Careers in Early Childhood Education

What is early childhood education?

The field of early childhood education deals with teaching and education young children, usually at a preschool level. Early childhood education emerged as a separate branch of education after several studies were conducted and indicated that the years before a child goes to kindergarten are the most critical for developing their learning abilities and social skills. These studies were conducted by the Department of Education, and several other government organizations in different countries. The increasing awareness about the importance of education during these formative years has led to a special emphasis in educating children in a manner that ensures optimum intellectual, physical, emotional and social development.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ May 2015 statistics, preschool, primary, secondary, and special education school teachers earned a median salary of $53,860. The job growth in this field is expected to be 6% (2014-24). While Preschool teachers earned $28,570 and the job growth in this field is expected to be 7% (2014-24).

Job Title Pay Job Outlook
Preschool, primary, secondary, and special education school teachers $53,860 6%
Preschool Teachers $28,570 7%
Total, All Occupations $36,200 7%

In a recently conducted research, The Department of Education determined that the children who received some form of early childhood education outperformed the students who did not obtain any formal education at a young age. The National Research Center on Early Childhood Education has also released data suggesting that initiating the education process at a young age helps kick-start the learning process and allows children to learn vital social skills which will benefit them for the rest of their lives. As such, early childhood education is extremely important in order to ensure that your child grows up to be a successful, healthy and happy individual.

What does the future hold for early childhood education majors?

Thanks to the increasing awareness about the importance of early childhood education through the media, parents around the country are enrolling their kids in special pre-school and kindergarten programs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that enrollment figures in pre-schools have risen by about 43% in the past two decades, consequently resulting in a tremendous increase in the demand for qualified early childhood education teachers and specialists. The employment opportunities in this field are expected to increase by around 17% to 25% from 2010 to 2010 as stated by the BLS. This in itself is enough to give you a fair idea about the future prospects for early childhood education majors. Most positions in this field also pay better than other positions in education, with wages for preschool teachers between $17,000 and $46,000 per year as according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). It further states that the wages and benefits tend to increase with qualification, experience and job type, such as in the case of of kindergarten teachers that earn between $31,000 and $76,000 annually.
What are some of the career opportunities?

Early childhood education graduates have a wide number of career paths to choose from. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree some people give the teaching licensure exam, which opens up countless opportunities at public and private schools, pre-schools, kindergartens and day care centers. Others who graduate with a Master’s degree normally obtain a position as a school or educational program administrator. They also have the choice of continuing their education, and carrying out research work in early childhood education in order to address the critical issues in this field. After three to four years of research work, students submit their thesis to professors for approval, and defend their work and findings at a public dissertation. Thereafter, they are awarded they PhD or Doctoral degree of Early Childhood Education, which opens up countless opportunities in the academic and research sector at colleges, universities and research organizations throughout the world.

States with the highest employment level in this occupation:

State

Employment

Employment per thousand jobs

Location quotient

Hourly mean wage

Annual mean wage

California 1660 0.11 1.26 18.13 37720
Florida 1130 0.14 1.68 17.97 37370
Illinois 960 0.16 1.92 17.9 37240
Texas 760 0.07 0.78 16.62 34570
New York 650 0.07 0.85 20.12 41840

Source: bls.gov

How long does it take to complete a degree in Early Childhood Education?

Many degree options are available to individuals who want to pursue a career in Early Childhood Education. They can obtain a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education that takes 4 years to complete or a Masters in Early Childhood Education that usually takes 1-2 years to complete. They can also enroll in an Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education that can take up to 1 year to complete.

What are the requirements to complete a degree in Early Childhood Education?

Students enrolled in the Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education are expected to complete up to 60-70 credits. Students enrolled in the Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Education are required to complete up to 120 credits and those enrolled in a Masters program have to complete up to 30 credits. These degrees cover modules like Family Relationships, Language and Literacy Development and Children with Special Needs etc.

How much can I make after completing a degree in Early Childhood Education?

Individuals can work as preschool teachers after completing a degree in Childhood Education. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median pay of preschool teachers was $29,780 in 2018. The number of jobs in this field in 2016 was 478,500. Also, the employment of preschool teachers is predicted to grow by 10% from 2016-2026, which is much faster than the average rate for all other professions.

Frequently Asked Question(s)

Q:What jobs can I get with an early childhood education degree if my degree was online?

A:Most organizations and institutions aim not to discriminate applicants on the basis of an online or on-campus degree. To answer what jobs can I get with early childhood education degree, the most common profession is that of a preschool teacher. According to the U.S BLS, preschool teahers had an annual median pay of $27,130 in 2012.

Q:When searching what jobs can you get with an early childhood education degree, I came across a preschool teaching position. What does that entail?

A:Yes, preschool teaching is a position that you would normally come across when searching for what jobs can you get with an early childhood education degree. Preschool teachers are responsible for caring for and educating children between the ages of 3 and 5. According to the BLS, they had an annual median pay of $27,130 in 2012.

Q:What jobs can I get with a early childhood education degree?

A:After the completion of an early childhood education degree, graduates have a wide array of career choices. Some possible careers are lead teacher in an early childhood setting, preschool or teacher, head start program specialist ,early childhood education specialist ,early childhood curriculum specialist, early childhood technical assistant specialist, early childhood administrator or director, home-based service provider, professional development coordinator, instructor or trainer in early childhood education, regulator of early childhood programs and licensure, child care programs and child life specialist

Q:What are some of the possible careers in early childhood that might be available to me?

A:Early childhood presents numerous career opportunities for you. With an undergraduate degree people can become certified teachers at day care centers and schools. A master's degree will provide you with a possible career in management or administration of educational programs as well as research related jobs related to the development of the early childhood field. An option of PhD is also available after which you become applicable for jobs at the university and college level.

Q:What can you do with an early childhood education degree besides teach?

A:Besides teaching, with a degree in early childhood education, you have numerous career opportunities that you can avail. After completing a Master's degree, you can normally obtain a position as a school or educational program administrator. You can also consider continuing your education, and carrying out research work in early childhood education in order to address the major, unaddressed issues in this field.

Q:What jobs can you get with early childhood education degree?

A:With an early childhood education degree, you can work as qualified teacher at preschool or kindergarten level. However, it is important to remember that you must apply for a teaching license first. Other career options in this field include: social workers for elementary school, program director, preschool administrator, and more.

Q:Can you tell me about alternative jobs with early childhood education degree in health field?

A:An early childhood education can act as a solid foundation for you to build a career in the field of health. With added training, you can join ranks of child life specialists. Working in hospitals and other medical settings, you help children through play and knowledge to understand the treatments they must cope with to get well. With advanced training, you can also go on to become a physical or movement therapist.

Q:As I was reading about a career with a BA in ECE, I learned that all states have certain licensing requirements for teachers. When can I get a license?

A:If you have completed your bachelors degree in early childhood education, you can apply for a license. A minimum bachelor degree is required to be eligible for licensing in any state. Teaching licenses are necessary to apply for if you want to work as a professional teacher. You can take a look at our page for more information.

Q:Brief me about early childhood education career path?

A:Early childhood education is concerned with development of a child's learning abilities since the first few years of education lay the foundation of a personality. For those interested in this line of career must get a bachelor's degree at least and may have to take a licensure exam for teaching. A master's degree can offer better job opportunities.

Q:What are early childhood education degree jobs like?

A:With an early childhood education degree, you can work for various schools as a teacher or educator. The job will include a number of activities and tasks. Your main goal will be to educate young children and help develop learning skills. From curriculum planning to behavioral assessment, you will be required to perform a number of tasks.

Q:What are the career options in early childhood education?

A:Early childhood education is concerned with development of intellectual needs of children. It is the basic training of children that helps them develop their learning skills and build the foundations. A degree in this field offers teaching jobs in pre-schools and day care centers. Depending on the level of degree you can also opt for administrative jobs in the sector.

Q:What are the different jobs in early childhood education?

A:After completing your early childhood education degree program you can look for work opportunities as teachers at daycare centers, pre-schools, kindergarten schools as well as private or public schools. With a master's degree you can expect senior level management jobs in the education centers. The salary package is determined by your educational qualification and other factors.

Q:What kind of skills will I need for early education careers?

A:Early education careers are among the top teaching field today. This field has seen an increasing demand for educators who display sufficient skills. If you are planning to join this teaching field, you must be well equipped with knowledge as well as skills; you will be required to display excellent communication skills, teaching skills, assessment skills, analysis skills, and innovative skills.

Q:Can you tell me the scope of bachelors in early childhood education jobs?

A:A bachelor's degree in early childhood focuses on the development needs of children, children's psychology, their social and intellectual growth and the different teaching and learning practices. After completing the degree you can find varied job opportunities in elementary schools, day care centers and such facilities that need childhood education professionals.

Q:Are there many careers with early childhood education degree available?

A:There are number of careers you can enter with this qualification. You could be a teacher, or you could be a child minder. Of course these careers allow you to work full time or part-time. You could also use this qualification to advance into other areas of education if you wish.

Q:I have heard that careers with an early childhood education degree are going to be difficult to obtain in the future. Is this true?

A:As we have stated above, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimate that this area of teaching/ child care is growing a stable rate over the next few years, with growth estimated to be 18% which is just above average in comparison to other industries. You should have nothing to fear if you are willing to work hard at building your career.

Q:Can you tell me about BA in early childhood education jobs?

A:BA in early childhood education prepares you for jobs in early childhood education instruction centers that include day care centers and elementary schools. The program aims to give professional knowledge regarding classroom based theories and childhood development principles. After the program you can work in early childhood education centers as teacher or in the administration department.

Q:Is a bachelor degree necessary to earn if I wish to pursue careers with a degree in early childhood education?

A:A bachelor degree in childhood education is necessary to earn if you wish to become a professional educator. This is the minimum degree requirement and will make you eligible for the licensing exam in your state. A bachelor degree will lead to entry level job positions in education whereas a master's degree can make you competent for higher job positions.

Q:Can you tell me about jobs for early childhood education majors?

A:After you graduate with a degree in early childhood education you will have the option of choosing to work in a wide variety of settings. You can work with children of various age groups ranging from birth to eight or nine years. BLS estimates show that there will be reasonable job growth in this sector in the next ten years.

Q:Are early childhood careers demanding or not?

A:Early childhood careers can be demanding at times as it is children you are dealing with. It really depends on your aptitude and the area of your focus. Some may find it as an easy job but if you are not fond of kids it may turn out to be a demanding one. Many prefer to go for this field as there are many opportunities and it does not require very high qualifications.

Q:What options do I have for early childhood education career paths?

A:Early childhood education career paths can be varied and there are plenty of opportunities. If you have the aptitude, you can work as a child care worker or as a teacher for pre-school, kindergarten or elementary school. Along with teaching jobs there are also administrative jobs that can be pursued in a pre-school.

Q:Will a masters degree lead to high paying early childhood education career opportunities?

A:A master's degree in early childhood education is a graduate level program that aims at preparing individuals for teaching careers. It is one of the highest qualifications that can be earned in the field of childhood education. The degree program can lead to executive level teaching positions and high paying teaching jobs.

Q:Could you tell me about the early childhood education job opportunities available?

A:An early childhood education degree is not enough to place you in a career good position, after earning your degree, you need to sit for your teaching licensure exam. With a license in hand a number of career opportunities will be at your disposal. With an associates degree you could be at a public/private school, pre-school, kindergartens or day care centers. However, with a masters degree, the opportunity of becoming a school or educational program administrator may present itself.

Q:What are the future career prospects with someone looking for an early childhood career?

A:The Bureau of Labor Studies estimates that the demand for pre-school teachers is expected to grow by up to 25% by 2021. This is above average in comparison for other sectors and industries. The growth owes itself to increases in the general population and overall demand for schooling rising.

Q:Is early childhood education a good career choice for someone wishing to return to teaching after a career break?

A:Teaching at the early childhood level may be one way of easing yourself back into teaching. However if you are used to teaching older children or young adults, you may find that the demands and challenges of the children totally different. Often the children will be unable to reason or justify fully their decisions and require extra attention.

Q:Where is the best place to find jobs for jobs for early childhood education graduates?

A:There are a number of specialist publications available for teaching staff. There are also a number of websites available on the internet, specializing in teach positions. In addition, the usual job search engines will be able to assist you. In addition, it may just be easier to approach schools in your locality and ask them if they are hiring, and, more importantly, if they know of anyone who is hiring or looking for staff.

Q:Do employers wish to see any particular courses when considering candidates for jobs in the early childhood education field?

A:For most employers, the most important requisite is that you have a license, especially so if you wish to teach in a public school. Some schools may have certain requirements depending on the children they teach. The easiest way to find out is to approach school or the local public school and ask them if they have any preference for their school/ schools in the area.

Q:What careers for early childhood education majors are available to me?

A:There are a variety of careers available for you once you have successfully completed your early childhood program. Not surprising, most graduates are attracted to teach straightaway. However, there are other options- you may want to specialize working with handicapped or disabled children; you could always work in the administration of a school, or you could continue with your studies.

Q:Where can I find the early childhood education jobs?

A:Anyone with an early childhood education degree of any level has a number of career options at their disposal. A bachelor's degree with a valid teaching license will open up lots of teaching opportunities in private, public, and kindergarten schools. With a Master's degree you could end up being hired as a school or educational program administrator.

Q:What are the most popular jobs with an early childhood education degree?

A:Most graduates with an early children education degree head straight into teaching straight away. Some find positions within the childcare industry as child-minder and other such careers. You may find that this program gives you a foundation on which to build your career path as a teacher. For instance you may choose to specialize in exceptional students later.

Q:What courses would I study for careers in early childhood education?

A:The courses you would study would depend on the specific degree you pursue but generally you should except to encounter courses in child growth and development, guidance and theory application. Most employers would want preschool teachers, elementary school teachers and day care workers to have a certificate or associate degree at least.

Q:Whilst searching for what are some careers in early childhood education, I came across Education Administrator. What are these professionals required to do?

A:Education Administrator would be mentioned when searching for what are some careers in early childhood education. These professionals are responsible for day to day management of educational institutions. Education Administrators are also required to manage staff, curriculum, budgets and make sure that the institute meets all the requirements set forth by the Department of Education.

Q:What kind of job with PhD early childhood education can I pursue?

A:PhD in Early Childhood Education is the highest level of education an individual can achieve. The PhD in Early Childhood Education qualifies students to work as specialists in education centers, research centers, and development centers for children at an early phase in life. They can also work as contributors to early childhood training programs and come up with courses to help instructors in the field.

Q:My search on careers with children that pay well I came across Orientation to the Exceptional Child course. Can you guide me about it?

A:You often come across the names of various programs and courses while searching on careers with children that pay well. Orientation to the Exceptional Child is a three credit hours course and in it students are familiarized with needs and psychology of exceptional children. The course teaches them how to deal and groom these special children.

Q:While looking for a good paying career in Early Childhood, I came across Professional Communications course. Can you tell me the details?

A:It is common to come across Professional Communications course while searching on a good paying career in Early Childhood over the internet. It is among the courses included in the curriculum for Early Childhood studies program. In this program the students get to study the strategic planning for the academic success.

Q:What is the job market for early childhood education graduates?

A:Early Childhood Education graduates can find a large number of opportunities in the job market. The most obvious position a graduate can work in is in the field of education. You will find a number of positions as a teacher for nursery and primary schools. You can also choose to become a home tuition teacher. Other positions are also available in daycare and nursery centers while you can very much open your own nursery or daycare center with the expertise you would've gained.

Q:Reading about career goals to become a early childhood educator in college mentioned Early Childhood Education Certificate. Where can I work with this certification?

A:Early Childhood Education Certificate can be beneficial when you have career goals to become a early childhood educator in college. These professionals can find themselves employed in pre schools, day care centers, family development programs, social services programs, libraries and district school programs. It is recommended that students perform an extensive research before enrolling in a certification program.

Q:what are some other careers for early education degree holders apart from in the educational sectors?

A:While the main career choice for people with degrees in Early Childhood Education is as a primary or secondary teacher in schools, there are a number of other career paths you could go down. Depending on your level of education, you could open your own, or work as an administrator in a daycare center while you will also be able to find a number of positions with nurseries. People with basic degrees in the field can also find work with babysitting services and the federal social services department.

Q:As I went through the Early childhood career paths, there was mention of the course on College Mathematics. What are the contents of this course?

A:It is common to get to read about the course on College Mathematics while going through the Early Childhood career paths. This course is worth 4 credits in total and is aimed at making the students be able to review the mathematical concepts and skills that are most commonly in usage in the vocational and academic applications.

Q:As I read on the types of jobs in Early Childhood Education, there was mention of the course on English Composition. What is taught in this course?

A:It is common to get to read about the course on English Composition while going through the types of jobs in Early Childhood Education. This course is worth 4 credits in total and is designed to offer the students with the most basic skills of English writing, which would help you in your professional and vocational endeavors.

Q:I went through the careers in the early childhood education field article and there was mention of the course on Essentials of Sociology. What is taught in this course?

A:It is common to get to see the mention of courses on Essentials of Sociology while going through the articles on careers in the Early Childhood Education field. This course is worth 4 credits in total and stresses on making the students understand the terminologies, questions as well as the theories that are commonly used by the sociologists in comprehending the different societal setups.

Q:In the article on what are some job opportunities if you have a degree in Early Childhood, I came across the course Infant and Toddler Care. What will I be taught in this?

A:You get to know about a lot of courses if you search on what are some job opportunities if you have a degree in Early Childhood. Infant and Toddler Care is a part of the Master program in Early Childhood Learning. In this course you will be taught how to train and teach the children from birth to the age of three through various modes and practices.

Q:What are some of the popular job opportunities in Early Childhood Education?

A:Students pursuing careers in Early Childhood Education specialization can get lucrative work opportunities with high pay scales. They can work as instructors, curriculum designers, professors, researchers, and administrators in public and private primary schools. Graduates of Early Childhood Education can also work in daycare centers. Level of education and experience are important contributors towards the pay scale of an individual.

Q:My search about early childhood education masters degree jobs mentioned NAEYC. What is the purpose of this organization?

A:Searching about early childhood education masters degree jobs would mention NAEYC. This stands for National Association for the Education of Young Children. This organization is responsible for pursuing quality education for young children by training and facilitating early childhood professionals all over the United States. It is one of the largest nonprofit organizations and is committed to helping young children access quality early education.

Q:As I read on what jobs can a Bachelors in Early Childhood get, it stressed heavily on the course on English Composition. What are the contents of this course?

A:It is common to get to study about the course on English Composition while reading on what jobs can a Bachelors in Early Childhood get. this is a 3 credits worth course which stresses on introducing the basic skills of English writing to the students. Heavy focus is put on the English skills that relate to the field of early childhood education.

Q:My search about PhD careers in early childhood education mentioned ECCE. What is the function of this program?

A:Searching for PhD careers in early childhood education would mention ECCE. It stands for Early Childhood Care and Education. The main purpose of this program is to promote and facilitate the process of early education as a right for all children. It is one of the UNESCO programs that provide facilities and funds for early education all over the world.

Q:I was reading about the Early Childhood Education management positions, and it stressed on a course on World Geography. What are the contents of this course?

A:The Early Childhood Education management positions are enhanced with the course on World Geography. This 3 credits worth course heavily focuses on attributes of physical locations and humans and how uniqueness as well as diversity to the various patterns of regions are affected and influenced on the surface of Earth. This course also tries to understand the evolution of Earth.

Q:What is the career path for Early Childhood Education entry level?

A:At entry level, an individual with Early Childhood Education has a variety of career paths to chose from. The opportunities await in private as well as government sectors in the field of teaching. One can get a job in schools, kindergartens as well as day-care centers. The salary range is very good too.

Q:What are some of the early childhood education and administration jobs I will be eligible for once I graduate?

A:Once you graduate with an early childhood education and administration degree, you will find a large number of early childhood education and administration degrees depending on your level of education. People with basic degrees can work at daycare centers and nurseries while those with higher level degrees can find administrative positions within elementary and primary schools.

Q:Where can I work after getting a Masters degree in Child Life?

A:Once you get a master's degree in childhood education, you can find yourself with a large number of educational opportunities. The first place you should look to apply is the educational sector as you will get a number of opportunities to work as a teacher or administrator. You can also go into curriculum planning as a career.

Q:What would a Masters degree in Child Development in L.A. offer me as a career path?

A:Once you have completed a master's degree in child development in LA, you will be able to jump straight into the educational field and will find yourself with many opportunities to work with elementary schools and kindergarten schools. You may also choose to work with daycare centers or for the government's child services department.

Q:What kind of jobs PhD Early Childhood Education degree holders can get?

A:Students pursuing the Doctorate of Philosophy in Early Childhood Education have a plethora of lucrative career opportunities once they have completed their degree program. PhD degree holders can easily get highly paid jobs relating research and development in the field of Early Childhood Education. They can be employed in private as well as public universities and colleges.

Q:I was reading about the early childhood education careers and came across Bachelors in Organizational Management in Early Childhood Education. What is this course about?

A:If you are looking for corporate like and more business oriented Early Childhood Education careers then you can look for the Bachelors in Organizational Management Early Childhood Education degree program. This qualification provides you with the insight into how the management of schools and early childhood centers are run. With a Bachelors in Organizational Management in Early Childhood Education degree you can opt to work in the administration and management of an education institute.

Q:What are the statics for early childhood educators finding work after graduation?

A:The statistics for people who have just graduated in early childhood education and are getting work straight away are on the rise. According to government studies, the number of people who are getting hired in the field is rising by 18% and will continue to do so until 2018. This is the highest percentage of increase in jobs of any workforce sector.

Q:What will be the Master in Early Childhood Education jobs like?

A:A Master in Early Childhood Education degree holder can work in management and administrative level positions in any educational institute. The most relevant area of job for a Masters in Early Childhood Education degree holder will be primary school, daycare centers, and child development centers. Graduates can get involved in teaching for children as well if they wish to.

Q:What Are some Jobs in Early Childhood Education with bachelor degrees?

A:The types of jobs that can be pursued with bachelor degree in early childhood education are: teacher, early childhood educator, child counselor, kindergarten teacher, Para educator, child care worker, training specialist, therapy and assessment specialist, education welfare officer, remediation teacher, recreation therapist, youth worker. Careers in this field can be boosted with further education in early childhood such as attaining a masters degree or doctorate degree.

Q:What does the future hold for Early Childhood Special Education professionals?

A:Early Childhood Special Education professionals are in high demand in the job market. They are specially trained individuals aiming at promoting Early Childhood Education. They can find employment at various private and public schools, primary and secondary schools, open up a daycare center of their own, give out trainings and seminars to young mothers who need guidance and many other related job opportunities.

Q:What are some career opportunities in the Early Childhood field?

A:Childhood Education graduates can work in schools, colleges and kindergartens. Your position title depends on your degree level and expertise. Master's degree holders can get administrative jobs in this field.

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