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An
early childhood education is a valuable asset for those interested
in pursuing an early childhood career. Early childhood educators are
involved with the development and education of children under the
age of 8, and help children explore and learn about the world while
developing relationships with peers and adults. An early childhood
teacher helps to provide a secure and loving environment for each
child to promote healthy growth an development during their critical
years. An early childhood curriculum usually involves a broad range
of activities including music, science, art, literacy, cooking, and
exercise.
Job Description
and Responsibilities of Early Childhood Educators
After receiving
credentials from an early childhood education degree program, an
early childhood teacher is commonly involved with:
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Developing
early childhood curriculum
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Teaching and
leading children in educational subjects
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Providing
hands-on activities that focus on key skills for growth and
development
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Encouraging
active play
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Serving as a
role model for healthy relationships
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Providing a
secure and nurturing environment
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Taking part in
activities such as reading, exercise, music, and art
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Communicating
with parents or guardians of the child
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Developing a
strong bond and healthy relationship with each child
An early
childhood teacher may work at a daycare center, or choose to open up
their own independent business. Early childhood educators are
responsible for communicating the needs of all children to their
parents or guardians on a regular basis.
Career Options
With An Early Childhood Education
An early
childhood education degree offers flexibility and numerous options
for an early childhood career. Students may chose to pursue an early
childhood education online degree to manage their schedule, and work
as an assistant or intern at a daycare center until they complete
their training. Early childhood education programs can lead to a
career as a:
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Preschool
teacher
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Child care
giver
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Licensed home
day care provider
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Child care
program director
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Public school
teacher
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Education
curriculum specialist
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Assistant
teacher
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Children’s
librarian
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Play therapist
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Speech
pathologist
After completing
an early childhood education degree program, teachers and educators
may choose to work in:
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Early
childhood education centers
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Children’s
learning centers or museums
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Early
childhood development programs and research centers
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SmartSteps
Early Childhood Education facilities
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Nursery
schools
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Early head
start programs
Courses,
Training Programs, and Options with an Early Education Online Degree
Early childhood
education programs teach students key communication and interaction
skills, as well as in-depth knowledge of child psychology and social
behavior. Play is an important part of early childhood education
philosophy, and learning how to develop an early childhood education
curriculum that emphasizes hands-on activities is a top priority.
Early childhood
education courses enable students to work towards a Child
Development Associate (CDA) credential, or obtain a certificate in
Early Childhood Education. A two-year program enables students to
work towards certification and complete an early childhood education
degree. Training with an early childhood education online is another
option for students who need more flexibility with their schedule.
Common courses with these programs include:
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Child
Psychology
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Culturally
Sensitive Practice
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Creative Arts
and Movement for Young Children
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Child Growth
and Development
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Positive Child
Guidance
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Children with
Special Needs
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Child Care
Administration
An early
childhood education online degree provides flexibility with
scheduling and time. In addition, an early childhood teacher can
work with other educators and professionals to collaborate on
curriculum, projects, and other assignments with ease.
Early childhood
educators are encouraged to design curriculums that focus on
self-confidence, self-discipline, and curiosity. The Head Start
program is designed on an underlying philosophy that focuses on
meeting specific needs of each child. Many early childhood educators
work in teams to develop their programs and also incorporate
government-issued curriculum for each class. Early childhood
education programs for children focus on developments and
relationships for healthy growth. Common areas of study focus on
physical development, emotional development, social development,
communication and language development, and perception and sensory
development.
Early Childhood
Education Certification
Certification
and licensing requirements for early childhood educators vary by
state. An early childhood teacher may choose to teach in a formal
educational classroom setting, and must demonstrate competency
beyond a license. An early childhood teacher can become nationally
accredited with voluntary certification offered by the National
Board for Professional Teaching Standards. All States recognize this
certification, and benefits can include higher salaries and
reimbursement for continuing education.
CDA
professionals and educators are those that have demonstrated
proficiency with nurturing children in four areas of growth that
include a child’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual
experience. A CDA may be earned in four different environments
including:
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Preschool
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Infant/Toddler
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Family Day
Care Providers
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Home Visitor
Early Childhood
Education Approval and Accreditation
Early childhood
education program accreditation is provided by the National
Association for the Education of Young Children. Four-year early
childhood education degree programs are nationally accredited by the
Higher Commission of Education for schools in each region.
Early Childhood
Teacher Earning Potential and
Employment Prospects
Job opportunities for early childhood educators are expected grow at
an average rate through 2014, with a steady demand for experienced
professionals in most states. The job market for teachers varies by
region, and attractive positions are dependent on state and
government funding available. An early childhood teacher may choose
to open up their own independent daycare center or teaching
facility, and will need to complete licensing and certification per
State guidelines to do so.
Median annual earnings for early childhood educators were $41,400 in
2004. The salary for an early childhood teacher can increase with
certification and experience. Related occupations include:
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Teacher assistants
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Librarians
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Administrators
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Child counselors
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Athletes
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Coaches
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