Profession

What you could do with ECE classes

The Early Childhood professional provides care and education for young children and plays a significant role in the support of families and in the health of communities.

The profession includes the care and teaching of infants and toddlers and of play-years and school-age children, in centers and in family child care homes. Early childhood education teachers and administrators work in publicly and privately-funded programs. They are responsible for:

	Health and safety of children
	Development and implementation of age appropriate and culturally relevant curriculum
	Establishment and maintenance of the classroom environment, record keeping and assessment of children's development
	Partnerships with parents including individual conferences, counseling and referral, and mutual planning for the child's development and well-being.

Early Childhood Program Directors are responsible for leadership, staff development, partnerships with parents, and program management including both business and advocacy skills.

Successful work with young children requires:

		Understanding of child development
		Love of learning
		Delight in diversity
		Flexibility, openness and appreciation of children's natural intelligence
		Self knowledge
		Effective communication skills
		Emotional and physical stamina

In addition, effective teaching of young children in the 21st century requires a commitment to continuing professional development, understanding of human diversity and equity issues, advocacy for children and families and commitment to the on-going professionalization of the field.

Employment Opportunities

There are many opportunities for employment in the field of Early Childhood Education. People with ECE training can:

	Work with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children in positions including teacher assistants, teachers, directors, and program coordinators.
	Open a small child care business, a licensed family child care home or a private child care center.
	Become "in-home" child care providers who are hired by parents to do child care for children in the child's home setting.
	Become a foster parent.
	Work as a teacher's aide in elementary school programs.
	Transfer to a four-year college or university in fields related to children, schools and families, such as elementary school teachers, social workers, parent educators, special education teachers and early intervention specialist.

Family Childcare | Foster Care

Independent Living | Professional Resources

What you could do with ECE classes

Successful work with young children requires:

Employment Opportunities

Last updated 01.19.2008