Early Childhood Education Careers

Early childhood education is of critical importance not just for children themselves and their parents but also the nation. Research shows that those children, who were provided with high quality of education before they turned five, enjoyed significant long-term benefits. Children in preschool programs are more likely to graduate high school and earn more. According to a study supported by National Education Association, these children are also more likely to own homes, have longer marriages and less likely to run in trouble with the law. Therefore those who teach children in their early years play a critical role in nation building.

Early Childhood Educators
They are those highly motivated individuals who are trained and sometimes licensed and/or certified to provide early childhood education to their students. They work with young children and infants. Early childhood educators mostly work in daycare centers, schools and other institutions. Their main objective is to observe and evaluate young children and identify their special needs. They perform their duties by employing important qualities like:

• Patience
• Physical stamina
• Organizational skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Creativity
• Communication skills

Careers in Early Childhood Education
The following are some of the careers that early childhood educators are most likely to work as:

• Preschool Teachers - They educate and care for children of ages 3 to 5, who have yet to enter kindergarten. They teach how to read and write. Their education requirements can differ from state to state. Some of them may hold a high school diploma along with a certificate in early childhood education. Others may have a bachelor' degree in early childhood education.

• Childcare Workers - Working for child day care services, elementary and secondary schools, childcare workers look after the children while their parents and family members are unavailable. They may feed and bathe them. They may also help children with their homework, etc. Most of them have a high school diploma, however most states do not have specific educational requirements for childcare workers.  Some states and employers may require documents confirming nationality status from childcare workers.

• Preschool and Childcare Center Directors - They are the administrators of child day care centers. They oversee daily activities, prepare plans and budgets and lead and direct their staffs. Their educational and training requirements can also differ from state to state. From high school diploma to a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, these professionals may also need to have a Child Development Associate (CDA) certification offered by the Council for Professional Recognition.

Careers with Early Childhood Education Degree
The abovementioned careers may be both intellectually fulfilling and financially rewarding. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that preschool and childcare center directors earned a yearly median salary of $43,950 in 2012. Preschools teachers earned a yearly median salary of $27,130 during the same year.

How To Become An Early Childhood Educator?
If you already have a high school diploma then check with your state's education department regarding requirements needed to enter the profession.