Early childhood or elementary education?

Question

I live in Illinois...

A Type 03 Degree in Elementary Education is K-9, BUT in order to teach 5-9 you need a middle school endorsement.

A Type 04 Degree in Early Childhood Education is Birth-3rd Grade.

I am in college right now and am having trouble deciding on what degree I want. I know I only want to teach K-3rd or 4th grade. I do not want to teach in a learning center or teach the really young children. Also, are there more job opportunities for Elementary Education majors? Basically my question is:

What should I do; Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education?

Please answer if you are either a teacher or going to school to be a teacher :) thank you!

Answer 1

Get your degree in Elementary Ed.  Don't worry about getting a 5-9 addition.  You are better off going through with the 5-9 if you can't skip it and stick to elementary ed.

I'd rather be over endorsed than under.