what can you do with an Early Childhood Education Degree in 2024

Early Childhood Education Degree

The bachelor’s level in education for children allows instructors to teach infants, from infants to children in 3rd grade. At this point, teachers aid children in developing their social, personal and academic skills to help them prepare for the next level of education.

Early Childhood Education Degree and Career Overview

An Early Childhood Education degree can aid in your preparation for a rewarding job teaching children in the early years. Early childhood teachers are accountable for caring for and educating children early on. The subjects of study within this profession are focused on developing social and cognitive skills, which encompasses a range of tasks that help students’ capabilities to grow.

At Gwynedd Mercy University, you can get an early education degree in just four years. You will also benefit from real-world experiences through our hands-on learning method. This degree program is in high demand and lets students gain an experience in the real world that can make a difference in the life of kids living in Philadelphia. Philadelphia community.

What is early Childhood Education Degree?

Early childhood education refers to the learning time that occurs from birth until 8 years old. There is a variety that offers early childhood education, such as ones that are state, federal or private funding. The curriculum and methods used differ for preschoolers. However, there are generally established standards for instruction offered in early childhood education environments.

There are a variety of possibilities for career options, such as teaching, running an after-school program, or offering at-home childcare for children. Here are a few examples of careers in early childhood education.

• Teachers in Preschool: Preschool teachers introduce children to the world of education and help them prepare for kindergarten. They develop curriculums suitable for children of a certain age and introduce concepts and themes that children can expand on during elementary school. They also monitor for indicators of developmental or emotional issues and call these issues in the eyes of guardians or parents. The is a job description that varies among childcare centres.
• Teachers for Elementary and Kindergarten: Kindergarten and elementary school teachers develop lesson plans for math, English social studies, and science. They also teach students the abilities they require to succeed in school. They inform parents about their child’s progress and prepare students for standardized tests.
• Nannies: The Nannies as well as other workers in childcare look after children when their parents are away from the home. They are accountable for bathing and feeding children, directing their play time and coordinating activities for their children.
• Childcare Director of the Center, The Director of the Childcare Center, oversees all preschool staff and teachers. They are accountable for hiring and training staff members, making the budget, establishing the facility’s standards for education and programming, and discussing their children’s development with parents.
• A school counsellor or psychologist: Working in elementary schools, psychologists and counsellors can diagnose children’s learning disabilities and mental, emotional or behavioural issues. Together with parents, psychologists and counsellors can develop and implement programs to modify students’ behaviour.

Early Childhood Education Workplaces 2023

A profession in education for children could result in you working in different types of workplaces. Typically early childhood educators are employed in a school environment. However, they can also work from childcare centres or private homes. Here are the possible workplaces for professionals in early childhood education.

• Public Schools
• Private Schools
• Special Education
• Kindergarten Centers
• Daycare
• In-Home Nanny

Requirements for Early Childhood Education Degrees

Being an early elementary education teacher is a vital job. You’ll be responsible for laying the foundation for the youngest students; all future teachers will build on the foundation you laid. This is why you must know the prerequisites for early childhood education degrees for the state you’re planning to teach.

In Pennsylvania, it is the case that all early-education teachers at public schools must have at least a bachelor’s degree, as well as state-issued certification. Nonpublic schools, such as religiously affiliated schools, must also meet their own degrees and certification criteria. These requirements for degrees apply to teachers from kindergarten through fourth grade.

The state certifications vary. However, the early educators of Pennsylvania must pass Pearson’s Pennsylvania Educator Certification Test Early Learning Modules 1,2 and 3 to be certified as a teacher.

Early Childhood Education Degree Programs

In the context of education for children, ECE grads must be competent in teaching all subjects, assist students in developing social skills and ensure the emotional wellbeing of children. Teachers should be aware of physical activity and the development of their bodies, as well as establish an environment for safe and secure learning. Effective early childhood educators need a solid understanding of the development theories in children. This foundation, in theory, is to be integrated with a profound understanding of early childhood teaching topics and practices.

Degree Program Components

Under the direction by NAEYC National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) under the leadership of NAEYC, the Early Childhood Education (ECE) field is divided into several themes that cross over between the different kinds and degrees levels.

• When working with kids, ECE degree holders must possess a wide-ranging understanding of learning and development. Young children are defined as the age from birth until age 8 or at the level of third grade.
• Early childhood teachers should thoroughly understand the early years of education. They should be aware of the toddler and infant years in addition to the preschool and pre-kindergarten period and the primary grades from kindergarten to grade four.
• The early childhood degrees prepare graduates with the skills to participate in an inclusive early childhood learning setting. The setting must include children with learning difficulties and developmental disabilities.
• Degree programs should equip graduates for important roles to help provide the advantages of early education to the largest amount of families. Below are a few examples of the tasks ECE graduates need to fulfil.
• Early childhood educator jobs include childcare teachers, classroom teachers, Head Start teachers, and paraprofessional or assistant jobs in public schools.
• Family-supporting roles at home, for example in advocacy for families or child protection services.
• Leadership positions in the professional realm include early children’s administrators, trainers for staff and mentors. These positions include advocacy for policy at the state, local, and national levels.

Associates Degree

An associate’s degree can be a field of study which students can finish in two years. The curriculum includes general studies as well as a foundation of early education classes. Associate degrees are the shortest path to obtaining employment within early education and could also be the basis for a bachelor’s.

Most public schools require a bachelor’s or the requisite license to teach. However, some private schools have different standards. An associate degree may be an entry-level requirement for certain educational systems and private companies.

Bachelor’s Degree

Completing the four-year bachelor’s program takes 135 to 125 semester hours. The majority of students graduate within 4 years or in 8 semesters. A bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in early childhood education can be a prerequisite for passing the state licensing exam and a teaching license for a general or a specific teaching area.

The curriculum comprises roughly three to four years of general education, followed by a four-semester intensive course of early education, instruction and teacher training. The bachelor’s degree is the first step in opening the door to students who have completed their studies and is the most popular qualification for teachers.

Master’s Degree

The Master’s degree requires around 30 to 35 hours of credit and an undergraduate degree. The bachelor’s degree may be in early childhood or a non-related field. If the bachelor’s degree isn’t related, students are required to take additional education courses. If the degree falls in early education, students can finish their Master’s degree in one or two years.

Early Childhood Education Workplaces 2023 in the US

Director of PreK & Early Childhood Education

SchoolSmartKC:  Kansas City Metropolitan Area

SchoolSmartKC’s Director of PreK and Early Childhood Education will have deep connections with community members and work to facilitate unprecedented collaboration amongst K-12 schools and early childhood providers. This individual will steward strong partnerships that have been part of the PreK Cooperative since 2018, including early childhood programs and schools in the Kansas City Public School System.

The Director will report to and partner closely with SSKC’s Chief Program Officer to improve equitable access to quality early learning and create connections between the early childhood and K-12 sectors. This role collaborates closely with members of the PreK Cooperative, including early childhood education providers, K-12 schools, and technical experts supporting quality early childhood education efforts.

The Director will also work closely with all SSKC team members to cultivate and support new relationships including engaging key constituent groups around major initiatives to increase quality seats, support the growth of PreK seats available, and development efforts in the educational ecosystem.

The Director of PreK and Early Childhood Education will be responsible for stewarding strong partnerships and will oversee the onboarding of new PreK Cooperative members that joined through a refurbished 2023 Request for Proposal process.

These new members represent all facets of our diverse mixed delivery model – from family childcare providers to community based early childhood centers to large public school districts. Leveraging the power of collective action, the Director will be attuned to equity and disparate educational outcomes within the school system while effectively overseeing grant relationships, related PreK development projects, and budget.

A key metric of success for the Director will be to effectively fortify strong partnerships between new and continuing PreK programs and school-level stakeholders that work collectively to improve the education, life, and career opportunities available to local youth.

Specific Responsibilities include: 

•  Develop and maintain long-term relationships with a broad base of early childhood programs, K-12 partners and Early Childhood Education experts to inform, educate, build, and fortify support for a PreK cooperative strategy
• Support schools and early childhood providers by providing ongoing, hands-on technical assistance
•  Convene stakeholders and facilitate deep collaboration and cooperation between the early childhood and K-12 sectors through regular meetings focused on instruction and assessment including quarterly meetings between early childhood and K-12 partners
• Conduct due diligence and manage contracts with outside vendors to provide additional technical assistance around organizational development, instruction, talent, enrollment, and general administrative and finance functions
• Serve as liaison for Kindergarten readiness assessments and facilitate academic progress monitoring
• Work in partnership with the Cooperative’s leadership team as a core partner in a strategic planning process to chart the future organizational structure of the Cooperative in Fall 2023
• Provide creative thinking to build and participate in managing long-term partnerships that advance community and key stakeholder ownership of the PreK Cooperative
• Support fundraising and grant writing activities in support of the PreK Cooperative
• Represent the KC Pre-K Cooperative externally at regional events and convenings
• Assist in identifying internal and external resources required for completing projects successfully
• Build consensus while supporting grant programs with core partners to ensure a data-informed, common understanding of critical areas of need for local early childhood programming and the rallying of stakeholders toward collective action in the PreK Cooperative
• Work directly with PreK Cooperative partners on site
• Play a key role in defining/collecting metrics for success, including both short term and long-term indicators, for collaborative and sustained partnerships in close coordination with the organization’s overall PreK Cooperative efforts

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Education: Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred. Other degrees combined with relevant experience will be considered.

Work Experience: At least 5-7 years’ experience in education or education-related field. Candidates should possess core foundational beliefs in the value of partnerships in support of youth, as well as strong interpersonal, organization, management, research, writing, and communication skills.

Travel: Requires significant local travel around Kansas City and occasional business travel regionally and nationally.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Qualified candidates for this position must be highly motivated, capable of self-direction, detail-oriented, and able to work well in a highly collaborative, team-oriented, startup environment. She/he must exhibit a keen sense of responsibility and enjoy working with multiple demands, shifting priorities, and constant change. A successful candidate will also possess:

• Fluency in early childhood with preferred experience in early childhood and K-12 systems
• Familiarity with the early learning policy landscape and ability to move policy into practice
• Strong knowledge base of schools in the Kansas City area and the interworking of schools
• Program development and management skills to effectively support the Cooperative vision
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills, with the ability to work closely and build relationships of trust both internally with team members and external with partners from all sectors across Kansas City to maintain and build upon the existing collaborative working structures
• Leadership skills, with the ability to establish and develop credibility quickly acrosst all levels within stakeholder groups
• Excellent writing skills and public speaking ability as demonstrated in high-profile forums
• Keen analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to identify and summarize trends emerging from both quantitative and qualitative information to inform high-impact recommendations and strategies
• Outstanding organizational skills and strong experience leading complex project management efforts
• An entrepreneurial spirit, with an ability to thrive in an environment that is characterized by growth and change

• A high level of ethics with a strong sense of integrity and committed to the values of the organization and maintenance of confidentiality
• Cultural competence, humility, and an understanding of issues related to education and leveling the playing field for young people in economically challenged communities

• An ability to maintain a calm and competent demeanor in uncomfortable or difficult situations
• Financial acumen and experience working within budgets
• Ability to cultivate resources in support of organizational strategic aims

All the statements in this position description are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. This document describes the position currently available. The organization reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time.

COMPENSATION

A competitive compensation package, including base salary and an outstanding benefits package, will correspond to the experience level, credentials, and personal characteristics of the candidate.

NON-DISCRIMINATION

SchoolSmartKC firmly supports the principle and philosophy of equal opportunity for all individuals, regardless of age, race, gender, creed, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category pursuant to applicable federal, state, or local law.

To apply, applicants should send a cover letter and resume to HR@schoolsmartkc.org

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