Key Information for Students

The Early Childhood Education program is great for you if:

• you currently work or have experience working with children;
• you are interested in the development of children;
• you enjoy interpersonal communication and working with a wide variety of people;
• you care about making a difference for children and families in your community;
• you want to gain theoretical background and practical experience in the field of education and early education; and
• you are willing to maintain state childcare licensing requirements, pursue continuing education classes, or earn industry recognized certificates. 

Key information and advice for students in the Early Childhood Education program:

• The ECE associate degree integrates with the requirements for Vermont’s Early Childhood Career Ladder - Level IIIB. Coursework in the degree also supports the Program Director for Early Childhood and Afterschool Programs Credential and the Vermont Early Childhood Apprenticeship program. 
• The Childcare certificate is designed to fit inside the ECE degree, providing a stepping-stone to greater training and compensation. The Childcare certificate aligns with Vermont’s Early Childhood Career Ladder - Level IIIA.
• Courses required for the Afterschool & Youth Work certificate and the Early Childhood Education Administrator certificate can be applied to the ECE degree.
• Professional Field Experience gives students practical experience in the workplace and can be a connection to employment in the early childhood education field.
• Background checks are common in early childhood and afterschool fields. Those with prior justice system involvement are encouraged to research employment exclusions that may arise depending on role, employer, and/or licensing criteria.
• Students interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in early childhood or elementary education are encouraged to identify transfer options early to optimize course choices.

The Early Childhood Education program prepares you for careers such as:

• Registered Home Childcare Provider
• Associate Teacher in licensed childcare program
• Paraprofessional or Teaching Assistant
• Staff in afterschool program
• Head Start Home Visitor or Teacher (bachelor degree may be required)
• Elementary School Teacher (bachelor degree required)

Job outlook in Early Childhood Education in the state of Vermont:

For up-to-date Vermont labor market information, including salary information and growth projections, please visit the Economic and Labor Market Information at the Vermont Department of Labor Website: http://www.vtlmi.info/