Compare Program Goals, Career Opportunities, and Degree Requirements
Understanding SUNY Niagara’s Education Programs
Explore the differences between SUNY Niagara’s education programs, including Childhood Education (A.S.), Teacher Assistant (Certificate), TESOL (A.A.), and Early Childhood Studies (Certificate). Learn about the career paths, grade levels, and degree requirements for each program to find the best fit for your future in education.
Education Programs
| Academic Program | Types of Jobs in this career | Grades/ Age Groups | Requires a 4 yr. Degree (Bachelor’s) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childhood Education, Grades 1-6th EDCJ (A.S.) | Elementary School Teacher in Grades 1st through 6th Grade in a Public or Private school | Elementary Age Grades 1- 6th Grade | YES | Graduates of SUNY Niagara’s Childhood Education program can transfer to Buffalo State University for a Bachelor of Science degree, qualifying them to teach grades 1-6 in New York State, with options for Early Childhood or Special Education certifications. The program offers small classes, personalized faculty attention, about 60 hours of elementary classroom field placement, and relevant coursework in liberal arts and sciences. |
| Teacher Assistant (Certificate) | Teacher Assistant Teacher Aide Child Care BOCES Preschool Paraprofessionals | Kindergarten- High School | *NO * Potentially, depending on employer | This two-semester program is for aspiring Level III teaching assistants, including those with no classroom experience, current teaching aides, and Level I and II teaching assistants. It prepares graduates with the knowledge and skills needed for employment as teaching assistants in childhood education. *Certification is obtained through passing the NYS ATAS exam |
| TESOL Teaching English to Speakers if Other Languages (A.A.) | Teacher in a Public/Private School ESL Instructor Adult ESL Teacher | Kindergarten- High School | YES | The TESOL Jointly Registered degree program prepares students to transfer to Niagara University’s baccalaureate program and become certified to teach English to Speakers of Other Languages in grades K- 12. |
| Early Childhood Studies (Certificate) | Daycare, Preschool, Early Head Start Head Start, UPK Child Care Center, Family Day Care | Birth to School-aged | NO | This 31-credit certificate program provides a strong foundation in early childhood education, increasing retention and support in the field. Students pursuing the Child Development Associate credential must document their learning in a CDA® professional portfolio. A person with an early childhood studies certificate can pursue careers such as after school teacher, childcare director, preschool teacher, family day care provider, and social and human services assistant. |
| Academic Program | Requires a NYS Teaching Certification | Field Placement Requirements | Must Complete Additional Exams After Graduation | Recommended / Required Workshops before Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childhood Education, Grades 1-6th EDCJ (A.S.) | YES | YES 100 total hours (60 hours fulfilled at SUNY Niagara) | YES Must pass the New York State EAS and CST exams and complete your bachelor’s degree | Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) Child Abuse Identification School Violence Intervention & Prevention Fingerprint Clearances |
| Teacher Assistant (Certificate) | NO | YES 20 hours | YES Must take the NYS ATAS exam & meet employment requirements to receive your TA Certification https://shorturl.at/T9Nns | Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) Child Abuse Identification School Violence Intervention & Prevention Fingerprint Clearances |
| TESOL Teaching English to Speakers if Other Languages (A.A.) | YES | YES 100 total hours (60 hours fulfilled at SUNY Niagara) | YES Must pass the New York State EAS and CST exams and complete your bachelor’s degree | Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) Child Abuse Identification School Violence Intervention & Prevention Fingerprint Clearances |
| Early Childhood Studies (Certificate) | NO | YES 135 hours | CDA Professional Portfolio * Potentially additional requirements, depending on employer | Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) Child Abuse Identification School Violence Intervention & Prevention Fingerprint Clearances |
Contact
- Julianne Masocco
- Email: jmasocco@niagaracc.suny.edu
- Phone: 716-614-6708
- Title: Instructor
- Location: E120