The growing field of early childhood education includes many different job opportunities. Regardless of the position you seek, if you are considering a degree in early childhood education, you should enjoy children and have a strong desire to help them learn and succeed.
As an early childhood education major, you might enjoy a variety of career options after you graduate. Professionals may work with children of different age groups, depending on their specialty; the age range covered usually goes from birth to age 8 or so (third grade). An early childhood education major enjoys the opportunity for employment in a field that dramatically shapes and influences the lives of children. Early childhood educators enjoy teaching and are capable of teaching skills using a variety of instructional methods. They are flexible, and enjoy an autonomous work environment. Above all, professionals in the field of early childhood education must have a true love of young people.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects favorable growth in the early childhood education field over the next ten years. As Baby Boomer teachers retire and school enrollment increases, the need for educators and child care workers will increase as well. In some areas, where the need for teachers is high, schools are offering bonuses and higher than average pay. (Source:
http://www.worldwidelearn.com)
To succeed in an early childhood education career, candidates need more than a degree. Close interaction with children demands patience and a strong, sincere desire to help all children learn and reach their fullest potential. Early childhood educators are in high demand, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects steady, sustained growth in this field. Childhood education degrees are particularly valuable to child-care providers, teachers, teaching assistants and school administrators.
Child Care Worker Employees in child care work in a variety of places, including day care centers, community programs and nonprofit organizations. These workers help children learn and understand social fundamentals such as sharing, cleaning up toys and playing nicely with others. They can work with a specific age group or with special-needs students. Average hourly wages for these positions are usually a few dollars more than minimum wage.
Preschool Teacher Children who are too young to attend kindergarten are often enrolled in a preschool. These schools prepare young children for public school by introducing fundamentals such as counting, letter identification, shapes and colors. Teachers usually hold an associate's degree or bachelor's degree in early childhood education. A teacher who does not work with special-needs children can expect to make a little more than a child care worker.
Kindergarten Assistant Kindergarten teachers introduce advanced topics such as science, math, language and social studies. In most cases, an assistant teacher is required to hold an associate's degree. While the teacher leads the activities, an assistant helps the children participate and complete projects and supervises field trips, activities and recess. Assistants earn a bit less than preschool teachers.
Public School Teacher Quality teachers are critical to a successful public education program. Public school teachers usually teach a specific subject or age group in the lower grades. Some specialize in special education work, while others work with the general student body. Most states require that public school teachers possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree and state certificate. Salaries depend upon location, education, experience and other factors. (Source:
http://www.ehow.com)
