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Careers in the Early Childhood Workforce

Intro

The early childhood workforce includes individuals from a variety of settings with many different backgrounds and education who serve children from birth to third grade. A role in this profession can offer countless opportunities to support children, families and their surrounding networks.

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Work to be proud of

Access to high-quality early childhood programs is key to children's rapid brain development in the first few years of life. The quality of these programs begins with highly competent and skilled providers who can effectively support each child's unique qualities.

Each member of the early childhood workforce has a different story to tell and a different path into the profession. Yet one theme remains the same: The enormous impact that can be made in the life of a child and their family.

Career paths

There are many ways to join and grow in an early childhood career. Entry-level roles, certifications, professional development and higher education are all options to help you reach the positions you want.

Not everyone joins the workforce with experience in fields like education and child development. Many people follow non-traditional paths, with backgrounds in areas such as geography, anthropology, mathematics, public health and more.

It's up to each person to decide if, when and how they want to move through the field.

Cover of the brochure Minnesota's Early Childhood Workforce: Making a Difference in the Early Years
Download the brochure PDF to learn more about career options.
Achieve’s Virtual Career Guide can help you discover career options and opportunities for you to grow and advance.
Explore early childhood careers

Need help funding your education and training? Find grants and scholarships.

Stories from the field

A Tribal provider and an early childhood mental health consultant

Learn how Louisa uses support from her community to care for children and families, and the pathways Megan took to reach her career goals within the field of mental health.

An early childhood special education teacher and an Early Head Start teacher

Krisanne and Katelyn support children’s growth and development in different settings. Hear more about their passions for the early childhood workforce.

A family child care provider and early childhood professional development educator

Stacy shares about becoming licensed, using scholarships to earn degrees, and supporting children while owning a business. 

A center-based child care teacher and a Parent Aware coach

In Kelly’s role, she oversees programs, greets families, helps out in the classroom and more. Nikki supports child care programs that are looking to get a Parent Aware rating, connecting individual people and businesses with state systems.

Learn more about early childhood careers