Early childhood experiences matter. A wealth of research indicates that our brains develop at lightning speed during the first five years of life. The relationships young children form (and the things they see or experience) during these first few years can have an outsized impact on the rest of their lives, shaping their health and well-being for years to come.
This is when a quality education is arguably the most influential. Early childhood educators instill a love of learning in young children, promoting everything from literacy to social skills and emotional resilience. They form the basis for a successful academic journey, equipping young students with the skills and passion they’ll need to thrive as they navigate elementary school and beyond.
Early childhood jobs encourage passionate educators to work with the youngest and most promising students, promoting a love of learning and a powerful introduction to the educational experience. Educators take this role seriously and are determined to provide the quality care and instruction that their students deserve. This field is far from straightforward, however, and one of the earliest challenges involves navigating a broad range of early childhood education jobs.
To help you uncover your ideal pathway, we will explain, what can you do with an early childhood education degree? Keep reading to learn more about the myriad of jobs involving childcare and early childhood education and see where you might fit in this promising corner of the education field.
Why Choose a Career in Early Childhood Education?
Many nurturing individuals feel drawn to early childhood careers for a simple reason: they adore young children. They feel that every smile from a toddler or a preschooler is a gift and they are delighted at the prospect of spending their days surrounded by vibrant little learners. Speaking to their decision to pursue early education careers, many cite a desire for personally meaningful work.
For example, Nebraska Department of Education program specialist Jenny Fleming explains, “I know I’m making a difference, not only in a child’s very early years of life, but also a parent’s life.” She mentions the peace of mind that comes with knowing that a “young child is being loved and cared for in a safe, nurturing, quality environment,” especially when it’s clear that the educator wants to see that child “grow and be successful.” Other reasons to pursue career opportunities in ECE include:
Make an Impact on Child Development
ECE professionals are committed to supporting children through some of the most important phases of development. During these first few years, children learn how to communicate, how to use their bodies, and how to manage their emotions. They may need extra support as they navigate the challenges of learning and growing. Educators are also often the first to notice when children are struggling to meet key milestones and they can help facilitate necessary interventions or ensure that children receive specialized attention.
Growing Demand for ECE Professionals
Every year brings new children and new opportunities for ECE professionals to help shape the future. Because we can expect more children, we can also expect job stability for the educators who work with these young students.
Insights from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) suggest that preschool enrollment rates have remained stable over time, with nearly half of children ages 3-4 consistently enrolled in preschool programs. Meanwhile, the vast majority of 5-year-olds attend school in some capacity.
As additional research reveals the enduring value of quality instruction in early childhood, it is possible that these rates will increase, and that more early childhood educators will be needed to meet the growing demand. These jobs may also become more abundant as we seek solutions to ongoing difficulties in securing quality childcare. For instance, all-day instruction can be invaluable for working parents.
Diverse Job Opportunities
Early childhood is a broader field than many people realize. Educators can work in many settings and with a wide range of students, including not only young children, but also their parents and guardians. This versatility allows educators to tailor their career path as they see fit. Those with control over their professional trajectories may find greater satisfaction in their day-to-day work.
Flexibility in Education Paths
There are many ways to enter the exciting world of early childhood education. The minimum requirement typically involves an early childhood education associate degree, although there is value in seeking a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. What’s more, aspiring ECE professionals can complete necessary training at their own pace. For example, some may seek their associate degree so that they can promptly enter the field and, if desired, continue to make academic progress while also working in the field.
Top Careers with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
A bachelor’s degree in early childhood education prepares aspiring educators to take on some of the field’s most compelling roles. These roles allow educators to take the lead in their classrooms and even to explore administrative or management opportunities. Options worth considering include:
Preschool Teacher
As one of the top professional pursuits for those with their ECE major, preschool education focuses on children who have not yet entered kindergarten. Typically, preschool teachers work with 3 or 4-year-old students, who may attend school a few hours per day, although full-day programs are increasingly common. These educators help young students adjust to the classroom environment and may explore basics such as letters and numbers. Preschool teachers encourage students to learn through play while also developing helpful routines.
Kindergarten Teacher
Primarily working with children ages 5-6, kindergarten teachers guide young learners through one of life’s biggest and most impactful transitions as they begin spending a significant portion of the day in a traditional classroom environment. As with preschool, this involves plenty of opportunities to learn through play. Literacy is a priority, with kindergarten curricula often introducing phonics. Above all else, kindergarten teachers strive to prepare students for the social, emotional, and academic challenges of 1st grade.
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Early interventions can make a world of difference for children with cognitive or developmental disabilities. These students may otherwise find educational environments overwhelming. If students are eligible for services, teachers may work with parents or guardians to develop Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), which reveal educational objectives and special education services that help children meet these goals. Teachers may adapt curricula or instructional strategies as needed to meet the unique needs of their students.
Childcare Center Director
Offering the opportunity for ECE professionals to act as leaders, the role of childcare center director involves facility and program management, along with staff supervision and community engagement. These leaders handle practical concerns related to enrollment, budget management, curriculum development, and beyond. Directors hold a huge responsibility in creating a safe and educational environment in which young children can thrive, and in which parents can feel confident.
Early Childhood Curriculum Developer
Curriculum development is a top challenge in early childhood education, as this must balance skill development with short attention spans and other practical challenges. ECE curriculum experts rely on engaging concepts and activities to help foster not only academic skills, but also, physical, emotional, and social development. Their work draws heavily on theories of learning and development, but they may also leverage data from assessments to adjust curricula as needed.
Career Opportunities with an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education
Some educators, while appreciating the high-level roles mentioned above, prefer a hands-on approach. They focus on building meaningful relationships with children rather than managing administrative tasks or curriculum challenges. Thankfully, there are many compelling entry-level jobs available to those with their associate degree. Opportunities include:
Childcare Worker
Offering supervision and support for young children in daycare facilities, childcare workers facilitate age-appropriate activities while maintaining safe and engaging environments. In addition to interacting directly with children, they foster healthy relationships between young children, encouraging positive behaviors such as sharing and taking turns. Communication with parents can also be expected, with childcare workers often sharing photos or insights about children’s developmental progress.
Teacher Assistant/Paraprofessional
Preschool and kindergarten teachers depend on teacher assistants and paraprofessionals to keep their classrooms running smoothly. This supportive role may involve small group or one-on-one guidance, along with assistance when transitioning between activities. This can be a great opportunity for gaining hands-on experience while also enrolled in a bachelor’s program, as teacher assistants quickly learn which educational strategies and classroom management techniques prove most impactful in various situations.
Family Childcare Provider
Running childcare centers out of their own homes, family childcare providers provide safe and nurturing settings, in which children are encouraged to explore and play. Like facility-based childcare workers or directors, they may plan educational activities and implement routines, but typically focus on a smaller number of children within a more intimate environment. These opportunities can often be pursued with less formal training, although an associate degree remains valuable for understanding development stages and curriculum design.
Nanny/Au Pair
As parents navigate childcare complications, many are eager to hire nannies or au pairs, and they are not willing to let just anybody supervise their children. Job descriptions increasingly cite a strong preference for targeted training in childhood education. This can be a compelling role for those who prefer to work closely with children.
Nannies and au pairs offer supervision within families’ homes, with some working year-round with young children while others provide supplemental care for kindergartners or older children after regular school hours or during the summer months.
Niche and Emerging Careers in Early Childhood Education
Early childhood education is a rapidly expanding field, including not only the many job opportunities highlighted above, but also, several niche roles that allow educators to leverage their skills in unique and exciting ways. Emerging career opportunities in ECE include:
Early Childhood Education Consultant
Offering valuable guidance to schools, childcare facilities, and even policymakers, ECE consultants draw heavily on research and assessments to offer actionable insights into curricula or educational strategies. They may specialize in various aspects of early childhood education, such as special education, behavior management, or family engagement.
Child Life Specialist
Often employed in the healthcare sector, child life specialists support the emotional needs of young patients, who may struggle with stress or anxiety in the face of medical procedures. These professionals use play-based strategies to help children develop coping skills and may also advocate for children while collaborating with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
Parent Educator
Parent educators offer valuable insights for the parents or guardians of young children, revealing how these caretakers can provide much-needed emotional support in the home. In some locations, similar opportunities may also involve Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE), in which children and parents can learn and play together. Some ECFE programs even incorporate brief periods of separation, in which parents take part in educational sessions while their children remain in a supportive classroom environment.
Social Worker with a Focus on Early Childhood
Child-centered social work shares basic objectives highlighted by the Council on Social Work Education as “helping people function the best they can in their environment.” To that end, child-focused social workers may assess young children and provide family counseling or crisis interventions, if necessary. While these roles typically require targeted credentials in social work, they can often benefit from studying early childhood education, as this provides a more thorough introduction to concepts surrounding child development.
Skills and Qualities for Success in Early Childhood Careers
Not just anybody is cut out for early childhood education. This field can be incredibly demanding, with challenges going beyond the potential chaos of the classroom. Educators may also need to deal with administrative hurdles and funding limitations. A broad skill set can help them rise to the occasion and navigate workplace complications with ease. Essentials include:
- Patience and Compassion. Young children cannot learn effectively unless they feel safe and secure. Educators can foster this through compassionate communication, with a calm demeanor allowing them to de-escalate difficult situations and form a positive learning environment. Compassion also helps educators relate to children on a deeper level so that they can better identify and address learning or behavioral challenges.
- Strong Communication Skills. ECE professionals must communicate effectively with people of all ages and from all backgrounds. They may need to adjust their tone and language considerably as they interact with different children, with parents, and with other ECE professionals. Both verbal and written communication skills are crucial.
- Creativity and Flexibility. A certain level of chaos can be expected in the preschool or childcare environment. Each day brings new challenges, but early childhood educators should be prepared to address these with humor and grace. Creativity can help them make the most of unexpected learning opportunities while also making everyday routines and activities feel more engaging.
- Understanding of Child Development. While each child is unique, all will ideally navigate a few basic stages relating to their physical, cognitive, and emotional development. ECE professionals should have a thorough understanding of core milestones and how they might be revealed in the dynamic classroom environment. They should also be able to spot when milestones are not reached so they can provide additional support as needed.
- Leadership and Management Skills. Classroom management represents one of the greatest struggles of working with young children. Educators should understand how to implement routines and signals to facilitate a calm and orderly environment, while still allowing for some flexibility and exploration. Administrative skills may be necessary for those who hope to run childcare centers.
Choosing the Right ECE Program
Many ECE programs promise to prepare tomorrow’s early educators for fulfilling and impactful careers, but it is important to vet these programs carefully to ensure that they live up to their promises. As you plan your next steps, be sure to take a close look at these essentials:
- Accreditation and Curriculum. The ideal ECE curriculum will provide a deep dive into child development while also exploring research-based practices for helping children develop content knowledge and emotional skills. Evaluation and assessment practices should also be explored in detail. Accreditation should inspire additional confidence. Look for program-specific designations, such as insights from the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs.
- Practical Experience. Bridging the gap between theory and real-world educational environments, hands-on learning opportunities such as practicums involve supervised participation in licensed preschool programs. Verify that these opportunities are not only available, but also, prioritized within your potential ECE program.
- Career Support and Networking. Supportive services such as career advising can help you prepare for a smooth transition into the workforce. The ideal college program will also offer an abundance of networking opportunities, extending beyond student life to include alumni networks.
Start Your Early Childhood Education Career at Baker College
As you prepare to make your mark in early childhood education, think carefully about your career prospects and how you will develop crucial skills. At Baker College, we are pleased to provide multiple opportunities to help the ECE professionals of tomorrow prepare for meaningful career opportunities. Top options include our Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education and our Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. Take the next step and reach out to learn more.