Hi Friends :hiya I would like to know whether any of you pursued a career in Early Childhood? I am wondering whether those working in the field need to also accompany the kids when they go to the toilet or bathroom and clean them? Or all you need to do is only handle the teaching part while there'll be another worker attending to the kids nature calls? :bonk Do all the programs under Early Childhood prepare the graduates to attend to children with special needs? Thanks.
Hi Early childhood education is a subject for people who are passionate about helping young children grow and learn. Early childhood educators are responsible for preparing children from birth to the age of 8 for the formal education system. Creative play and movement are central components of early childhood classrooms and learning centers. But the job of an early childhood educator is not all fun and games. If you choose to study early childhood education, be prepared to spend several hours each week planning lessons, managing classroom behavior and assessing the academic and social progress of your students. Many early childhood educators find it rewarding to help children learn, but they typically experience low wages and few benefits. The amount of education required to work in early childhood education depends on the specific job you want and the state where you live. In some cases you can work in a daycare center or preschool with an associates degree or less. But if you want to be an elementary school teacher, you will need to earn at least a bachelors degree through a teaching program approved by your state What exactly is an early childhood educator? Early childhood educators instruct and care for children from birth to the age of 8. They help young children learn and grow socially through a blend of structured learning activities and supervised play. Typically, early childhood educators either work as daycare providers or early elementary school teachers. In both of these roles, early childhood educators can work for either private or public institutions. Daycare Providers Daycare providers offer a safe place for children to stay while their parents are busy. They work at childcare centers that usually do not focus on academics. Instead, daycare providers oversee the well-being of infants and children up to about 8 years old by supplying nourishment, games and activities. Some daycare providers care for many children at a chain of childcare centers, while others operate out of their own homes and care for just a few children. Early Elementary School Teachers Early elementary school teachers introduce children to concepts of reading, writing, numbers and creative arts. They also teach children how to interact socially with others. This group of educators includes preschool and kindergarten teachers as well as first, second and third grade teachers. They work in public and private elementary schools. Often, the lead teacher works with an assistant teacher in preschool and kindergarten classrooms. Making the Right Choice If you are considering studying early childhood education, you should know that your degree may not be enough to qualify you for a job in this field. For certain jobs, you will need to obtain extra credentials, which vary according to your state and the area of early childhood education that you want to pursue. Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential Many daycares and preschools prefer that their workers earn a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. While a CDA Credential does not qualify you to work in schools, it proves that you have been trained in childcare and helps to ensure that you will find employment as a daycare provider or preschool teacher. The CDA Credential is a national credential issued by the Council for Professional Recognition, which is associated with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). A CDA Credential will need to be renewed every 3 years. The CDA Credential is offered in 4 areas of concentration: Preschool Infant/Toddler Family Childcare Home Visitor To be eligible to earn a CDA Credential, you need to be at least a junior in high school. High school students who wish to earn a CDA Credential must be enrolled in an early childhood education vocational program. Before you can apply for the CDA Credential, you must complete 120 hours of formal early childhood education training and have 480 hours of professional experience as an educator. In addition, you will be observed while you working with young children in a group setting. Your application for a CDA Credential will include a professional resource file that you will create and a fee. Teaching License If you plan to enter the field of early childhood education at the elementary level, you will need to obtain your teaching license. All states require teachers to become licensed by earning a bachelors degree and completing a teaching program approved by the state. Teaching programs include a student teaching requirement in which you will work in the classroom and receive mentoring and feedback from the classroom teacher. You will also need to pass a test and pursue continuing education credits throughout your career to keep your teaching license current. Early Childhood Education Professions Daycare Provider Education Required: High school diploma; some states require a CDA Credential (120 hours) Average Salary: $9.12 / hour (Lowest 10% earned less than $7.04; highest 10% earned more than $13.98) Work Environment: Childcare centers, private homes, elementary schools Job Description: Daycare providers take care of children from birth to about 8 years old while their parents are busy. They provide snacks, meals and supervised activities. They are responsible for the special care of babies and toddlers, which includes changing diapers and enforcing nap time. Preschool or Daycare Director Education Required: Masters (2 – 3 years) Average Salary: $39,940 (Lowest 10% earned less than $25,910; highest 10% earned more than $77,150) Work Environment: Childcare centers Job Description: Preschool and daycare directors are responsible for establishing the goals and learning standards within their facilities. They develop their facility’s program and attend to administrative tasks like admissions. They are in charge of marketing through tours and publicity, overseeing the staff and interacting with parents. Teacher Assistant Education Required: Varies by state from high school diploma to associates (2 years) Average Salary: $22,200 (Lowest 10% earned less than $15,300; highest 10% earned more than $34,000) Work Environment: Childcare centers, elementary schools Job Description: Teacher assistants help the lead preschool teacher to instruct the class. They often take over the non-academic tasks of early childhood education, such as serving snacks, escorting the children to other classes and supervising recess. Preschool Teacher Education Required: Varies by state from high school diploma to bachelors (4 years) Average Salary: $23,870 (Lowest 10% earned less than $16,030; highest 10% earned more than $41,660) Work Environment: Childcare centers, private homes, elementary schools Job Description: Preschool teachers prepare 3- to 5-year-old children for the formal schooling that they will receive in kindergarten. They teach basic academic skills like letters, numbers and shapes to children using a blend of structured lessons and supervised play. They also communicate with parents about the academic and social progress that their children are making. Kindergarten Teacher Education Required: Bachelors (4 years); public schools require teaching license Average Salary: $46,000 Work Environment: Elementary schools Job Description: Kindergarten teachers plan a curriculum to teach 5- to 6-year-old children basic academics like numbers, phonics and simple science concepts using games, music, artwork and hands-on activities. They may work part time or full time, depending on their school district. Sometimes, kindergarten teachers have help from a teacher assistant. First, Second or Third Grade Teacher Education Required: Bachelors (4 years); public schools require a teaching license Average Salary: $55,000 Work Environment: Elementary schools Job Description: First, second or third grade teachers are responsible for teaching many subjects to a single class. Early elementary school teachers plan and teach lessons in arithmetic, science, literacy, computer skills and social studies. They also grade students’ work. Additional duties may include supervising breaks such as lunch or recess, taking children on field trips and leading parent conferences. Read more ..Academic Degrees,Areas of Study...Early Childhood Education Thanks
