Is an Early Childhood Education Degree Right for Me?

Early childhood education (ECE) plays a major role in child development. Teaching in this field can be highly rewarding. Educators get the chance to help young children reach important milestones.

Entering the early childhood education field usually requires earning a degree. How can you know if an ECE degree is best for you? An early childhood education degree is right for people who aim to help newborns, infants, and toddlers develop socially, academically, and emotionally.

Schools nationwide offer great programs for students who want to work as childcare workers, preschool teachers, and more. But before picking a program, it's important to learn what it takes to become an early childhood educator.

What Is Early Childhood Education?

Early childhood education focuses on the developmental needs of children from birth to preschool. Educators teach young learners about the English language, shapes, colors, and numbers. They also help students build problem-solving and social skills.

Teachers might use strategies like storytelling, rhyming games, and building blocks to help young students learn. Early childhood education teachers may also incorporate the following strategies in their classrooms:

• create lesson plans that address different areas of child development
• plan activities to make learning fun for young students
• develop routines to ensure students balance rest and physical activity
• identify and work with students who have learning disabilities or developmental challenges

Depending on the work setting, early childhood educators might also prepare snacks and mealtimes and help children with their hygiene. Diaper changes for newborns and infants might also be necessary.

What Does an Early Childhood Education Major Study?

Coursework in ECE programs can vary from school to school. Some subjects you might study include:

• early childhood development
• education of exceptional children
• professionalism for early childhood teachers
• curriculum development for young children
• classroom management
• child psychology
• behavior intervention strategies

Earning a degree from an accredited school is the most common way to enter the field of early childhood education. Head Start programs require at least an associate degree. Working as a preschool teacher in a public school requires a bachelor's degree and licensure. Master's degree programs are available for students who want leadership roles.

Why You Should Consider a Degree in Early Childhood Education

An ECE degree can open doors to great career opportunities. However, that's not the only reason to study early childhood education. Here are five benefits of enrolling in an ECE program.

Make a Difference in Young Learners' Lives

Working in early childhood education lets you make your mark in a young child's life. You can help them reach developmental milestones like crawling, walking, and even speaking in sentences. As one of their first major influences, you have the unique opportunity to help steer their life in a positive direction.

Learn Creative Teaching Methods

A major benefit of enrolling in an early childhood education degree program is learning how to teach students using hands-on experiences. Teachers often use elements and props like water, sand, blocks, and toys to reach young minds. These creative teaching methods can help students learn about numbers, shapes, and colors in fun and engaging ways.

Assist Young Children With Special Needs

Some schools offer ECE programs that focus on teaching students with special needs. You might earn a degree in early childhood education with coursework in special education. This type of program can prepare you to work with students with disabilities and learners with other unique challenges.

Earn Your Degree Online

A great reason to consider earning an ECE degree is your ability to enroll in an online program. You can find many online ECE programs offering coursework through asynchronous learning. Keep in mind, however, that some programs require online learners to participate in an internship or another practical experience at another location.

Advocate for ECE Resources

Early childhood education programs teach you which tools are best for helping young children excel. Once you begin working in classroom settings, you can advocate for schools to use the best ECE resources for maximum child development.

Job Opportunities for Early Childhood Education Degree Majors

Jobs for early childhood education majors are often available in daycare centers and preschools. You can also find roles with non-profits, social services, the government, and after-school programs. If you want to become an early childhood educator, common career paths include the following roles:

• preschool teacher
• educational consultant
• Head Start teacher
• daycare teacher
• childcare worker

For roles like special education teachers, you might want to specialize, depending on the school's requirements. Consider alternatives, like elementary education degrees, which may open doors to roles in private or public schools as a kindergarten teacher. Advanced degrees may be required for jobs like childcare center directors.

Early Childhood Education Degree: Questions To Ask Yourself

Deciding whether an early childhood education degree is right for you isn't always easy. Before enrolling in an ECE program, review the following questions.

What Skills Will I Need for an Early Childhood Education Career?

Working with small children requires organization, creativity, and patience. You'll spend a lot of time interacting with parents, so you should have good interpersonal and communication skills. Small children have a lot of energy and sometimes need to be lifted or carried, making physical stamina necessary.

Would I Be a Good Early Childhood Educator?

Early childhood educators help small children form their identities. Teachers also help them reach academic, social, and emotional developmental milestones and gain an appreciation for learning. The best educators are skilled, compassionate, and eager to help students excel in school and life.

Should I Work in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education?

If you'd like to work with young children (from birth to preschool), early childhood education is a great choice. However, if you'd prefer to work with students in kindergarten to about the fifth grade, you'd benefit from an elementary education program. This can help you meet the educational requirements to teach elementary school students in a public or private school.

Is Getting a Degree in Early Childhood Education Worth It?

Earning an ECE degree is worth it for people who love working with young learners. Career options are also great for ECE degree holders. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more than 56,000 job openings are projected for preschool teachers annually from 2022 to 2032. More than 153,000 annual openings are projected for childcare workers over the same period.