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
BLS 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
10-year growth
+10%
Career requirements
What does this career require?
The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.
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
No specific credential listed yet
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
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
- With kids/peopleOccasionally
- On a computerOccasionally
- Outdoors / on-siteOccasionally
- With your handsOccasionally
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
- Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate, and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play.
- Assimilate arriving children to the school environment by greeting them, helping them remove outerwear, and selecting activities of interest to them.
- Observe and evaluate children's performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
- Arrange indoor and outdoor space to facilitate creative play, motor-skill activities, and safety.
- Organize and label materials and display students' work in a manner appropriate for their ages and perceptual skills.
- Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students' needs and progress.