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Home > Teaching Specialties > Early childhood education
Early childhood education
 Educators who instruct students under age 5 are referred to as Early Educators. They care for children and teach them basic skills while in preschool, which will prepare them for entering formal school later in life. Preschool is held in a non-public setting such as daycare centers, childcare centers, family day care centers, home day care centers, or Federal programs. An example of a Federal preschool program is Head Start. Preschool can be either full-time or part-time, depending on the child and parents’ needs. Some preschools are even held at churches and are considered an important part of the community.
As you pursue your career in early childhood education, you may find yourself working in:
 Childcare centers
Preschools
Kindergartens
Specialty schools, such as Montessori or religious schools
Elementary schools
 Other areas include specialties such as working with special needs children or the gifted, or even in an underprivileged community.
Those who pursue a career in early childhood education will see a bright future with plenty of job opportunities; there will be many positions available as many teachers are set to retire in coming years (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). As cited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), there are currently up towards 2.1 million early childhood education jobs. Teachers set to enter the workforce in the next few years will see themselves in a prime position for a fulfilling career.
Early Childhood Education Prospects
Early childhood educators hold a unique role in our communities. They have an opportunity to spark positive change in the lives of others as well as in the educational system itself. As the gap widens between retirees and new educators, job opportunities will be plentiful in coming years for childhood educators.
Prospective teachers who wish to fill this gap will have to fulfill requirements to become certified. This usually involves acquiring certification like a child development associate (CDA) for teaching assistants or instructors or childcare providers for toddlers and preschoolers. To work with kindergarteners and above, you must earn a bachelor’s degree and meet all additional state requirements for teaching.
Compensation for Early Childhood Educators
In addition to plentiful job openings, the early childhood education field is seeing some positive changes including increased enrollment and government support. According to Pre-K Now, an early childhood education advocacy group, 30 of 38 states in the U.S. which support pre-K learning saw an increase in enrollment in 2007. Along with that, state spending per-child at the pre-K level rose for the first time in five years.
This recent support for pre-K learning programs has helped to create a 26 percent growth rate for the field (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The increase will mean an additional 115,000 open teaching positions to supplement the already held 437,000 teachers. There has never been a better time to make a difference in the lives of young children.
| Featured Schools that offer Early childhood education |
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As the nation’s first 100% online, accredited university, Jones International University® (JIU®) focuses on the needs of working professionals by using programs that develop the skills needed to succeed—without disrupting work or family obligations.. More>> |
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American InterContinental University is a Great Education from a Quality University. American InterContinental is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Associates, Bachelors and Masters Degrees.. More>> |
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To provide accessible, affordable, innovative, high-quality learning opportunities and degree programs that meet the diverse needs of individuals pursuing integrity in their lives, professions and communities. Balance your job with online coursework as you earn your Bachelors or Masters Degree.. More>> |
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Ashworth College is a respected, worldwide leader in comprehensive, globally accredited online education. We have unified the three schools formerly known as Professional Career Development Institute, Ashworth College and James Madison High School under one name.. More>> |
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The University Of Southern Californias Rossier School Of Education is one of the world premier centers for graduate study in urban education. We prepare and develop educational leaders who are agents of change and we are committed to innovation in all our programs. More>> |
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Capella University provides working adults the opportunity to earn online degrees in the fields of business management, health care, higher education, human capital management, information technology, mental health, P-12 education, and public safety.. More>> |
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As a working teacher, you understand better than most the integral role that education can play in attaining ones goals—including your own. Which is why, like most educators, you ave considered earning your masters degree at some point in your career.. More>> |
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At the largest private university in North America, you can attend classes at one of our more than 190 convenient locations. Or learn online - on your schedule.. More>> |
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