Whats the difference between Early childhood education (ECE) and Child development (CD) programs?

Question

I'd like to go back to school to get a degree to teach pre-school. Colleges have classes listed as early childhood education classes and some colleges have classes labeled child development classes. Are these interchangeable and mean the same thing? Is ECE what I want? I will go in and talk to counselors, but just thought maybe someone out there could know. Thanks.

Answer 1

The ECE program would have a broader emphasis.  It would include some child development courses but also would include psychology, curriculum, and student teaching.  You could earn a bachelor's degree in either one at some colleges.  A tech college or junior college would give you an Associates degree (a 2-year degree) and that would be enough for almost any preschool that is not part of a public school.

Answer 2

I was in the same boat when I considered changing my music education degree... early childhood is about teaching ONLY children up to grade three.  Child development is how the child grows physically and mentally.  The early childhood classes would be about the content you would be teaching them.

Answer 3

I got my degree in Early Childhood Education or ECE.  This allows me to teach in a accredited school district.  Child development classes are different, they don't actually give you a state certificate to teach.