Early Education: Careers That Count!
Are you considering getting in to the field of Early Education? AEYC has lots of Information
about career opportunities in early childhood education, information
about starting your own family child care business, and can support your professional development as a child care provider.
For current
professionals who want training credit, the training opportunities in
Alaska are abundant! Check out available workshops,
television broadcasts, annual conferences, and self-study programs.
AEYC is
here for you in a number of ways:
Looking
for employment in the field of Early Childhood Education?
Read on for information about careers that are available in the field,
as well as some pointers for achieving your career goals.
Job
Seekers & Employers! If you are looking directly for employment,
or need to post an opening that you have, we suggest using the State
of Alaska "Job Bank" on-line service at the following address: htttp://www.jobs.state.ak.us/akjb/.
Job seekers simply search by region and job type. Employers, click
on the link in the lower left corner to post your job.
What
types of jobs are available in Early Childhood?
-Entry Level
-Professional Level (CDA or degree)
-What skills do I need?
-Why is this field important?
-Where can I find more information?
-Is financial help available?
Entry
level jobs include:
· Operating a family child care business
· Teaching assistant/ substitute staff at a licensed child
care center
· Head Start teaching assistant
· School Age program assistant
· Volunteers are welcome in a variety of programs to gain experience
Positions when you have a CDA or University
degree include:
· Resource and Referral Trainer
· Child Care Food Program Coordinator
· CDA Advisor
· Infant Learning Specialist
· Child Care Referral Counselor
· State Licensing Specialist
· Center Director
· Head Start Teacher or Director
· Family Support Worker
· Home Visitor / Family Advocate
· School Age Program Site Manager
· Family child care business or group home owner
· School district special education preschool teacher or assistant
Lead teacher in a child care center
What skills or experience do I need to work
with young children?
· Do you enjoy sharing experiences with young children?
· Do you have a desire to learn more about children?
· Do you have nurturing, caring, personal qualities?
· Can you communicate well with families and offer them support?
· Many people enter the field at the entry level, with a high
school education or GED.
· Earn while you learn! Free training leading to a Child Development
Associate credential (CDA), and reimbursements for university and
other specialized training is available.
There are many challenging and rewarding positions for persons with
a Child Development Associate credential (CDA), or a University degree.
Learn more about attaining your CDA by looking at the CDA
Council website.
Why is working with young people so important?
Because….
· The early years set the foundation for life-long learning.
Your work with young children will make a difference that will last
a lifetime.
· People that work in the field of early care and education
have a challenging and rewarding job because children are active,
curious, and interested in the world around them.
· Caring, competent early care and education workers contribute
to the well being and support of families.
· Knowledgeable adults help children become competent in their
use of language, learn social skills, develop their imaginations,
stimulate curiosity, develop literacy, and learn about the world.
Children are our most valuable resource; early care and education
professionals help to ensure the future of our community and country.
Where
can I find more information?
If you are interested in a position in early care and education,
call the AEYC office, and we will be happy to discuss your plans.
Is
financial help available?
If you work in a licensed family child care or center program, you
are eligible for education funds of up to $500 per year for early
childhood courses, conferences, and specialized training. A 75 percent
reimbursement is provided through AEYC with funds from the state
Department of Health and Social Services.
