Jobs

Our state pages on salaries for early childhood education jobs offer you information that’s handy when you’re hunting for jobs with competitive salaries. You’ll find both city and statewide statistics, as well as comparisons with other states regarding salaries for specialties within early childhood education. The state rankings are color-coded, so you can tell right away if a state’s average salaries are competitive on a national level.

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Job Information by State

There are several career paths in early childhood education. Find out more about the various positions in the field:

Childcare Worker

Childcare workers, such as nannies and babysitters, tend to children’s basic needs when parents or other family members can’t. Their duties may include feeding and bathing children, in addition to providing mental stimulation and emotional support while family members are away. Read more about childcare worker jobs here.

Teacher Assistant or Paraeducator

Teacher assistants, also referred to as paraeducators, paraprofessionals, or instructional assistants, work in the classroom under the direction of the lead teacher. Duties often required of teacher assistants include: working with students either in small groups or individually, enforcing the rules to help students behave, tracking attendance, preparing materials or equipment for lessons, and helping supervise students. Learn more about teacher assistant careers here.

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Preschool Teacher

Preschool teachers work with children who have not yet attended kindergarten – usually, ages three to five. They teach academic subjects and engage students in activities to improve their motor and interpersonal skills. Several studies have shown that preschool can be crucial to academic development for children. Read more about preschool teacher careers here.

Kindergarten Teacher

Kindergarten teachers work with young students to teach them the basics of math, science, and reading. They also work with students to strengthen the behavioral skills necessary to perform well in school. In order to work in public schools, kindergarten teachers must have the proper certifications, which vary from state to state. Find out more about kindergarten teacher careers here.

First, Second, or Third Grade Teacher

Elementary school teachers who teach first, second, or third grade work with students on the basics of academic subjects like reading and math in addition to preparing them to behave like good students in the classroom as they get older. Learn more about elementary school teachers here.

Educational Administrator or Director

Educational administrators or directors in preschool or childcare centers coordinate activities and manage preschools and other childcare centers. These activities can be both academic and nonacademic. Educational administrators are also responsible for ensuring that staff are properly caring for the children at the center. Learn more about administrator or director careers here.

Special Education Teacher, Preschool

Preschool special education teachers work closely with preschool-aged kids with special needs. This career can require additional training beyond teacher certification.

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Special Education Teacher, Kindergarten and Elementary

Elementary special education teachers work with students from kindergarten through fifth grade with a wide range of special needs. These teachers should be trained in the kinds of learning, mental, physical, and emotional disabilities they may see in the classroom and how to handle them.