Do you have a love for children? Do you aspire to teach young children important life and educational skills? Do you have patience, can multi-task, and are extremely organized? If you said yes to each of these questions, then maybe it is time for you to consider a career as an early childhood educator. In the capacity of an early childhood educator you will likely be working with children who are between the ages of two and five. Keep in mind, at this age you will be teaching children life skills, social skills, as well as educationally preparing them for kindergarten and subsequent grades. It will be important that you can use creative teaching methods, games, or hands-on activities to teach these young children important concepts. Although you must be licensed in order to work with young children, the specific requirements vary from one state to another. It is a good idea for you check into the requirements that your state of residence mandates.
An associate’s degree program will prepare you for some career options in this field. You can expect the coursework in this degree program to teach you how to encourage literacy in children, how to plan effective lessons, how to help students develop communication and language skills, and how to help children develop healthy habits. Some colleges or universities offer their students the chance to concentrate their studies in an area such as: special education, family childcare, toddler care, infant care, or program management. You will likely be required to complete classes like: nutrition, human development, introductory curriculum design, and caring for young children.
While a bachelor’s degree program will consist of similar coursework, you can expect it to be explored and taught at a much more extensive level. In addition, you will be learning about educational public policy, educational technology, and early childhood education administration. In this degree program you will also be required to complete a semester of student teaching. You should expect to be required to complete classes such as: educational assessment techniques, developmental psychology, mathematics instruction, socialization in early childhood education, and emerging literacy instruction. Feel free to look more closely at any of the schools on our site that interest you; any of them will be glad to send you a complimentary information packet that will detail what they have to offer you as you pursue your educational goals. With your associate’s degree in early childhood education it will be possible for you to pursue employment as a preschool teacher or as a teacher’s assistant. However, as a bachelor’s degree holder you will be able to seek employment as an elementary teacher. Find the right early childhood education school in your area and request information below.