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Education

Early Childhood Educator

Instruct preschool and school age children in activities designed to promote academic, social, physical, and intellectual growth in preschool, child care center, child development facility, public school or private school settings. Required to meet one of the qualification options in the Early Childhood Teacher rainbow chart and is allowed to be alone in the classroom with students. Can specialize in one or more of the following: Infant and Toddler, Special Education, Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten – 3rd Grade.

Annual openings

1,085

Median wage

$45,500

Typical education

There are many combinations of formalized education possible to become qualified for this job that vary depending on the setting and level. Education includes community college or university credit-based coursework and can result in a certificate, Associate's or Bachelor's degree. Some examples are: ● Head Start: A Bachelor’s degree is required. The [Child Development Associate (CDA)](https://www.cdacouncil.org/) credential is required for Early Head Start programs and is recommended for Head Start ● District-Based K-3: A Bachelor’s degree is required

Growth 2026–2032

+10%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

There are many combinations of formalized education possible to become qualified for this job that vary depending on the setting and level. Education includes community college or university credit-based coursework and can result in a certificate, Associate's or Bachelor's degree. Some examples are: ● Head Start: A Bachelor’s degree is required. The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is required for Early Head Start programs and is recommended for Head Start ● District-Based K-3: A Bachelor’s degree is required

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Credential detail

There are many combinations of credentials possible to become qualified for this job that vary depending on the setting and level. Examples are: ● For Child Care Center and District-Based Preschool settings: There are many ways to qualify, including nine combinations of education and experience to meet certification requirements. Please see the ‘Early Childhood Teacher Chart’ for details. Some child care centers and district-based preschools may add to these requirements ● For school-based settings: Educators need a Teacher license ● Special Education Teachers and Infant Toddler Teachers must meet additional requirements The Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) Certification is often valued by employers. For more information on pre-hire, pre-service and orientation, and professional development requirements in early childhood education jobs, please see the ECE Credentials Overview

Experience detail

There are many combinations of professional experience possible to become qualified for this job that vary depending on the setting and level. An examples is: For School-age Before/After school care settings - Each program leader must be at least 18 years of age, demonstrate ability to work with children, and must have training and at least three (3) months (460 hours) experience with school-age children.

Employer competency information

  • ● Communication - Able to understand the needs of young children, who often have limited means of communication, and communicate those needs to others ● Instruction - Able to lead and demonstrate effective curriculum utilization and implement tools for assessment, such as TSG and CLASS, specific to early childhood needs ● Teamwork - Working cooperatively with others to complete work assignments ● Problem Solving & Decision Making - Able to facilitate conflict resolution among children and think outside of the box to utilize resources that benefit children and families ● Psychology - Able to understand what motivates students to learn and feel valued and the ability to provide learning opportunities that meets those motivations. ● Customer Service - Able to listen to parent concerns openly and responsively to resolve issues. Able to create, utilize, and communicate center policies that set clear expectations to a diverse group of stakeholders
Experienced Educators who remain in the classroom working with children are highly valued in the industry. There are ways to advance in an Early Childhood Education career, such as a Mentor Teacher or Teacher Leader, for Educators who remain in the classroom and provide leadership to other Teachers.
Settings describe the type of early childhood program and include Head Start, Child Care Center, District-Based Preschool, District-Based K-3, or School-age after school care.
Previous experience as an Early Childhood Educator is highly valued by Public Health employers when hiring a Compliance Officer/Inspector.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenYes
  • On a computerNo
  • OutdoorsMay vary
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Education
  • Childcare

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate, and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play.
  2. Assimilate arriving children to the school environment by greeting them, helping them remove outerwear, and selecting activities of interest to them.
  3. Observe and evaluate children's performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
  4. Arrange indoor and outdoor space to facilitate creative play, motor-skill activities, and safety.
  5. Organize and label materials and display students' work in a manner appropriate for their ages and perceptual skills.
  6. Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students' needs and progress.
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