There is probably no job more important than caring for young children. The children of today are tomorrow’s leaders. The future of our country and our planet is dependent upon a healthy upbringing of today’s young students. There are many rewarding careers in early childhood education and not all of them require a college degree, but all do require a love for children, patience, and a nurturing attitude.

A provider of home child care needs little or no formal education. What you do need is a license or work permit from your local government agency. Depending upon where your center will be located; you may be eligible for government funds to help set up your home child care. You will need plenty of space in your home so that children can play in a safe environment. You must be willing to prepare meals. Home child care providers must have good business sense because they are responsible for collecting payments from parents.

A teacher in a child day care center. This job usually requires little or no education and no license. You will have to follow the rules and regulations of the day care center. As a teacher in a child day care center; you will be leading group activities that promote confidence and imagination. In this position one is employed (works for) the owner of the child day care center. The teacher’s only responsibility is the welfare of the children; they do not have to collect payment or fees.

A teacher’s aide is in a classroom of primary grade students. Teacher’s aids assist the teacher in conducting classroom learning activities. Aides also provide one on one assistance to children that do not understand the lesson. Teacher’s aids usually require some education but not a degree.

Primary grade teachers are usually required to have education in teaching young children. As a primary grade teacher you will be the boss of your class (you set the rules, the schedule, and what the children will learn each day). It is up to the teacher to come up with lessons for the children to learn to read, write, and do math.

Special education teachers work with children with learning disabilities. A degree in education and/or special education is required for this type of job. Special education teachers must know how learning disabilities affect children. Lessons and classes are often taught differently and at a slower pace than non special education classes. A career in special education requires understanding, patience, commitment, and a never give up attitude.

Special education workers for children with health issues. Sick children require different class room set ups than children without health problems. Teachers in these classrooms must have both teaching skills and medical knowledge. To teach sick children providers are required to have both a teaching degree and special certification in health. Teachers in these types of classrooms must be willing to spend as much time dealing with a child’s sickness, as with actual educational lessons.

Careers in early childhood education are available to everyone. A degree is not always needed and success is usually based on hard work, a caring personality, and persistence. There is no career more rewarding than those that deal with early childhood development.