What Are the Requirements for Becoming an Early Childhood Educator?

Posted On July 20,2022

An early childhood educator is a professional who works with children under the age of five. Early childhood educators work in a variety of settings, including public and private schools, child care centers, Head Start programs, and family child care homes. Most states have educational requirements for individuals who wish to work as early childhood educators.

Preschool teacher sitting with some young students at a classroom table.

If you have an interest in working with children and want to pursue a teaching career, then you’ll want to know what it takes to become an early childhood educator so that you can begin working towards your goals now.

Requirements For Becoming an Early Childhood Educator

At Athena Career Academy, we offer a two-year Early Childhood Associates degree program that consists of a total of 92 quarter credit hours. To enroll, you’ll need to:

  • Complete an application
  • Arrange funding
  • Sign an enrollment agreement
  • Complete the online State of Ohio Disclosure Course
  • Provide a copy of your high school or GED transcript
  • Submit a copy of your social security card and valid government identification
  • Fill out an emergency medical form
  • And, finally, attend an orientation session

By completing an Associate Degree in Applied Science with an accredited major in early childhood education, you’ll be able to work as an administrator, lead teacher, head teacher, and play specialist in a wide range of settings. Additionally, you’ll be prepared to own and operate your own childcare center.

Start your Journey

In addition to the educational requirements for becoming an early childhood education teacher, there are also some general skills and traits that you should have to be successful in this profession. Early childhood educators need to be patient, organized, and good at multitasking. They also need to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. And, perhaps most importantly, they need to be able to create a safe and nurturing environment for children.

The Benefits of Becoming a Teacher

There are many benefits to becoming an early childhood educator. The following are just a few of the reasons why you should consider pursuing a career as a teacher:

  • You’ll make a difference in the lives of young children: As an early childhood educator, you’ll have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of young children. You’ll help them to develop socially, emotionally, and intellectually.
  • You’ll be in demand: There is a growing demand for early childhood educators. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of preschool teachers will grow by 18 percent over the next decade.
  • You’ll get good healthcare benefits: Many early childhood education jobs offer health insurance and other benefits to their employees.
  • You’ll have job security: Early childhood educators typically have good job security. This is due to the fact that there is a high demand for early childhood educators and a low supply of qualified individuals.
  • You can have a flexible schedule: Many early childhood educators work part-time or have a flexible schedule. This can be especially beneficial if you have young children of your own.
  • You can work in a variety of settings: Because there are so many settings where you can work as an early childhood education teacher, you’ll be able to choose a job with a work environment that best fits your goals.

Enroll in Our Early Childhood Education Associates Degree Program Today

If you’re interested in pursuing a career as an early childhood educator, then enroll in our Early Childhood Education Associate degree program today. We offer a two-year program that will give you the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this field. Contact us today to learn more about our program and to schedule a campus tour.

Start Your ECE Process Now