Can students specialize in areas like inclusion, curriculum, or administration?

Early childhood education programs increasingly offer specialization tracks that allow students to tailor their training toward specific professional goals. For those seeking the fastest online bachelor's in early childhood education, choosing a concentration is a strategic way to gain targeted expertise while accelerating their path into the profession. By selecting a specialization, students not only deepen their knowledge but also strengthen their career prospects by signaling advanced skills to future employers.

Aspiring students should explore these common specialization options in early childhood education programs:

• Inclusive Education: Prepare to create supportive environments for children of all abilities. This track is especially vital given persistent inequities, as nearly half of Black and Latino/a children in publicly funded preschools are in racially isolated schools where 90% of students are students of color, and ECE programs overall are more segregated than elementary and high schools (Learning Policy Institute, 2024).
• Curriculum Development: Focus on designing child-centered, research-informed lesson plans and instructional materials that meet developmental needs.
• Educational Leadership/Administration: Train for leadership roles in schools, childcare centers, or education agencies with an emphasis on organizational management.
• Special Education: Build expertise in supporting children with developmental, behavioral, or learning challenges. There are strong benefits of inclusion; students without special needs show improved attitudes (55%) and social skills (42%) when learning alongside peers with Special Education Needs (SEN).
• Infant and Toddler Education: Concentrate on the unique developmental needs of children from birth through age three.
• Bilingual/Multicultural Education: Learn strategies for teaching in linguistically and culturally diverse classrooms, supporting dual-language learners, and fostering equity.

This chart from Molina Roldán, S., et al. shows the benefits for students without SEN in inclusive classrooms.

What flexible study options do early childhood education programs typically offer?

Flexibility has become a defining feature of modern higher education, particularly in early childhood education programs. With preschool enrollment reaching 1,751,109 children in the 2023 to 2024 school year, the demand for well-prepared educators continues to grow. As a result, universities increasingly design adaptable pathways to ensure aspiring teachers can pursue their studies while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. Evaluating these study formats helps students determine whether a program can align with their personal circumstances and career goals.

Common flexible study options include:

• Online Classes: Provide fully remote coursework that maximizes convenience and geographic access.
• Hybrid Models: Blend in-person sessions with online learning to combine structure and flexibility.
• Evening or Weekend Courses: Accommodate working professionals and non-traditional learners with varied schedules.
• Part-Time Study: Allow students to progress at a slower pace while managing other obligations.
• Accelerated Tracks: Enable motivated learners to complete degrees faster and enter the workforce sooner.
• Asynchronous Learning: Offers freedom to complete coursework and assignments at a personalized pace.

How do early childhood education programs prepare students for licensure?

Licensure in early childhood education serves as a critical measure to ensure graduates are fully qualified to work in formal education settings. However, only 16% of students currently enroll in high-quality programs, highlighting the importance of structured pathways that prepare candidates for certification. For those pursuing a masters in early childhood education online, selecting a program that emphasizes licensure preparation is essential to ensure academic and professional success.

Effective programs combine academic coursework with applied practice, while also guiding students through exams and state-specific requirements. These components not only strengthen professional readiness but also increase the likelihood of achieving licensure on time.

An effective early childhood education program prepares students for licensure by providing the following:

• State-Approved Coursework: Provide the academic foundation required to meet licensure standards.
• Supervised Practicum or Student Teaching: Offer field experience under licensed professionals to develop practical teaching skills.
• Exam Preparation Workshops: Support students in mastering the knowledge and strategies needed to pass certification exams.
• Advising on State Requirements: Clarify differing regulations and assist candidates in meeting state-specific standards.
• Portfolio Development: Ensure students can demonstrate their competencies through documented achievements and reflections.
• Licensure Application Assistance: Provide administrative support to streamline the application process.

What research opportunities or lab access can early childhood education programs provide?

Access to research opportunities is essential for students pursuing academic inquiry or advanced study in early childhood education. Strong programs not only provide exposure to evidence-based practices but also foster critical thinking and analytical skills. These experiences prepare students for graduate education, leadership roles, and contributions to the field through meaningful research engagement.

Some research-related opportunities that early childhood education programs must provide often include:

• Child Development Labs: Offer hands-on observation and data collection with children.
• Faculty-Led Research Projects: Provide opportunities to collaborate on active studies with experienced faculty.
• Independent Research Courses: Allow students to design and carry out their own research studies.
• Capstone or Thesis Projects: Develop expertise through structured, research-driven inquiry.
• Conference Participation: Encourage students to present findings at academic or professional gatherings.
• Publication Opportunities: Support co-authoring articles and research papers with faculty mentors.

Which facilities and resources show quality in early childhood education programs?

High-quality early childhood education programs can often be identified through the facilities and resources they provide. This is especially important given the global challenges of underfunding, fragmented policies, and limited data in the field. 

On average, only 0.4% of GDP is spent on pre-primary education worldwide, leaving a $354 billion funding gap to achieve universal access by 2030. Thus, the quality of facilities serves as a key marker of investment and commitment.

Programs that demonstrate excellence prioritize well-equipped spaces that strengthen educator preparation, promote practical training, and foster innovative approaches to teaching and learning. Such programs often include facilities:

• Child Development Laboratories: Provide real-world observation and hands-on teaching practice with young children.
• Early Learning Centers: Offer on-campus preschools or childcare settings for immersive field training.
• Specialized Classrooms: Include dedicated spaces for art, music, or sensory learning experiences.
• Technology and Media Labs: Equip students with digital tools for interactive teaching and lesson design.
• Libraries With Specialized Collections: Feature research materials and resources focused on early childhood education.
• Student Resource Centers: Provide academic support services such as tutoring, writing guidance, and workshops.
• Collaboration Spaces: Encourage teamwork and peer learning through group projects and discussions.

Why does accreditation matter when choosing an early childhood education program?

Accreditation is a critical factor to consider when selecting an early childhood education program. It serves as a trusted measure of quality, ensuring that institutions meet rigorous academic and professional standards. Importantly, accreditation often ensures graduates are eligible for early childhood teaching certification, a credential that significantly impacts career opportunities and professional credibility.

Accredited programs prepare graduates for licensure and strengthen their prospects for employment and advanced study. In contrast, unaccredited programs can limit opportunities, leaving students without access to certification, financial aid, or recognition from employers. 

By prioritizing accreditation, students can invest confidently in a program that offers both credibility and long-term value. Below are some reasons accreditation matters:

• Quality Assurance: Confirms the program meets established academic and professional standards.
• Licensure Eligibility: Ensures coursework fulfills requirements for state or national certification.
• Transferability of Credits: Supports the pursuit of advanced degrees at other accredited institutions.
• Employer Recognition: Demonstrates to schools and organizations that graduates are well-trained.
• Financial Aid Access: Qualifies students for federal or state funding opportunities.
• Ongoing Program Improvement: Requires continuous review and alignment with industry standards.
• Student Confidence: Assures that their education is credible and worthwhile.

What Graduates Say About Pursuing Early Childhood Education Programs

Other Things You Should Know About Choosing Early Childhood Education Programs

Does the program provide access to academic advising and faculty mentorship tailored to student goals?

Strong ECE programs offer personalized advising and mentorship to guide students in course selection, field placements, and career planning. Faculty mentorship also helps students connect theory with practice and explore specialized career paths.

Does the curriculum provide a strong foundation in child development and learning theory to support effective teaching?

High-quality programs emphasize developmental psychology, cognitive growth, and evidence-based learning theories as the core of the curriculum. This foundation enables future teachers to design classroom strategies that align with children’s developmental stages.

Are instructors qualified with advanced degrees and real-world classroom experience in early childhood education?

Most accredited programs employ faculty with master’s or doctoral degrees combined with professional teaching experience. This ensures students learn from instructors who can blend academic research with practical classroom insights.

Are students trained to create developmentally appropriate lesson plans and classroom activities? 

ECE programs typically include coursework in curriculum design and pedagogy, emphasizing age-appropriate learning. Students practice writing lesson plans, adapting materials, and delivering activities that foster engagement and skill development in young children.