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Need educational guidance through others experiences

  • 1.  Need educational guidance through others experiences

    Posted 10-27-2019 03:45 PM
    Hello!

    I am looking for some educational guidance. First, some background. I am not a typical student. I am an adult interested in a change of career. I originally went to school for diagnostic medical sonography so I don't have many things that could transfer into an educational degree. I live in Michigan and am currently working at my kid's school in the kitchen. This was originally what fueled my passion for becoming an educator! Hanging out with those children is my life. But I don't know how to begin to reach my goal of wanting to become an early childhood educator. I would love to go to school online to earn a Bachelor's in ECE, but I am coming up short with good quality programs. So my question is: is going to a brick and mortar school my only option with my background? Is there any other way to get into and learn about ECE field without going to school? Just need some guidance from people who have been there/done that. Thank you all for your time!

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    GLORIA HAMILTON
    Clarkston MI
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  • 2.  RE: Need educational guidance through others experiences

    Posted 10-28-2019 04:58 AM
    Good morning Gloria,

    I suggest contacting the Child Care Resource and Referral Agency in your area to find out if they know of any programs where you can enroll in an online Child Development Associate (CDA) course and go through the process to earn a CDA as your first step to a career in Early Childhood Education.

    You can also get more information about the CDA at the Council for Professional Recognition website.

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    Robert Gundling, Ed.D.
    Better Futures LLC
    Senior Consultant
    Washington, DC
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  • 3.  RE: Need educational guidance through others experiences

    Posted 10-28-2019 06:40 AM
    Thank you so much!

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    GLORIA HAMILTON
    Clarkston MI
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  • 4.  RE: Need educational guidance through others experiences

    Posted 10-28-2019 11:54 AM
    ​Hi Gloria,

    I just wanted to do a quick reply before I head to the classroom.  I obtained my Master's Degree ONLINE in Child Development from University of Phoenix. The experience was great and it truly fueled my career. I am now the manager of a great NAEYC Child development program.

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    Vikki Franklin
    Manager of Child Development
    Kaiser Permanente
    Los Angeles CA
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  • 5.  RE: Need educational guidance through others experiences

    Posted 10-29-2019 08:27 AM
    Thank you so much for replying! I will look into this!

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    GLORIA HAMILTON
    Clarkston MI
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  • 6.  RE: Need educational guidance through others experiences

    Posted 10-28-2019 07:36 PM
    Hi Gloria, 
                 I am in NC and I am sure you will find that every state is different. I  started with my associates in Ec but in NC you only have to have your credentials in ec 1&2 in order to work in a childcare facility. I would first see what the criteria is for your state then go from there. There are many online programs for EC I went to Liberty University and obtained my Masters. You must be careful to make sure your state will take degrees or credentials from other states. Some classes may be equivalent to EC classes. I hope this helps.

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    Valawaugn McCain
    Director
    Bright Beginnings Child Development Center
    Roseboro NC
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  • 7.  RE: Need educational guidance through others experiences

    Posted 10-29-2019 12:33 PM
    Thank you for replying! I appreciate the guidance!!

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    GLORIA HAMILTON
    Clarkston MI
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  • 8.  RE: Need educational guidance through others experiences

    Posted 10-29-2019 07:06 AM
    Hi Gloria,
    Depaul university in Chicago has a great online program.

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    Joanie Calem
    Music and Inclusion Specialist
    Sing Along
    Columbus, OH
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  • 9.  RE: Need educational guidance through others experiences

    Posted 10-29-2019 12:34 PM
    I will definitely look into this program. Thank you so much!

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    GLORIA HAMILTON
    Clarkston MI
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  • 10.  RE: Need educational guidance through others experiences

    Posted 10-29-2019 08:43 AM
    Most communities have community colleges and they offer associates degrees in early childhood.  Our state, I'm in NC, have articulation agreements with many 4 year schools so that if you do have a two year degree it will only take you 2 more years and they will accept all course work done at the CC.  Many community college classes in this day and age offer classes online, or at least a hybrid, where you may go one night a week and do the rest online.  I actually taught a hybrid class at a community college and it was great because you had contact with other people in the field but only had to be in class for a limited time.  Good luck.  Our state also offers scholarships to return to school.  Check with your state.  Across the country there is a shortage of good passionate teachers.  I hope you keep your love of Early childhood.  It's an awesome place to be.

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    Teri Smith
    Director
    St. James Episcopal School
    Hendersonvlle NC
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  • 11.  RE: Need educational guidance through others experiences

    Posted 10-29-2019 12:35 PM
    Great advice! Thank you so much for the information! I will check into this!

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    GLORIA HAMILTON
    Clarkston MI
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  • 12.  RE: Need educational guidance through others experiences

    Posted 10-31-2019 09:34 AM
    What a great discussion from this supportive community!

    I wanted to make sure everyone knew how to find the list of NAEYC-accredited early childhood higher education degree programs (which includes a note about which ones are available online):
    https://www.naeyc.org/accreditation/higher-ed/accredited-programs

    Keep us posted, Gloria, on your educational journey--so glad that NAEYC can help to welcome you into the profession!



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    Pamela Ehrenberg
    Director of Accreditation Services, NAEYC Higher Education
    (and proud NAEYC member!)
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  • 13.  RE: Need educational guidance through others experiences

    Posted 11-03-2019 07:54 AM
    Thank you for posting this! So helpful! And I truly appreciate everyone who took time to post a reply!!

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    GLORIA HAMILTON
    Clarkston MI
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