What Kind of Career Can You Expect?
Early childhood professionals work in child care centers, school-age programs, and preschools. Many of our graduates run their own child care facilities, often from their homes. Our graduates are trusted by parents and programs to nurture the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs of young children.
Work environments can be fun, energetic, and creative—sometimes leaning toward busy and demanding. The personal fulfillment of helping young children learn is a tremendous benefit to professionals in this field.
What is the Outlook for Job Opportunities and Pay?
Salaries and benefits continue to increase in this field, as well as opportunities for self-employment.
What Skills, Traits, or Prep Classes Would be Helpful?
– A desire to serve others
– Enjoyment and appreciation of young children
– Patience, energy, and enthusiasm
– Creativity and flexibility
– Strong written and verbal communication skills
– Desire to learn
– Infant/child CPR and first-aid training is a requirement
– Minimum age of 18
– Must be a high school graduate or hold a GED
What Will You Learn to Do?
– Provide quality care and education for young children
– Understand various stages of child development
– Use learning theory to enhance your interactions with children, from
birth to age eight
– Effectively teach and nurture infants and toddlers
– Develop and execute age appropriate curriculum
– Set up and maintain a healthy, safe environment
– Incorporate nutrition into meals and snacks
– Educate and partner with parents
– Supervise and administrate all aspects of a child care facility, including
finances, enrollment, food service, human resources, and interagency
communications.
This program involves classroom training as well as practical experience in our preschool lab or early childhood programs throughout the community. Students completing their AAS degree are eligible to pursue a four-year Bachelor of Applied Science degree.
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