Career Planning

​You have many choices to make as you join the field of early care and education. They are personal choices, value choices and career choices.  The following are a few questions to think about as you plan your career in early childhood education: 

1. What type of degree and/or credential do you need?
2. What role do you want to play?
3. What type of early childhood program do you want to work in?
4. What is your own philosophy about children?
5. Why do you want to enter the field? 

To help guide you in answering these questions and in thinking more about a career in Early Childhood Education, we've gather some resources below to assist you. 

Arizona Early Childhood Career and Professional Development Network
Learn about opportunities and supports in Arizona to advance your career in Early Childhood Education by visiting the Arizona Early Childhood Career and Professional Development Network and joining the Registry. The resources and the Registry are available at no cost to you. 

Early Childhood Education Career Guide
In most states, an early childhood educator works with children from birth to third grade or age eight. This teacher works with students in a public or private school setting, elementary schools of all kinds, and federal- and state-funded programs for early intervention with children from birth to kindergarten such as Head Start. This guide provides further information on what early childhood educators do, how to become an early childhood educator, and early childhood educator salary and outlook.

Individual Career Development
The Administration for Children and Families offers a wide-variety of tools and resources to further explore career options, education, professional development and training in Early Childhood Education on their website. You can learn more about the aspect of individual career development by clicking on the links their website offers to dig deeper in exploring your individual career, education, and professional goals.