Finding the Right Career in Early Childhood Education

Early childhood education (ECE) is one of the most meaningful career fields you can pursue, as it provides many opportunities. The bonus of this field is you get to have a positive impact on the lives of children. Ask any early childhood educator and they’ll tell you how much they love what they do. 

If you have a passion for working with children and are looking for a rewarding career in the education field that doesn’t require attending a four-year college, you should strongly consider earning an early childhood education degree.

What is Early Childhood Education? 

Early childhood education describes the period of learning that occurs from birth to approximately 8 years old. The focus is aimed at preparing students for a lifetime of learning, which involves the development of their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs. Important topics in this field include learning and brain development, peer cooperation and collaboration, early cognition, and beginning literacy. 

Early childhood education gives young children the opportunity to learn, discover, and play in a safe, nurturing environment outside of their home. In an ECE classroom, children are encouraged to explore letters, colors, shapes, numbers, sounds, nature, art and more, while at the same time fostering curiosity and developing core motor and social skills. 

Why Work in Early Childhood Education? Education ?

A career in early childhood education is rewarding for several reasons. Here are just a few of the many benefits of earning an early childhood education degree: 

Ample Time Off

Regardless of which environment you choose to work in, you’ll find that many ECE jobs rarely include 9 to 5 days. Those who work in the ECE field often get the added benefit of having more time off than those in other industries. While this may not be the case for all ECE employees, many educators get additional time off for summer break, holidays, and typically don’t have to work evenings and weekends. 

Career Outlook is Bright 

There is, and will always be, a great need for quality education. If you’re looking for an in-demand career with plenty of opportunities now, and in the future, earning an early childhood education degree is a viable option. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, ECE educators and workers can expect a bright job outlook: 

• Preschool teachers can expect 10% growth in employment nationwide which is faster than the average for all other occupations. 
• Over 84,000 jobs nationwide will become available for childcare workers.
• Preschool and childcare center directors can expect employment to grow 11% over the next several years. 

Job security and the opportunity for advancement are key reasons why people often decide to pursue this career path. For early childhood educators, the demand, job security, and the room for advancement are already there, and will continue to be there for years to come. 

Array of Exciting Career Options 

Jobs in early childhood education have become more specialized, so being a preschool teacher or working in a childcare center are not the only jobs available to ECE teachers anymore. When you choose to pursue an early childhood education degree, you have plenty of incredible career options, including becoming a school readiness teacher or assistant teacher, family resource worker, preschool teacher, paraprofessional, private nanny, child specialist with the DCF, curriculum coordinator, early childhood director, and much more. 

How Can I Earn a Degree in ECE? 

To get the career results you’re after and be taken seriously as an ECE professional, it’s important that you enroll in a high quality Early Childhood Education program. Athena Career Academy offers a comprehensive ECE program, with flexible class schedules. Contact us today for more information on enrolling or to schedule a campus tour!