What if shaping your future starts by shaping theirs? Joining the field of early childhood education is more than an investment in yourself—it’s an investment in your community and the little ones that shape its future. With affordable classes and earn-and-learn opportunities, it’s easy to begin your new career.
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As an Early Childhood Educator (ECE), you help develop children’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical skills—building a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning. As children’s brains undergo the greatest development between birth to 5 years old, you are vital to your students’ success.
Entering this field is both accessible and affordable, with many entry-level positions requiring no previous education to get started. But the opportunities to grow your career through experience and education are endless.
Early Childhood Directors oversee all aspects of programming including enrollment, staffing and partnerships.
A typical school day for an Early Childhood Educator is anything but typical. The best-laid plans can be turned upside down when working with kids—which means you’ll never be bored! With a heart for service and a spirit of adaptability, hear about the rewards of teaching from Anita and Katelyn.
Most employers in the Pikes Peak region offer child care, professional development assistance and/or tuition reimbursement, paid time off, and paid sick leave.
The number of employers in your backyard looking to hire early childhood educators today.
Children in early childhood education range from birth to age 5.
This rewarding field is so much more than daycare. As an early childhood educator, you are supporting your students through their most formative years—as they are first learning how to interact with their peers, teachers and parents. Children at this age are learning developmental skills that will lay the foundation for ongoing education.
There are so many opportunities for growth. Career opportunities include teacher’s aide, early childhood teacher, early childhood center director or administrator, home-based provider, family support specialist, early childhood coach, family support specialist or advocate, early childhood mental health consultant and early childhood special educator. Education and experience allow you to advance in your career and grants and scholarships exist to support your progress.
Learn more about the Early Childhood Career Engagement Award ($500) for completing Early Childhood Education classes in high school HERE. (Watch a short video HERE.)
Learn about the Advancing Early Childhood Educators Program – open to all and includes incentives, funding, and personalized support– HERE. For more information about supports, schedule time with a Career Navigator!
In Colorado Springs, the average annual pay for an Early Childhood Educator varies by early childhood program. To learn more about compensation in the Pikes Peak region, click here.
When no two days in the classroom are alike, it takes a special kind of person to engage and ignite a child’s curiosity. If you identify with any of the following characteristics, you could thrive in a career like early childhood education.
In early childhood education—it’s all about the soft skills. Whether you’re just graduating high school, changing military stations, or looking at switching careers altogether—it’s likely you already have some of the skills needed to be a great educator.
Imagine earning money while continuing your education—or getting paid to learn as you complete just a few introductory courses. You’ll jumpstart your career in little to no time!
Early childhood educators are highly sought after—especially in communities near military bases. With transferability, you can feel confident that the next rewarding position awaits you. Connect with a Career Navigator to learn more.
Have you felt unfulfilled or stuck in your job? With generous PTO, sick leave and opportunities to get paid working in the field as you learn—there’s never been a better time to take the leap. Connect with a Career Navigator to learn more.
Are you working as a Teacher Aide in an early childhood education program? Have you taken or are you enrolled in an Early Childhood Education course that has piqued your interest in this career? Our Career Navigator can help you create a career path!
Are you passionate about early childhood education and have recently found yourself with extra free time? There are plenty of Child Development Programs with a staff shortage eager for your help! There may be opportunities to receive credit hours or transition to a full-time position as well. Connect with a Career Navigator to learn more.
Is owning a business one of your goals for this year? Do you have a heart for nurturing young children and getting them off to a strong start before they enter kindergarten? With the urgent need for more early childhood programs in our community, NOW is the perfect time to start. Connect with a Career Navigator today to learn more!
Besides building your own career—and fostering theirs—there are so many reasons to begin a career in early childhood education.
Remember, your journey begins with that first step. Seize this opportunity to transform your life! Let these stories about Juan and Leta, two young professionals that cultivated their passion for early childhood education as a career beginning in high school, inspire you to take action and embark on the adventure of a lifetime.
Spanish translation available HERE.
Watch the workforce stories of success below that highlight the remarkable work and rewards of early childhood education professionals! As we illuminate their journeys to transform young lives, remember that the possibilities in early childhood education are endless, and we are here to support you on the path to your dream career!
Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
While experience is important, ECE educators can continue to grow their impact and expand their access to higher-paying positions through ongoing education. In a field that is constantly changing, there is always something new to learn!
Five community organizations have come together to help you on your path to becoming an early childhood educator. Together, we’re here to help you find the right fit, begin your education and find open positions in the field that meet your needs.
Wondering how to get started? Maybe you’re still unsure if this is the right fit for you. Our community’s Career Navigator can help you chart the best path forward and understand all of your options, like:
Learn more about early childhood education, including scholarships, professional development, and career opportunities, by subscribing to newsletters offered by the Foundations program of Joint Initiatives for Youth + Families.
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