Preparing the workforce: early childhood teacher preparation at 2-and 4-year institutions of higher education

While the importance of quality education for individuals working with youn g children (ages 0-4) is widely accepted in the field of Early Childhood Ed ucation, little is known about the context, content, and needs of the progr ams that are providing this education. This paper presents data from a nati onally representative survey (n = 438) of chairs/directors of early childho od teacher preparation programs at 2- and 4-year Institutions of Higher Edu cation (IHEs). Findings presented include faculty characteristics, course a nd practica requirements, comparisons between early childhood programs and the institutions as wholes, and challenges facing programs. Where appropria te, comparisons are made between 2- and 4-year schools. Results are discuss ed in terms of policy implications. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All righ ts reserved.