6 Early Childhood Education Careers
Written by:
Wilson College Online
• Jul 13, 2026
Early childhood educators can make a significant difference in children’s lives. The National Education Association (NEA) notes that children who receive early childhood education are:
- Less likely to need to repeat a grade in school
- Better prepared academically for later grades
- More likely to become high school graduates
If you’ve been considering a career in early childhood education, there are many career options available in this rewarding field. Before pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Early Childhood Education , make sure to familiarize yourself with the various career options.
What Are the Requirements to Work in Early Childhood Education?
The requirements for careers in early childhood education vary depending on the career an individual wants to pursue.
- Some roles in early childhood education—for example, entry-level childcare workers—may require only a high school diploma.
- More advanced positions—such as preschool teachers—require at least an associate degree in early childhood education and often a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field. Compliance with state requirements for licensing or certification must also be satisfied.
- To teach in an elementary school, individuals need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in an education-related field and satisfy state requirements for licensing or certification.
- Individuals who want to become school counselors, conduct research in early childhood education, or teach at the postsecondary level will need to earn a graduate degree.
Individuals who want to enter careers in early childhood education also benefit from earning certifications in the field, such as the following:
- The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential from the Council for Professional Recognition demonstrates expertise in the emotional, social, intellectual, and physical development of young children.
- The Certified Childcare Professional (CCP) certification from the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA) Commission demonstrates expertise in areas such as maintaining a safe environment and managing learning environments for children.
6 Careers in Early Childhood Education
Exploring careers in early childhood education can reveal the extensive range of careers you can pursue with expertise in the field. The information below highlights several examples.
1. Preschool Teacher
Becoming a preschool teacher can be a great career choice for individuals who enjoy interacting with very young children. Focusing on children up to age 4, preschool teachers offer instruction in social, motor, and language skills. They gear their approaches to various aspects of childhood development, teach children individually or in groups, and communicate with parents regarding their children’s development.
Preschool teachers earned a median annual salary of $37,120 as of May 2024 and are projected to see a 4% growth in positions between 2024 and 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
2. Kindergarten Teacher
Kindergarten teachers concentrate on foundational learning and the development of social skills in children who are 5 or 6 years old. They develop and implement lesson plans, assess students’ abilities, and offer parents information regarding their children’s progress.
The BLS reported that kindergarten teachers earned a median annual salary of $61,430 as of May 2024. While the BLS projects a reduction in the total number of kindergarten and elementary school teachers between 2024 and 2034, it still projects that the U.S. will have an average of 103,800 job openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers each year during this period to replace teachers who retire or leave the profession.
3. Elementary School Teacher
Elementary school teachers teach first through fifth or sixth grade and are instrumental in developing skills in subjects such as reading, math, social studies, the arts, and science. Becoming an elementary school teacher usually means teaching multiple subjects; however, an individual can also choose to focus on a specific area, such as becoming a reading specialist.
Elementary school teachers earned a median annual salary of $62,340 as of May 2024 and, similar to kindergarten teachers, will experience an average of 103,800 job openings each year between 2024 and 2034, according to the BLS.
4. School Counselor
Another option for a career in early childhood education is becoming a school counselor . In an elementary school setting, for example, a school counselor provides counseling to help children strengthen their social and academic skills. School counselors also offer schools and teachers important information regarding how to address issues such as bullying.
School counselors earned a median annual salary of $65,140 as of May 2024, according to the BLS. In addition, the BLS forecasts 4% growth for positions as school counselors between 2024 and 2034.
5. Educational Researcher
Working as an educational researcher involves investigating various educational topics , conducting studies, analyzing information, and drawing conclusions that can inform policy or strengthen approaches to education.
The BLS doesn’t track educational researchers specifically. However, many educational researchers are postsecondary teachers, who earned a median annual salary of $83,980 as of May 2024, according to the BLS. In addition, the BLS estimates that positions for postsecondary teachers will increase by 7% between 2024 and 2034.
6. Director of Early Childhood Education
After gaining several years of experience in early childhood education, an individual can become a director of early childhood education . Overseeing all aspects of a preschool or childcare center, individuals in these positions design early childhood education programs, hire and supervise staff, oversee budgets, and establish policies and procedures.
The BLS reported that preschool and childcare center directors earned a median annual salary of $56,270, as of May 2024. According to the BLS, total positions for preschool and childcare center directors will decrease between 2024 and 2034; however, it forecasts that the U.S. will have job openings for an average of 5,500 preschool and childcare center directors each year during this period to replace individuals who retire or leave the position.
Benefits of an Early Childhood Education Degree
In addition to preparing individuals for careers in early childhood education, earning a degree in early childhood education often results in various other benefits. For example, completing an early childhood education degree prepares individuals to:
- Help children both develop a love for learning and establish a solid foundation for future educational success
- Nurture children’s creativity and lay the groundwork for innovation
- Assist children in developing critical social skills they’ll need when forming relationships with others
- Reduce achievement gaps among children from different socioeconomic backgrounds
Individuals who work in early childhood education careers also enjoy job satisfaction. When early childhood resources firm Teaching Strategies surveyed early childhood educators in 2025, 97% of them said they were passionate about working with young children, and 78% reported they were satisfied with their jobs.
Earn a Degree in Early Childhood Education and Prepare for a Rewarding Career
Individuals who acquire expertise in early childhood education can enter an array of fulfilling careers. With opportunities to help young children build a base on which all other learning can develop, careers in early childhood education offer the chance to make a significant difference in children’s lives.
Individuals who want to work in early childhood education can explore Wilson College Online’s B.A. in Early Childhood Education degree program to learn how it can help them reach their career goals. Providing students with knowledge and skills in the latest teaching strategies and research-backed classroom practices, the program could be the basis for a great career. Start achieving your goals for a rewarding role in early childhood education.
Recommended Readings
5 Outdoor Learning Activities for Early Childhood Educators
What Is Early Literacy, and What Are the Benefits?
Sources:
Child Inc., “Choosing a Career in Early Childhood Education Is Not Just a Profession”
Council for Professional Recognition, About the CDA
Indeed, What Does an Education Researcher Do? (Plus Salary and FAQ)
National Early Childhood Program Accreditation, Certified Childcare Professional
Teal, What Is a Elementary Teacher?
Teal, What Is a Kindergarten Teacher?
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Childcare Workers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Postsecondary Teachers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Preschool and Childcare Center Directors
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Preschool Teachers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, School and Career Counselors and Advisors
