An associate's degree in early childhood education can prepare you to teach young children in preschools, summer programs, and before- and after-care programs. You can get your career Education in the classroom or through an online education program.
Career Education in Early Childhood Education
Career Education for an associate's degree in early childhood education can include learning skills to plan and implement activities, help children develop artistic creativity, and maintain a safe and healthy learning environment. Online education or class-based courses can focus on furthering language and vocabulary development, improving social skills, and introducing math and science concepts. Many teachers use a hands-on approach to help children understand abstract concepts, solve problems, and develop critical thinking skills. College degrees at the bachelor's or master's level are generally required to specialize in a particular subject area.
Early Childhood Education Job Growth
During 2012-2022 the job growth for Preschool teachers is expected to be 17% which is faster than average. As of 2012, a total of 438,200 preschool teachers are working in the United states. The top paying states for preschool teachers are New York, New Jersey, Alaska, Kentucky, Massachusetts. In May 2014 the Preschool teachers had median income of $32,040 with top 10% making more than $50,880.
The childcare workers field is expected to have positive job outlook with 14% growth predicted for the decade of 2012-22. Their median annual income in May 2014 was $21,710 with top 10% earners making more than $30,080, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top paying states for childcare workers include District of Columbia, Massachusetts, New York, Alaska, California.
Sources:
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-Education-and-library/preschool-teachers.htm
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes252011.htm
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/childcare-workers.htm
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes399011.htm