Career Opportunities With a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Administration

Working with young children is an important job. Those working in early childhood administration help ensure our children receive quality care and education, which lays the foundation for their future success.

If you want to work in this field, a degree in early childhood administration can help you reach your goals. Let’s take a look at the career opportunities available to you with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Administration.

What’s Driving Job Growth in Early Childhood Administration?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow 15% from 2021 to 2031. This is much faster than the average for all occupations.

Carol Laman, MA, an early childhood education faculty member at Purdue Global, says the demand for early childhood administration jobs is being driven by several factors.

“As parents increasingly recognize the importance of early childhood development in their children's lives, the demand for early childhood education increases as well,” she says. “There is growing recognition of the benefits of high-quality early childhood education programs for children, including improved cognitive, social, and emotional development.”

Another factor driving the demand for early childhood administrators is the increasing focus on early childhood education in public policy.

“Federal-funded programs, such as Head Start, and federal grants such as the Child Care and Development Block Grant and the Preschool Development Grant Birth through 5 (PDG B-5), require accountability.” This accountability starts with a center's leadership, which requires skilled professionals with early childhood administration skills.

What’s the Difference Between an Elementary Education Degree and a Degree in Early Childhood Administration?

While the titles of these programs might indicate a high degree of similarity, an elementary education degree and an early childhood administration (ECA) degree have different focuses and coursework.

Generally, an elementary education degree prepares you to teach kindergarten through grade 8, although requirements may vary by state.

The focus is a bit different for an ECA degree program. One of the largest distinctions, according to Laman, is that an ECA program provides instruction in funding, human resources, financial planning, and various classes required for running a preschool or childcare center.

“Graduates can pursue director positions, making this program an excellent choice for those seeking to advance their careers in leadership,” says Laman.

Which Age Group Should You Teach?

Educators are often uncertain about the age group they would like to work with, even though they know they want to work with children. Caring for infants requires different skills than caring for preschoolers, making it important to determine a suitable age preference.

“Many students discover which age group is the right fit once they have hands-on experience,” she says. She encourages ECA students to volunteer in various classrooms, observing the leadership, operations, and teacher-child-parent interactions to identify what feels comfortable.

5 Career Options With an Early Childhood Administration Degree

The career paths available in early childhood administration provide you the opportunities to make a difference in the lives of children, families, and communities.

1. Preschool and Childcare Center Director

Preschool and childcare center directors work in schools and childcare centers. They are responsible for all aspects of their center’s programs, including supervising staff, maintaining budgets, assisting in program development, and overseeing daily activities.

They are also responsible for ensuring that their center adheres to all regulations, including requirements attached to receiving federal or state funding.

According to the BLS, employment of preschool and childcare center directors is projected to grow 8% from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

2. Preschool Teacher (Except Special Education) and Head Start Teacher

Preschool and Head Start teachers primarily work in child day care centers and at public and private schools. They plan curricula, organize activities, teach basic skills, and keep records of children’s progress.

Those in this role also watch for signs of developmental or emotional problems so they can alert the children’s parents or guardians.

The BLS projects that the employment of preschool teachers will grow 15% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.

3. Teaching Assistant in a Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and High School (Except Special Education)

Teaching assistants work in elementary and secondary schools, both public and private, as well as in child day care centers. They work alongside a licensed teacher to provide additional attention to students and to help reinforce learning activities.

They may also help with general recordkeeping, preparing activities, and supervising children outside the classroom setting when needed.

Employment of teaching assistants is projected to grow 5% from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations, the BLS reports.

4. Childcare Worker

Childcare workers work in such settings as day care services, schools, and private households. Their role is to provide for the needs of children while fostering their healthy development. This includes providing supervision, preparing meals, assisting with hygiene, arranging activities, and developing routines that offer a mix of physical activity, playtime, and rest.

According to the BLS, employment of childcare workers is projected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

5. Head Start Director

Head Start directors plan and direct the activities in preschools or childcare centers. They set educational standards, establish policies, determine educational offerings, and allocate funds to support the center’s goals.

They may also help create and distribute promotional materials and submit budget requests or grant proposals.

According to O*NET, employment in this field is projected to grow 8-10% from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

Earn an Online Degree in Early Childhood Administration With Purdue Global

Working in early childhood education is a rewarding and challenging career path. It takes a mix of empathy, passion, and education to be successful. Laman adds that this is a “giving position,” and that while the work makes a difference, it can sometimes be hard to see your impact.

“A leader has to be there to remind early childhood educators about the difference they can make in a child’s life because the early years critically impact long-term development,” she says. “In the corporate world, you are often acknowledged for hard work with incentives and accolades. In our field, you feel rewarded when you make a special connection with a child or offer support to a family.”

Earning an online bachelor’s degree in early childhood administration offers you the knowledge and skills necessary to become that leader and to help provide vital developmental and learning opportunities for children. Reach out to us today to learn more.