Dean College Children's Center, part of an early childhood education degree program

If you want to work with children and set them on a path to becoming solid learners and good people later on in life, then it all starts with an early childhood education degree. This degree program is designed primarily for those who want to teach pre-school or kindergarten, although it has a number of benefits for people who want to go into similar fields as well.

How can you make a difference in the world? Here are some reasons why a degree in this field will set you up for changing the future through the lives of children.

You Can Choose Your Own Path

Even though most people believe that a degree in this field only leads to working as a kindergarten teacher, there are numerous other options, all related to helping kids succeed. Some of the most common professions include:

  • Paraprofessional – Paraprofessionals work alongside children who have been mainstreamed into a standard classroom. These kids often have IEPs and need a little extra hands-on assistance throughout the day to get their work done.
  • Curriculum Coordinator – Yes, even the very first early childhood education programs have a curriculum that needs to be followed. It just looks very different from that of the middle school and high school levels. If you want to get creative and develop new methods of teaching kids the basics, then this is a good option.
  • Assistant Teacher – Many early childhood education classrooms have assistant teachers in addition to the main teachers. The job of the assistant is to help out when needed, work with the kids one-on-one if necessary, and help keep an eye on all of the children in the room.
  • Director of Early Childhood Programs – Yes, someone with a degree in early childhood education can work as the director of these programs. The director is a little like the principal, only with a larger emphasis on the curriculum being taught and less on the discipline of the children.

As you can see, you can choose from many potential career options, all of which will help you make a difference in the world.

You Can Watch the Kids Learning Every Day

One of the best things about working in early childhood education is the ability to see when your students learn the many milestone concepts. You’ll notice their eyes light up as they begin to tell the difference between various colors and shapes or when they figure out that letters are the beginning of learning how to read.

If you want to physically see the difference that you’re making every single day, then going into this field is a great option. You can literally see the kids making those connections in their minds, which can be very rewarding.

Consider Attending Dean College

Do you want to earn a degree in early childhood education? If so, then add Dean College to your list of schools to check out. Our program consists of several options, including an associate’s degree and a bachelor's degree in the subject. For students who want to make a difference in the world, this is a wonderful place to start. Request more information, today!