Assignment:
Early Childhood Career Opportunities
Interest in child development and the field of early childhood care and education has been growing for many years. Currently, due to the increase in public awareness as well as research validating the vital role that the early years play and the positive impact of quality early childhood care and education, there are more professional opportunities related to working with children and families than ever before. Some of these include: working directly with children from birth to age 8 and their families (teaching or assistant teaching in a variety of care and education settings); taking on administrative roles in programs that support children and families (directing and assistant directing in a variety of programs); and working at the local, state, national, or international level on behalf of children and families (in hospitals and health services, departments of health or education, child care resource and referral networks, state licensing organizations, and international advocacy groups). As well, there are openings for qualified instructors at community colleges, four-year colleges, and graduate schools.
Assistance has also dramatically increased for those who are beginning their studies in child development and those who want to advance in their careers. Not only do many states have "career lattices" that support furthering one's education, but there has also been a national movement to provide scholarships, monetary supplements, and grants to students pursuing early childhood education degrees.
Provide you with an opportunity to explore a variety of career options in the early childhood field and to reflect on your career goals and plan for professional development.