Getting a Degree in Early Childhood Education

Early childhood education is the foundation of learning for a child. A career in early childhood education provides the important building blocks for a student throughout his or her future educational endeavors, job performance, and family life. The responsibility of an early childhood educator may initially appear daunting, considering the considerable influence he or she may have on the child. However, the rewards outweigh the fears in this commendable career field.

The age group considered for early childhood education are children under the age of eight years old, according to UNESCO ECCE (Early Childhood Care and Education) Unit. The vulnerability of this young age is marked by how rapidly a child’s brain is developing. Early childhood educators utilize a learn-as-you-play curriculum, which begins a crucial culture of knowledge for the child.

A Career in Learning and Playing

The concept of learning through play is among the many components studied when working towards a degree in early childhood education. Online programs explore this concept as well as others, such as linking a child’s family and home life to the educational process, supplying nutritious meals to encourage better brain development, and nurturing each child individually. Early childhood education encourages a child’s curiosity and provides a guiding hand on the path of good decisions for the rest of that child’s life.

Online early childhood education programs offer licensure which is required by all 50 states in public schools. An associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctorate degree are all available online as well. An additional incentive when furthering your career as an early childhood educator, is that you can continue to work with students (if you are already employed in the field) as you open up more opportunities to help those students through your additional educational training. Early childhood educators are not limited to only working in public schools. Private individuals and businesses are shying away from just being a daycare or childcare service but are looking to incorporate learning into their practices. Early childhood educators play crucial roles in providing an education focused on younger children, implementing rigorously studied concepts in those childcare centers eager for more educational components.

Teachers Are in Demand

Like with all teachers, early childhood educators are expected to continue to grow in demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimate a demand of 13 percent due to the anticipation of retiring teachers from now to 2018. While jobs are expected to remain available, the annual salary of beginning teachers of $33,227 is not projected to rise until teachers acquire tenure, and/or further their education with a higher degree.

Early childhood education is a rewarding career that can be accessed through numerous routes and varying positions. Along with public school and private institutions, early childhood educators can also work as counselors, childcare workers, social workers, and education administrators. Each year, young and eager minds await educational growth and development, and thus, the field requires educators who are passionate, patient, innovative, and proficient with their work.