A lot has been changing in the field of early childhood education (ECE), especially due to new policies, tech changes and more. As a result, the Business Research Company expects its market size to grow to $310.14 billion in 2025, up from $282.46 billion in 2024. Of course, such growth means that professionals must continuously update their skills and knowledge to maintain their relevance.
And thankfully, online Ed D programs offer flexible and dynamic pathways for these professionals to improve their careers and leadership abilities and shape the future of early years education. So, if you’re interested in learning how you can get started, you have just arrived in the right place.
The growing importance of advanced degrees in ECE
In itself, ECE is a very important aspect of a child’s development. In fact, according to the First Five Years Fund, individuals who go through these programs normally have long-term educational attainment gains. To put it into more perspective, experts suggest that early learning can increase high school graduation rates by up to 14%.
So, with such benefits in place, we could actually see the demand for professionals in this industry grow exponentially in the coming years.
A study by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics that goes along these lines anticipates that the employment of preschool and childcare directors will increase by 7% in the next few years. And perhaps surprising, according to the agency, the employment of preschool teachers could grow by 7% within this same period. This is way faster than the average anticipated growth for most careers.
Career advancement opportunities
The best part is the multiple careers you’ll be able to pursue with the EdD certification. Remember, we have said that, based on its benefits, the demand for ECE professionals could increase in the coming days. This means there will be more managerial opportunities in schools offering these programs.
And this extra certification may actually be required to fill some of these positions. In some US states, for example, principals are required to have a certain credential to qualify for such offices. But since the requirements vary from one state to another, you may want to examine them carefully to determine whether the EdD program is suitable.
Here are a few opportunities where this certification can be helpful:
- Educational leaders and administrators: Oversee preschool programs, childcare centers, and school districts, ensure compliance with educational standards, and implement innovative practices.
- Policymakers and advocates: Influencing educational policies by collaborating with government agencies, non-profits and advocacy groups to promote effective ECE practices.
- Higher education faculty: Teaching at universities and colleges, preparing the next generation of early years educators through research and mentorship.
- Curriculum specialists: Designing and evaluating developmentally appropriate curricula that align with the latest research and best practices in early childhood education.
And besides the career openings, there are also financial benefits to enjoy. Studies show that doctorate holders make 25% more weekly earnings than those with master’s degrees. As if that’s not enough, the unemployment rate for doctorate holders is just 1%, slightly lower than 1.4% of those with a professional degree. Regarding employability, doctorate holders get employed more easily than those with a master’s degree or less.
Impact on ECE and research
As much as the ECE field has really advanced, there is still a need for more research. Well, that’s not to deny the role of past scientific studies, which provided core knowledge about the role of ECE in shaping child development. In fact, others provided more details on whether and how these programs operate and, of course, provided answers to some key concerns like policy and programming.
Well, despite all these advancements, there have been challenges. For example, the overreliance on a few seminal studies of the 1960s and 1970s that were performed on smaller samples may not really be indicative of modern trends. Plus, life today is not the same as it was a few decades ago.
This is why online EdD programs are necessary. They don’t just help advance individual careers—they also strengthen the broader field of ECE. With their emphasis on research-based practices, these programs empower graduates to contribute to scholarly work and address critical issues within the industry. This helps bridge the gap between theory and practice and encourages an environment where young children can thrive all around.
The importance of online EdD programs
Imagine the hassle of juggling between teaching, administering and personal commitments – this is already too much for one person to handle. And you haven’t even included the pressure of daily commuting to the learning institution. Thankfully, online programs can help overcome these challenges. By removing geographical barriers, they ensure you can balance your studies with your professional and personal life.
It actually is one of the reasons Fortune recently noted a 13% jump in the enrolment of online EdD programs. Shockingly, some schools saw an increase of up to 50%. Agreeably, the popularity of online platforms has transformed almost every sector of our lives, especially because of the convenience they offer. Even in the business world, customers are willing to pay more for convenience. In fact, according to Tidio, 70% are willing to pay more for convenience.
Realizing this need, most institutions are integrating online learning to improve access to their programs. The associated cost to complete an online program is also manageable, as you minimize travel, housing and campus fees. With most of these programs featuring virtual classrooms and real-world projects, you can always be sure to receive a comprehensive education without sacrificing your current job roles.
Curriculum for these programs
These courses can vary in terms of their specific courses and requirements. Some institutions may provide dedicated programs, while others may offer specialization options within the overall educational program. Either way, closely examine the program to determine whether it aligns with your preferences.
And don’t fail to ask yourself questions like whether you will be able to handle a course requiring 40 to 70 credit hours and three to five years to complete. For most programs, you’ll cover theories and skills fundamental to ECE and explore more advanced research methods as well. Below are examples of the potential topics you’ll most likely encounter:
- Child development focusing mainly on the major biological and psychological changes among children
- Theoretical foundations of leadership examining modern thought about leadership
- Legal issues in ECE
- Models of assessment and many others
After exploring such topics, you may want to delve into more specific ones
What is our final word?
Well, from this discussion, advancing your professional career can actually be beneficial. Especially in ECE, where the demand for advanced professionals is on the rise, the benefits can be endless. For instance, you can increase the likelihood of getting employed.
On top of that, the research involved in the programs can really help organizations make more informed decisions. Remember, as much as past scientific research in the ECE field has been helpful, there is an apparent need for more updated findings.
And what better way to meet this need than by using doctorate programs? Good enough, many institutions now offer online programs so that learners can comfortably enroll without necessarily sacrificing their job roles.
