Early Childhood Education

What To Expect

Early childhood education specialists typically work with children ranging from three to six years old. Most often, early childhood education specialists work in a pre-school or day care centers where they engage children in educational play and other interactive activities. Through rhyming games, storytelling, art, dance, music, and other activities, the early childhood education specialist helps develop a child's language and social skills while also introducing mathematical and scientific concepts.

An early childhood education specialist most often work in a daycare or school setting, while some work for public and private elementary schools. Depending upon state requirements, an early childhood education specialist may also work in a kindergarten classroom. While interactive activities are still conducted in this setting, the focus in the kindergarten classroom is generally more academic in nature and involves teaching phonics, numbers, letter recognition, and a deeper awareness of science and nature.

Recommended Qualifications

In order to obtain an entry-level position in the early childhood education field, you must obtain certification. However, to qualify for a higher paying position within a day care setting, you will need to obtain an associate's degree at minimum. To work as a kindergarten teacher or to qualify for pre-school teaching position, a bachelor's degree is generally required. A degree in early childhood education qualifies you to work with infants and children up to age eight. Numerous online schools offer certificate and degree programs in early childhood education, as do many community colleges, colleges and universities.

A good candidate for becoming an early childhood education specialist is someone who is patient and has excellent multi-tasking skills. Early childhood education specialists need to not only enjoy spending time with children, but also be able to keep children on task and well-behaved. People who have a great deal of energy and who want to make a positive impact on the lives of children are particularly well suited for this career.