Career Opportunities In Early Childhood Education:
Starting Your Journey

Is Early Childhood Education a Good Career?

Many who work in early childhood education will tell you it is one of the most rewarding careers one can embark on. Early childhood education professionals value working with young children in their formative years, helping them establish a strong foundation for their growth and development and providing the support they need as they grow. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 60,000 employees are working in early childhood education. 

Have a passion for working with children? Explore our early childhood education jobs today.

What Is Early Childhood Education?

Early childhood education, sometimes called early childhood care, refers to the holistic development of a child from birth to around eight years old. These early, formative years are critical to a child’s development. 

There is so much growth during these early years that centers around a child’s cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. For that growth to flourish, children must be in an environment where they are guided and supported in a way that allows them to build a strong foundation they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. 

The Benefits of Early Childhood Education

The benefits of early childhood education are plentiful and extend well beyond the classroom. Countless studies affirm the importance of early childhood education as it can help equip a child with the skills they need both in the short term and long term. Some of the benefits of early childhood education include:

Cognitive Development 

Cognitive skills, including problem-solving, abstract and critical thinking, and language development, are improved when a child receives early education and care. Exposing children to enriching, thought-provoking learning experiences early on lays the groundwork for stronger cognitive development.

Social and Emotional Development

The early years of a child’s life are critical for developing important social and emotional skills. Children learn these skills by interacting with adults and peers their age. Through this interaction, children learn how to regulate their emotions, setting them up for success as they navigate healthy social relationships.

Physical Development

There are certain physical milestones like crawling, walking, and catching that infants are expected to reach at specific time frames. Early childhood education encourages children to meet these milestones. If they don’t, specific therapies can be practiced to help with this physical growth. 

School Readiness 

Children often have an easier transition into school. They often have stronger communication skills, reduced anxiety around their peers, and less apprehension about trying new things in school. 

Reduced Achievement Gap 

Another one of the best benefits of early childhood education is that it bridges the achievement gap that often exists between children of different socioeconomic backgrounds. It can serve as an equalizer, giving every child the strongest start possible in their educational career. 

Why You Should Pursue a Career in Early Childhood Education

A career in early childhood education brings with it just as many benefits as it offers the children who receive this critical care and education. Many professionals in this career will tell you it’s incredibly rewarding, often enriching their lives just as much as the children’s lives. 

If you decide to pursue an early childhood education career, some of the perks you can look forward to include: 

Direct Influence and Impact on the Children You Work With

Working as an early childhood educator professional allows you to have a direct impact on the lives of the children you work with. You’ll be able to see this impact first, even if you are still enrolled in an early childhood education program and are just starting your career. Most professionals work with the same caseload of children, allowing them to see firsthand the child’s growth and progress. 

Early Childhood Education Professionals Report High Job Satisfaction

According to a recent study reported by the Urban Institute, most early childhood educators surveyed reported being highly satisfied with their careers, while many others reported being somewhat satisfied. For many professionals, the impact of seeing the growth and development of the children they serve makes this line of work one of the most rewarding in the education space. 

Students and Professionals Can Experience a Diversity of Roles

Underneath the umbrella of working as an early childhood educator, there are other specializations that an individual can pursue. Some of these specializations include speech and language, motor skills, or even the administrative aspect of early childhood education. Individuals can also fall into broader roles, including working as classroom teachers or program administrators. 

Continuous Learning and Continued Job Growth 

As an early childhood educator, you’ll have the opportunity to build on your skill set and pursue higher-level roles within the scope of early childhood education. This can include working with students enrolled in an early childhood educational program, becoming a professor at a university that offers an accredited program, or working with governmental entities to widen the reach of early childhood education services. 

Choosing the Right Early Childhood Education Program

Early childhood education programs are offered at a variety of facilities, including private and public universities. 

With a bit of research and a guide on what to look for, you can find a program that best suits your lifestyle and educational needs. Whichever program you settle for, it’s important to look for ones that have the following: 

Accreditation 

Ensure the program has been accredited by the state you wish to work in. Accreditation ensures that a program rises to the established standards and allows students to have a high-quality education. 

Practical Experience 

The next thing you’ll want to look for is a program that gives you hands-on experience so that you can determine it’s the best fit. Practical experience also allows students to practice what they are being taught in the classroom, allowing them to apply it in the real world. 

A Thorough Curriculum 

You’ll want to take a close look at the curriculum of the program and ensure that it is diverse, covers a range of topics, and has a variety of age ranges you’ll be working with. A well-rounded curriculum incorporates topics including child development, classroom management, curriculum planning, and others.