What's the Importance of Early Childhood Education?

If you’re passionate about teaching children—and passionate about helping ensure they are equipped with the intellectual building blocks necessary for future success—an early childhood education degree, particularly a master’s in early childhood education, might be for you. 

But what is early childhood education exactly? Why is it important? And what kind of careers, both in and out of the classroom, may be available for those with a master’s degree in early childhood education? Discover answers to some of the most common questions about early childhood education below.

What is early childhood education, and why is it important? 

Early childhood education is defined as the period of birth through 8 years old, correlating with the second- or third-grade level.¹ 

In terms of human development, the importance of early childhood education can’t be overstated.

According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), access to high quality, developmentally appropriate early learning experiences from birth through age 8 helps nurture cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth while creating a strong foundation for future learning and well being. High quality early childhood education emphasizes intentional, research informed practice and equitable learning opportunities that support children, families, and communities^.2

What will I learn in a master’s in early childhood education program?

An early childhood education degree program will prepare you with an understanding of child development and learning, equipping you with essential knowledge and professional competencies that could be applied both in and out of the classroom. A master’s in early childhood education program will also provide you with the skills to help all students learn and grow in a variety of environments. You’ll examine trends, apply cutting-edge research to the field’s most pressing issues, and become a skillful collaborator with families, colleagues, and agencies. 

Early childhood education jobs

Individuals pursuing an early childhood education degree may explore career paths in settings such as:

• Child daycare services
• Grantmaking or civic organizations
• Elementary and secondary schools, public and private

Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of a degree program.

Should I choose an on-campus or online master’s degree in early childhood education program?

Ultimately, this decision comes down to personal preferences and time-management needs.

Walden University, for example, delivers its MS in Early Childhood Studies (Non-Licensure) program online. Online learning allows you to conveniently balance work and personal commitments along with your academics. The early childhood education degree program is available in two formats: course-paced and self-paced Tempo Learning®. The traditional course-based format is schedule driven and follows a predetermined structure. The Tempo Learning format allows you to set your own pace as you progress through the program. The choice is up to you.

Ready to become an advocate for positive change with a master’s in early childhood education? Explore how Walden University can help you earn your master’s in early childhood education in a flexible online format that fits your lifestyle.

¹Source: ies.ed.gov/early-childhood-education
²Source: www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globally-shared/downloads/PDFs/our-work/public-policy-advocacy/2025_early_childhood_program_standards.pdf
³Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/management/preschool-and-childcare-center-directors.htm#tab-3

Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.