Why It’s Never Too Late to Become an Early Childhood Educator
Posted On May 25,2022
It’s never too late to pivot in your career. Who you were at 18 is often very different from who you become at 40. Many young professionals find themselves taking odd jobs to make ends meet while getting settled and raising a family and find themselves looking for a better career later in life. Once your own children are more independent and you have the time to devote to yourself, it’s common to think about pursuing a fulfilling and stable career for the next half of your life.
The Benefits of Becoming an Early Childhood Educator
Becoming an early childhood educator is loaded with benefits. You will truly have the chance to make a real difference. You will likely be the first teacher children will encounter when they are young and you will have the chance to set them on the right educational path. Teaching preschool is never a dull job. Your days will always be filled with fun and you will face new challenges and joys every day. You will find that you become more creative, organized, and better at prioritizing your days.
What Makes a Good Preschool Teacher?
To be a good preschool teacher, you should be warm, enthusiastic, and caring. You will need to respect your students, as young as they are, and create a sense of community and belonging within your classroom. A good preschool teacher is organized and excellent at multitasking, as young children can be very unpredictable. A good preschool teacher is one who will set high expectations for all students and will be invested in their success. Good preschool teachers are professional, excellent communicators, flexible, and will have a love of children and learning. Teaching will come naturally to some, while others may find that they develop the skills over time as they gain more experience. The most important quality a preschool teacher should have is the ability to be a role model and promote a love of learning.
How to Become a Preschool Teacher
Although many skills from your prior career may transfer to working as an educator, preschool teachers do need focused education. Many career academies are committed to offering comprehensive programs in Early Childhood Education that include an Associate degree. In these programs, you will work with the NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) standards as well as your state standards for education for children from birth to age 5. These programs will help you learn the latest in developmental levels and how to design a preschool curriculum for optimal early childhood growth.
What is Involved in Getting an Associate’s Degree?
Early childhood degree programs usually take two years to complete. Most career academies understand that students are entering the program at different points in their life and should offer both day and evening classes to fit into your schedule so you are still able to work full time and tend to life’s responsibilities.
Start Your ECE Process NowIt is never too late to go back to school to become an early childhood educator. When you are ready for a new career path, consider becoming a preschool teacher! Athena Career Academy offers a comprehensive Early Childhood Education program that will set you up for success. Contact our admissions team today!