Job Description

Alumni of the Early Childhood Education program may find employment as preschool teachers , childcare workers, coaches, family support specialists, curriculum specialists and more.

Preschool Teachers

Preschool teachers encourage children's language development through reading, storytelling and acting games. They help children develop social skills with cooperative activities and discussions, and they encourage creative talents through art, dance and music. They also provide a foundation for science and math learning by helping children count and build.

Teachers also observe and identify signs of emotional or developmental problems or illness. In addition to working with children, teachers support families by providing resources and meeting with parents and guardians periodically to discuss each child's progress, achievements and needs.

Childcare Workers

Childcare providers may work in their own homes, in the child's home or in centers such as Head Start, Early Head Start and preschools. In addition to nurturing and teaching children who have not yet entered kindergarten, childcare workers may provide before- and after-school care to older children.

Childcare workers help stimulate children's physical, emotional, intellectual and social growth. They encourage children to explore interests, develop talents and independence, build self-esteem, learn to get along with others, and prepare for more formal schooling.

Coaches

Early Learning Coaches provide professional development to preschool teachers and childcare workers. Coaches guide other early learning professionals through reflective practice based on early learning outcomes and state requirements to improve the experience of children and families.

Family Support Specialists

Family Support Specialists plan, develop, and implement family support services that strengthen family relationships, enhance parent and child health and mental health, and broaden community supports for enrolled families. This includes connecting families to resources including mental health, case management,

Curriculum Specialist

A curriculum specialist creates or chooses curriculum and assessment materials for an early learning program, and trains teachers to implement the curriculum.