Careers in Early Childhood Development?

Question

Hi!

I'm a college student still deciding which career path to follow. I am very interested in Early Childhood Education and Development, but I do not want to be a teacher (at least not in a traditional school setting). I have considered art or play therapy, pediatrics, working with the Childlife Council, being a speech therapist...

But the story of my life is being indecisive.

Does anyone (through personal experience or other knowledge) have any suggestions on careers in this area?

Answer 1

I've been in the Early Childhood Field for many, many years, doing many, many different things within the field.  I taught preschoolers, then advanced to directing a 1/2 day preschool, then directed a large military (my husband was in the Air Force) child care center, then taught early childhood special education, then taught early childhood education classes in both 2 and 4 year colleges, and have been a regulator of child care centers for the last 22 years.  I've also been a child care consultant to centers starting up and helped develop an online course for regulators.  I've also done training of new staff.  There are so many directions that one can go. Each step moves you to another opportunity, so you can do whatever you want.  I would suggest teaching preschool children for at least one or two years, particularly if you don't have daily contact with your own or someone close to you who has young children.  I think that once I retire from my present job I will continue to work as a consultant or possibly teach on the college level again, either in a classroom or developing online courses.  Each experience I had built a foundation for all the other things I've done collectively.  I can't say that one experience was "better" than another, but some definitely pay more, with more benefits.  It all depends what you're interested in, what evolves, and where you live.  We moved quite a few times, so I always was ready for another challenge and trying something new.  Good luck.  Early Childhood Education needs good, young people to continue the progress that has been made in the field.  Keep in touch if you want, there are many opportunities when you aren't even looking.  They just come up.  I ended up in my regulator jposition by being in a college class to get another teaching certification.  The instructor knew that I already had both a BS in Ed and MS in Ed and suggested that I contact the person who ultimately became my boss.  So one suggestion is to get connected with Early Childhood groups such as NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) and eventually you will find a "niche" that is right for you.  Many of us "long time" ECE people get and maintain contacts throughout the U.S. and abroad by attending the conferences each year.  NAEYC has a "Student" rate that is considerably lower than the regular rate for both dues and conferences.  You can check it out on the web.  Just some thoughts... Contacts and trying a little of everything will help you find what your passion really is!  It's hard when you are 18 to 22 to decide what you want to do the rest of your life.   When I was in college I never thought I would do what I have done in my life.  I just wanted to teach.

Answer 2

Hello,

I too am a college student and just changed my major to ECE&D. I too dont want to be a traditional teacher but there are a lot of different aspects of using this degree. I have done some research and I think I want to pursue speech therapy studying Early Childhood Development. I also would like to do home studies and research. I am continuing to do my research on careers in this field. Now one thing I have also thought about was starting my own business. Helping families with children who are not developing within their age range from birth to 8 years old and doing more of a family treatment and counseling. I would love to have a partner!! :) Please email me and let me know what you think.

Answer 3

Networking, highlighting my education and passion for what I do, gaining experience in the education field, pursuing a higher degree and more certification, and meeting the right people helped me incredibly in finding my career path. All of these factors helped me, but networking and finding the right connection was the major final factor to get my foot in the door. If you choose to network, try to look and act professional at all times. You never know if you might meet someone, who will help you land that dream job.

It seems like you like an out of the box career in education, those jobs are rare but they are out there. Being so young, I would get in the process of meeting people in various educational fields (university professors, educational marketers, etcetera) and get their input. They might give you connections to people, who might give you experience in the career field that interest you, and valuable information.

Good Luck

Answer 4

after you get your degree in ece&d there will be so many opportunities available to you. I personally am opening a daycare center in my neighborhood when i graduate in 2 years. you can do the therapies [[that list is never ending]]

another thing i was interested in for a while was early childhood physical therapy for kids who are not developing at a normal rate. i also thought about being a dietician in a daycare or other early childhood setting. there are so many different things you can do, i would suggest contacting some businesses in your area and ask to do walk-throughs or internships! i learned through my internships that i did NOT want to be a dietician or phys. therapist or even work in an elementary school. your professors should be able to help you out with applying for internships. good luck!!