Four Steps to Transition Your Teaching Career into Early Childhood Development
If you want to make a significant difference in a young person’s life, then help them in their formative years. The first 1000 days of a person’s life are when millions of new neural connections form every second, and the environment and what they experience during these years will, later on, play a massive impact on their life.
Early childhood development is a focus for teachers and carers that is incredibly important. Not only is it an important time for neurological development, but it can also help low-income families considerably.
All children deserve the opportunity to explore the world safely during those important years, and if you have been considering a career transition in this area, use these steps to help you get started:
If You Don’t Already Have a Teaching Certification
If you aren’t currently certified as a teacher, then you can easily include early childhood development as a specialization by opting for a dual degree. This would qualify you to teach children general education and lead in early childhood development settings. An online early childhood special education degree can open up so many doors for your career and let you help children at a variety of ages.
If You Already Have a Teaching Certification
Easily prepare yourself for a career transition into early childhood education with an online Early Childhood Leadership Advanced Certificate Program. This option is ideal for those who already have a teaching license and are perhaps thinking of starting up their own daycare or taking over an existing daycare option.
Earning Your Certification
Earning the degree is the first step. Next you will need to go to your state to earn the certifications in question. This usually involves paperwork and admin, but don’t underestimate it. Get your stuff in on time so that you can start working in this new field as soon as possible.
Do note that in many states, the certifications you earn are only valid for many years. You will need to go and learn further (usually 175 hours) to requalify.
Where You Can Work
There are so many places that you can work when you specialize in Early childhood development. Many schools have programs onsite so that parents can send their kids to school and go to work. You will, however, be mostly working in either a daycare or privately.
You may even want to consider opening up your own daycare in your neighborhood. Work with the government and your local community to raise funds so that those in low-income situations can send their children to you, and you’ll make a big difference in those children’s lives.
Quality daycare and early education options are limited. By opening up an option and looking for ways to source the funding you need to run your daycare you can make a big difference in the lives of so many. Even if those you serve cannot stay with you full-time, but only a few days a week, this will make a difference.
