The need for childcare workers and educators has never been greater than it is today. As teachers continue to retire, school enrollments continue to increase, creating a constant need for quality educators. Parents, too, recognize that a solid foundation in early childhood education is linked to their children’s future success and academic development. The need of the hour is for trained educators to provide quality education to the younger generation. In fact, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that early childhood education is expected to grow favorably over the next decade.
Before embarking on a career in early childhood education, a healthy dose of soul searching is recommended. A career in early childhood education should not be taken lightly. There may be a great deal of play and fun involved, but shaping the minds and shaping the lives of young children is a serious responsibility. If you are considering an early childhood education degree, you must be asking yourself if you truly love children and have the ability to continuously instill patient loving care. There can be no middle ground here. You will spend most of your day with them, so it takes a lot of patience and love to be truly successful. In addition, you must be creative and have excellent communication skills. It will open up several possibilities for you.
Educators look after children from infancy to eight years of age. As a teacher to these youth, you train and develop their physical, emotional, and intellectual abilities in a variety of challenging ways. There will be a full range of creative expression and hands-on activities such as games, artwork, storytelling, music and role play to encourage the child’s imagination and learning.
An associate degree in early childhood education is an effective stepping stone to a broader spectrum in education. Typically, this is an extensive program that leads to a wide range of career options and advancement opportunities upon completion. Approximately two years are required to complete an AOS degree in early childhood education. This degree provides all the necessary training you would need to teach young children. It covers functional knowledge and understanding of early childhood education through the completion of courses on curriculum, child development, children’s center administration, health and safety and related fields. General scientific, social science and linguistic skills are also usually part of the curriculum.
Numerous career opportunities are open to graduates of the early childhood education course. They can be an elementary school teacher, preschool teacher, school counselor, or administrator. This will also prepare you for work in areas such as educational policy or advocacy. As an educator you will find employment in kindergartens or elementary schools, as a specialist for children with disabilities or learning disorders, as program supervisors and managers in schools and as sponsors of family children’s homes.
Armed with a childhood education degree, you are ready to invest your life in the generation to come. You will find that raising children, shaping and shaping their lives, and challenging them for the life to come is an extremely rewarding experience!
Thanks to Tami U
