Childhood Education

Education Programs

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.

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Education Programs

Academic ProgramTypes of Jobs in this careerGrades/ Age GroupsRequires a 4 yr. Degree (Bachelor’s)Description
Childhood Education, Grades 1-6th (A.S.)Elementary School Teacher in Grades 1st through 6th
Grade in a Public or Private school		Elementary Age Grades 1-6th and KindergartenYESGraduates 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, with options for Early Childhood or Special Education certifications. The program includes small classes, personalized faculty attention, 60 hours of field placement, and relevant coursework. Students can also transfer to other colleges, like Fredonia State.
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 SchoolYESThe 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-agedNOThis 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 ProgramRequires a NYS Teaching
Certification		Field Placement RequirementsMust Complete
Additional Exams After
Graduation		Recommended / Required Workshops before Employment
Childhood Education, Grades 1-6th (A.S.)YESYES
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)NOYES
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.)		YESYES
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)		NOYES
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
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