What you can do with an early childhood education degree

Early childhood education (ECE) shapes the earliest and most essential stages of a child’s development. It’s a time of rapid brain growth, emotional learning and identity formation. ECE professionals lay the groundwork for a lifetime of success by creating supportive, engaging learning environments where children thrive.

An ECE degree can lead to a range of meaningful careers, including teaching, curriculum design, family advocacy and school leadership. Upon graduating, you’ll find opportunities to make a lasting difference in the lives of children, families and communities.

According to Björg LeSueur, clinical associate professor at Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation, success in this field requires more than academic knowledge.

"Beyond understanding child development, one of the most essential skills is the ability to form responsive, respectful and reciprocal relationships,” she said. “Strong observation skills, cultural humility and adapting to diverse learning needs are also critical."

She encourages students to stay grounded and open to learning. “This field is rooted in relationships. Nurture connections with peers, mentors, families and, most importantly, with the children you serve. Be open to learning not only from textbooks but also from the stories of  caregivers, community members, and other professionals in the field."

Career opportunities in early childhood education

An ECE degree equips you with the skills to explore career paths that align with your strengths and interests, both inside and outside the classroom. From direct instruction to program leadership, this field offers many ways to support young learners.

LeSueur points out that classroom teaching is a powerful place to begin.

“I encourage students to see classroom work not as a fallback but as a powerful starting point,” she advised. “The lived experience of educators and children provides invaluable insight no matter where your career takes you.”

Jobs in the classroom

Preschool teacher

• Use play, creativity and structured routines to support early learning and social development.

Kindergarten teacher

• Help children build foundational literacy and math skills while encouraging curiosity and independence.

Elementary school teacher

• Teach core academic subjects in early grade levels and foster a love of learning that lasts.

Early childhood special education teacher

• Support young children with developmental differences through inclusive practices and personalized instruction.

Jobs outside the classroom

Child care center director

• Lead the daily operations of early learning centers, manage staff and ensure program quality and licensing compliance.

Curriculum developer

• Design learning materials and activities that align with how young children think, feel and grow.

Early intervention specialist

• Work alongside families and health providers to support young children with developmental delays through targeted strategies.

Family support specialist

• Connect families with local resources, provide guidance and help build strong home-school partnerships.

Policy advocate or program administrator

• Shape early education systems and initiatives at the local, state or national level through leadership and advocacy.

Earn your ECE degree online with Arizona State University

ASU Online offers multiple flexible, fully online degree programs that can help you begin or advance your career in early childhood education.

Bachelor of Arts in Education in educational studies with a concentration in early childhood studies

This undergraduate program offers a broad foundation in child development, learning environments and early childhood program implementation. Unlike traditional teaching degrees, this program doesn't lead to certification, making it ideal for those interested in non-classroom roles or informal education settings.

Graduates often pursue careers in early learning centers, nonprofit organizations, youth programs or family engagement roles. It's a great fit for students looking for flexibility, especially those who want to work with children without pursuing a K-12 public school teaching license.

Master of Education in early childhood education

Designed for current educators or professionals who want to deepen their expertise, this non-certification master's degree focuses on research-based practices, leadership in early learning and child development theory.

If you're passionate about creating better learning environments, mentoring others or moving into curriculum leadership or policy roles, this program offers the tools to do so. It's also a strong choice for those working outside of the public school system or internationally.

Master of Education in early childhood education with teacher certification

If you're looking to switch careers or enter the classroom for the first time, this degree offers a direct path to becoming a licensed early childhood teacher. In addition to pedagogical training and child development coursework, it includes hands-on experiences through internships and student teaching.

This program is ideal for students who want to earn their initial teacher certification while developing effective strategies for engaging diverse learners in PreK-Grade 3 classrooms.

Master of Education in early childhood special education with teacher certification

This specialized degree prepares you to support young children with disabilities and developmental delays through inclusive, evidence-based practices. You'll gain the skills to design and implement individualized education plans, work closely with families and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

This program is best suited for those who want to make a difference in special education settings, whether in early intervention, inclusive preschool classrooms or public schools.

Whatever path you choose, your impact will be lasting.

“Early childhood professionals are doing essential, complex work that lays the foundation for lifelong development and learning,” noted LeSueur. “You belong here, and the field needs your voice, your heart and your leadership.”