By Dr. Karolina Kopczyński | 05/08/2025
Early childhood education (ECE) is dedicated to the development of children from birth to around eight years old. In an early childhood education program, early childhood education teachers learn about early childhood programs, specific methods for educating young children, and how children learn.
Typically, an early childhood education program covers various areas in a child's life. They include:
- Early childhood development
- Learning theories
- Curriculum design
- Classroom management
- Assessment and evaluation
- Family and community engagement
- Health, safety, and nutrition
- Special needs education
- Social and emotional development
- Creative expression
- Language and literacy development
Early Childhood Development
Understanding child development is essential. In an early childhood education program, students learn about the different stages of physical development of young learners, including preschool years.
Also, they learn about children’s brain development, social development, and emotional growth from birth to eight years old. Knowing the fundamentals of child development prepares ECE students to understand and recognize specific developmental milestones, including areas where young students may need additional support during their educational journey. This knowledge is also useful in the creation of developmentally appropriate activities.
Learning Theories
In an early childhood education program, students will learn and discuss various educational theories, including Piaget’s stages of cognitive development, Vygotsky's social development theory, and the advantages and disadvantages of the Montessori method.
As they discover the major theories of child development, ECE students explore the learning process. They will also learn how to teach children in the classroom environment and how to create effective teaching strategies to meet the individual developmental needs of young kids.
Curriculum Design
In a curriculum design course, education students gain the knowledge of how to develop an age-appropriate curriculum that aligns with state standards and features measurable objectives and assessments. They create lesson plans that are engaging and incorporate different teaching strategies, including:
- Play-based learning
- Inquiry-based learning
- Hands-on activities
- Tasks that stimulate children’s curiosity and creativity
Classroom Management
By mastering effective classroom management techniques, education students discover how to create a positive and safe learning environment for children. They’ll also explore strategies to encourage a positive atmosphere and constructively address behavioral and academic challenges. Additionally, they’ll master how to create an engaging environment and ensure learners feel safe and valued in the classroom.
Assessment and Evaluation
Students who want to educate children should be familiar with the importance of practical assessment tools and essential competencies, including ways to evaluate children’s development and track their growth. Students also learn how to develop observation techniques and provide effective feedback, ensuring pupils are educated properly and understand how to make necessary changes to meet their personal goals.
Family and Community Engagement
Opportunities abound for education students to learn effective ways to engage families and communities in the education process that benefits their children and help them learn critical thinking and foundational skills. By involving parents and caregivers in classroom activities and keeping open lines of communication about children’s progress, adult learners develop an understanding of the importance of building strong relationships with children.
Health, Safety, and Nutrition
In a health, safety, and nutrition course, aspiring early childhood educators commonly explore health topics, such as physical activity, health risks, safety, and nutrition, as well as the role they play in children’s development. They also learn about age-appropriate hygiene practices, specific safety protocols, and nutritional practices to promote children’s well-being.
Special Needs Education for Early Childhood Educators
Some students in an early childhood education program often have special needs. Aspiring teachers should be trained to identify what support is necessary for students with special needs, including developmental delays, disabilities, and giftedness.
ECE students should also learn to implement particular accommodations in instruction and assessment to provide individualized support to special-needs students and help them develop essential competencies. Additionally, they will collaborate with other stakeholders to ensure that every child receives the appropriate care and education they need.
Social and Emotional Development
Early childhood education students should learn about children’s social and emotional development, including different methods to foster social skills. Students must also learn the ways to encourage children to manage their emotions, develop empathy for other children and adults, build self-confidence, and create healthy relationships. Students will also learn strategies such as cooperative play, group projects, and guided discussions to encourage a supportive environment.
Creative Expression and Its Impact on a Child's Development
Children’s creative expression helps to develop their interests, abilities, and talents. Early childhood education students should learn how to help children develop their artistic talents, including drawing, painting, and storytelling.
Creative expression is also a powerful way for children to express their emotions, while also enhancing fine motor skills, cognitive development, and emotional well-being. By taking this type of early childhood education course, students learn how to help children to express themselves, personal interests, and build confidence – key foundations for lifelong learning, development, and personal growth.
Language and Literacy Development in an Early Childhood Education Program
In a language and literacy development course, early childhood education students discover how to help children to develop literacy skills – such as listening, speaking, and writing – through interactive activities. They’ll also study strategies like storytelling, reading aloud, and phonics games to enhance children's academic skills such as vocabulary, comprehension, and phonemic awareness.
The Early Childhood Education Degree at AMU
For aspiring educators interested in early childhood education and teaching children, American Military University (AMU) offers an online Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education. Taught by expert instructors, courses in this early childhood education degree include:
- Childhood Educational Development
- Infant and Toddler Programs
- Introduction to the American Family
- Infant-Toddler Development
- Students with Special Needs
- Parenting and Observation Techniques
For more information about this early childhood education degree and other education programs, please visit AMU’s education degrees and certificates program page.
Note: This program does not award professional licensure and does not qualify you to apply for teaching licensure or teacher certification. This program may be helpful in preparing to earn certain professional certifications.
Dr. Karolina Kopczyński is an associate professor of Spanish for the School of Arts, Humanities, and Education at American Military University. She is a native of Poland, and her passion is learning foreign languages and their cultures. Dr. Kopczyński completed her study abroad program in Oviedo, Spain, and she also lived and studied in Russia, Mexico, and Greece.
Dr. Kopczyński obtained her M.A.T. in Spanish and ESOL from the School for International Training. She also completed her M.A. from the University of Jaén in Spain and the University Iberoamericana in Puerto Rico in Applied Linguistics in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language and Formation of Professors of Spanish as a Foreign Language. Furthermore, Dr. Kopczyński earned an M.A. in Psychology from American Public University and an M.Ed. in Learning and Technology from Western Governors University.
Dr. Kopczyński completed her Ed.D. from the University of Phoenix in Curriculum and Instruction. She received the 2021 Undergraduate Excellence in Teaching Award from the University, is a co-advisor of the Spanish Club and is also accredited by the International Coaching Federation as an Associate Certified Coach.
Dr. Kopczyński presented at the Teaching Excellence Summit on implementing Technology in Spanish Online Classes to increase participation. She has also presented at Northeast OER Summit about Interactive Tools to Engage Participation and MaFla about Podcasts for Presentational Communication and Communicative Tools for Interpretative Communication in Online Spanish Classes. She has been published in Scientific Research Publishing and Creative Education.