Early Childhood Education

Online Associate Degrees in Early Childhood Education

An associate degree is an academic degree awarded by community colleges, junior colleges, business colleges, and some bachelor's degree-granting colleges and universities.

The average yearly salary for an employee with an associate degree is $46,000. The length of time required to earn an associate degree is typically two years.

Early Childhood Education Career Outlook

As the number of retiring teachers increases, the demand for early childhood education teachers will increase. People with Early Childhood Education degrees work as:

• Elementary teachers
• Early childhood teachers
• Daycare directors
• Tutors
• Librarians
• Instructional coordinators
• Guidance counselors

Early Childhood Education Salary Information

Average earnings for teachers with Early Childhood Education degrees range between $42,000 and $47,000 per year. Many schools offer salary boosts because of extracurricular opportunities like coaching and tutoring. With experience, teachers with Early Childhood Education degrees can move from teacher assistant to lead teacher to the director of the center. Many open their own daycares, specialized schools and other early childhood centers. Benefits and retirement packages are also extremely strong in this industry.

Early Childhood Education Required Job Skills and Knowledge

Most teachers must have at least a bachelor's degree, complete a teacher's education program and be licensed. Employers look for people with good interpersonal, communication and organizational skills. People with Early Childhood Education degrees must be good role models, leaders and caregivers. Teachers help students improve social skills, analytical skills and build a knowledge base. The best teachers know how to work in a multicultural classroom and develop multicultural lesson plans.