Many community colleges, distance learning providers and colleges and universities off Early Childhood Education (ECE) certification, diplomas and degrees. Most certificate, diploma and associate degrees can be completed in one or two years, while university degrees, which are specialized and tend to focus on specific skills or areas of study such a special needs or administration, are four year programs.
One thing in common for all types and lengths of programs is the need for observation and hands-on learning through volunteering and practicums. Child development classes are an important component for all the programs as well, focusing on stages of development, instruction techniques and classroom management, and these are more effective when the information taught can be observed first-hand.