Is 45 Too Old to Get an Early Childhood Education Degree?

The need for professionals in early childhood education continues to grow. Acquiring a degree offers individuals a competitive edge in securing fulfilling teaching positions, but is 45 too late to return to school?

You are not too old at 45 to get an early childhood education degree, and going back to school as an older adult learner presents several advantages and more career options.

Here are compelling reasons to pursue an early childhood education degree in your 40s and explore the opportunities it can offer.

Reasons To Earn Your Early Childhood Education Degree at 45

If you are passionate about teaching young children and are interested in pursuing education-related jobs, obtaining a degree in early childhood education at the age of 45 is an excellent choice. Going to college in your 40s can offer perks and revitalize your career, making it very beneficial to do so. Below are a few of the top reasons you should consider doing it.

Job Advancement

Studying early childhood education puts students in line for increased job opportunities and the potential for earning higher salaries. In addition to becoming an early childhood education teacher, it also prepares you for other roles working with children in settings like childcare centers that may require a college degree.

In-Demand Field

The field of early childhood education consistently sees a high demand for qualified teachers and childcare professionals, helping to make it a recession-proof industry. Obtaining the necessary education and certifications in the field, even if you are in your 40s, paves the way for a stable and fulfilling career.

Life Experience

Being 45 means you can offer decades of life experience through your teaching than someone in their 20s can. This benefits employers who seek mature candidates with real-world knowledge to fulfill certain teaching roles. Plus, your skills and expertise as an older student may also count as credit toward an early childhood education degree.

What Will I Learn In an Early Childhood Education Degree Program?

Early childhood education focuses on the period from birth to eight years old or the third grade. It covers a critical time of learning for children, during which they acquire fundamental skills and knowledge that will shape their future development.

To illustrate, the University of Phoenix offers an online bachelor's degree in early childhood education. It requires 120 credits to complete, consisting of program-specific coursework and clinical practice in student teaching.

Core courses in the University of Phoenix's Bachelor of Science in early childhood education include:

• Early Childhood Growth and Development
• Foundations of Early Childhood Education
• Ethics and Social Responsibility in Education
• Community and Family Engagement
• Instructional Strategies for Early Childhood Education

While the University of Phoenix program is designed to help you obtain your initial license, only some early childhood education degrees do so, and individuals must check the specifics regarding their desired one.

What Can I Do With My Early Childhood Education Degree?

An early childhood education degree provides many career opportunities. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that 56,300 jobs will open annually for early childhood educators until 2032 due to retirement or workers leaving the industry.

The following describes examples of careers you can pursue with an early childhood education degree.

Preschool Teacher

The role of a preschool teacher involves providing instruction to children, typically three to five years old. This includes developing curriculum and lesson plans specifically tailored to early education. Individuals must demonstrate effective classroom management skills and create an engaging environment that enables learning and social development.

Daycare Director

A daycare director supervises all aspects of running a childcare center smoothly. This includes overseeing daily activities to create a safe and nurturing learning environment for young children and handling daycare staff and budgets to allocate resources appropriately.

Certified Childcare Provider

A certified childcare provider monitors the safety of children outside of a traditional classroom environment, aiding in their educational development and other areas like building social skills. Some work as full-time nannies and live in the child's home. Others offer services in their own home or work in childcare centers.

FAQs About Starting an Early Childhood Education Degree at 45

Find out more about earning an early childhood education degree at the age of 45 with these most-asked questions.

Are There Benefits To Starting My Early Childhood Education Degree at 45?

Earning an early childhood education degree in your 40s comes with several benefits, including job security. Not only does it open you up to many opportunities for career advancement, but your life experience also provides valuable knowledge to help you succeed in your studies and obtain a high-paying job that requires a college degree.

Can I Work and Go To College?

Yes, you can work and go to college to earn an early childhood education degree. Prospective students can choose from many online programs from accredited colleges nationwide that offer flexible learning options to accommodate working schedules.

The following institutions provide online bachelor's degrees in early childhood education:

• The University of Phoenix
• Liberty University
• Eastern University
• Arizona State University
• University of Cincinnati

Will Transfer Credits Apply To My Early Childhood Education Degree?

Yes, your transfer credits may apply to your early childhood education degree. For example, at Liberty University, students can transfer up to 75% of their bachelor's or 50% of their graduate degrees to expedite program completion. However, this varies based on the school and program, so students should inquire about specifics.