Early childhood education comprises a range of job roles that all contribute to the support and development of young students. Typically, early childhood educators work with infants and young children up to age four or five. Additionally, it’s possible to enter a role with your associate degree in early childhood education and advance as you gain more experience in the field.
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In this article, we explore what an associate degree in early childhood education is, eight jobs you can get with an associate degree in early childhood education, and frequently asked questions about working in this field.
What is an associate degree in early childhood education?
An associate degree in early childhood education qualifies you to work with children under eight years in childcare or educational settings. You’ll learn the theoretical principles of early childhood education and can apply them in various work settings such as daycare, preschool, kindergarten, or nanny care. The program may include courses in health and wellness, literacy and language development, curriculum development, and safety.
8 associate degree in early childhood education jobs
Consider the following positions if you’re completing your associate degree in early childhood education:
1. Child care provider
National average salary: $35,128
per year
Primary duties: Childcare providers direct and support early childhood education facilities like daycares, preschools, and other childcare centers. Typically, childcare providers work with small children who are not yet old enough to attend preschool or elementary school and provide basic care and instructional activities. Childcare providers may also work with school-aged students to offer before- and after-school care, academic support, and enrichment activities.
2. Early childhood teacher
National average salary: $41,968 per year
Primary duties: Early childhood teachers are primarily responsible for planning lessons, instructing students, and evaluating academic achievement. Teachers in early childhood often work with preschoolers and engage children in enriching learning experiences that prepare them for kindergarten. Early childhood teachers may also work with toddlers between the ages of two and four to deliver age-appropriate activities that support cognitive, emotional, social, and academic development.
3. Child care director
National average salary: $46,188
per year
Primary duties: A childcare director oversees and manages all operations within a childcare facility. These professionals perform the administrative tasks that keep childcare facilities in operation. They often collaborate with teachers and other childcare staff to implement educational policies, safety procedures, and parent communication protocols. They are also responsible for managing and maintaining safe and productive instructional and office environments for all individuals who visit their childcare facilities.
4. Preschool manager
National average salary: $46,174
per year
Primary duties: Preschool managers take on similar job duties to child care directors but work more within the administrative areas of early childhood education. Managers in preschools often advance from teaching positions, and many of these professionals pursue four-year degrees to develop managerial skills in academic areas. Preschool managers also oversee the hiring processes of their facilities, where they screen candidates and conduct interviews to hire qualified teachers and staff.
5. Preschool teacher
National average salary: $46,420 per year
Primary duties: Preschool teachers plan, implement, and assess learning activities and student outcomes for children who are three and four years old. Preschool teachers also collect student data to evaluate academic and developmental gains. In addition to their instructional duties, many preschool teachers manage student and class files, hold conferences with parents and families, and foster positive learning environments.
6. Preschool director
National average salary: $47,377
per year
Primary duties: Preschool directors perform similar tasks to child care directors but primarily work with preschool students. Directors in preschools oversee the instructional approaches teachers use in the classroom, conduct faculty meetings to provide curriculum updates, and direct the hiring processes when seeking instructional and support staff for their facilities. Additionally, preschool directors often pursue a four-year degree in the field. However, it’s possible to advance into the role as you gain experience working as a preschool teacher or manager.
7. Learning and development coordinator
National average salary: $58,107
per year
Primary duties: Learning and development coordinators are responsible for developing and integrating various curricula and learning standards for early childhood education. These professionals typically collaborate with instructional staff to design age-appropriate curriculum that promotes healthy academic, cognitive, social, and emotional development. They also coordinate with early childhood education institutions to promote curriculum packages and build educational networks.
8. School counselor
National average salary: $58,078
per year
Primary duties: School counselors find employment in many areas of education, including early childhood education. In a preschool, daycare, or childcare setting, counselors may consult with families considering enrollment options. In these cases, counselors may offer assistance and support to families completing the enrollment process. They also work with students to apply social and academic strategies that support young students’ developmental success.
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