What Jobs Are in Early Childhood Education?
If you have ever wondered what jobs are available in early childhood education, you are not alone. A vast variety of opportunities exist, from teacher to doctoral candidate to child care provider. You can learn about the benefits and degree options available for this field. In addition, we will discuss the average salary for these positions. To get a better understanding of the career, read on to discover some of the job opportunities in early childhood education.
Benefits of working in early childhood education
Among the many benefits of a career in early childhood education are the long-term career prospects and personal benefits of working with young children. Children are usually jovial and joyful, while adults may not be so easy to handle. Early childhood educators are generally calm and joyful, and they enjoy being with children. The job is a rewarding and challenging one, so people with strong work ethics and a sense of humor should be ideal candidates for this field.
Being an early childhood educator also allows you to work outside of the typical office environment. Although an early childhood educator must adhere to the same schedule as their students, they can spend more time outdoors. Working with young children promotes an active lifestyle and physical activity, which is vital for maintaining good health. Early childhood educators are among the first formal educators a child encounters. They will see and witness many firsts, so working in this field can provide an inspiring experience.
Degree options
Depending on your goals, an early childhood education degree can lead to a variety of career opportunities. While a bachelor’s degree in the field may be sufficient for the position, a master’s degree can be more valuable. An early childhood education degree can prepare you for administrative positions within public and private schools and child care centers. It can also help you manage a child care center, which may be your goal if you’re looking to open your own.
Some early childhood education programs offer additional certificate programs in different areas of education. For instance, you may choose to add an English as a second language certificate, for example. This certificate can open many doors and give you an advantage over the competition. Here are some of the most common career options:
Average salary
The average salary for an early childhood educator is around $39708. This can vary widely depending on the years of experience, type of center, and employer. Many directors earn in excess of $65,000 a year. A graduate degree in curriculum and instruction is often required. Applicants with some experience in the field tend to be more attractive to employers. In fact, many instructional specialists are former teachers. For more information on the average salary for an early childhood educator, read on.
The salary of an early childhood educator varies depending on location, years of experience, and skills. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, salaries vary according to the type of job performed. In general, those in special education earn more than regular teachers. These teachers often work in special education facilities and provide more support than regular teachers. However, the salaries for these educators are similar to those of other early childhood educators. You can expect to earn between $22,000 and $55,000 a year based on your qualifications and experience.