Early childhood education refers to educational programs serving children from birth to age 8 and their families. Also, early childhood education is a field of study designed to prepare professionals for working directly or indirectly with children and their families in that age group.
The field of early childhood education is incredibly important, as early childhood is a period of tremendous cognitive, social/emotional, language, and physical growth. The quality of the care and education children receive during this time has an extensive, long-term impact on their development. Investment in high-quality early childhood education programs can yield both short- and long-term benefits.
Early childhood professionals hold many different positions in various settings. These include, for example, positions in child care centers, family child care homes, social services agencies, and public schools. Some professional roles in the field, such as teaching, involve working directly with children and their families. Other more indirect roles might include directing a program, working with families as a parent educator, or providing training to early childhood professionals. Professionals can be found working in the full range of age groups included in the field, from very young infants to third graders.
The field is one of great growth and opportunity! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, there is an expected growth of 14% in careers in this area, and the field receives a great deal of state and national attention. In fact, 27 Governors highlighted early childhood in their annual state addresses and President Obama devoted time to it in the State of the Union address.
With so much expected growth in the field, colleges across the nation are working to prepare individuals for careers in this area. Locally, Heartland Community College and Illinois State University have formed an exciting partnership that provides students with a seamless way to earn an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree with a Gateways to Opportunity Credential from Heartland and then continue on to earn their Bachelor of Science degree from ISU with a Professional Educator License and Early Childhood Endorsement (birth-grade 3). The program, called the Early Childhood Practitioner Preparation Partnership or ECP3 , offers flexible scheduling and scholarship support for qualified participants through Gateways to Opportunity Scholarships. This is a great opportunity for students to prepare for a meaningful career in a growing field. For more information, visit the Early Childhood Practitioner Preparation Partnership website at: http://www.heartland.edu/ecp3/ or contact Johnna Darragh-Ernst at johnna.darragh@heartland.edu.
