How can I work with young children without experience in the field? (other than Motherhood)

Question

I've unlocked my passion of what I want to do with the rest of my life and that is to become a Teaching Assistant and then a pre-k - 3rd grade teacher.

Currently, I am due to graduate with a Bachelor's in Community Health Ed. but I want to make a difference and educate our youth.

Right now, I'm stuck in a dead-end job making really good money but I'm willing to forfeit all of that to have a fulfilling career that will in turn, help young children to learn.

Where do I start?

Answer 1

being a pediphile is always open. or you can google it. google always works!

Answer 2

Contact your local district and become a para educator, with your degree, they will stream line your requirements for an education degreee and usually pay the expenses also.

Good luck and welcome to the field.  

Answer 3

Call your state department of education and ask for requirements.  Or go on their website and search for certification requirements.   Another possibility is to go to the school district office (make an appointment first) and talk to someone in personnel or human resources.  They will give you the info you need.  Since you will soon have a bachelor's degree, you probably will just have to add on some courses to get the certification you need.

Good Luck!  Being a mom is excellent training, but it is not enough.

Answer 4

Your Bachelors sounds like a great starting point.  A community health degree is really well recognised when combined with education qualifications.  I'm an English teacher with a BA followed by a diploma of Education.  I worked for a few years in a mainstream school while volunteering on community arts projects.  I later secured an education position in a children's hospital (working with sick kids and their schools to maintain social and academic continuity).  Some of my colleagues had the same quals as you with an additional teaching certificate and experience volunteering in the field.  

Rather than ditching your job now you could maybe start by doing work experience or volunteering at places you think you might like to work - that way you can see if it's for you and see what qualities you need to develop.  This will help you to build up your resume and make contacts.  

Most people who work in the health-education field want to help others.  When you find someone whose position you aspire to, you could offer to shout them a free lunch in exchange for career advice.