Working In Early Childhood Education: Which Developmental Stage Is Right For You?

In their first years of life, children progress rapidly. One minute they’re getting used to being alive in the world and the next they’re learning their ABCs.

Because of this, your experience working in early childhood education can be very different depending on how old the children you are working with are.

For those considering an early childhood education degree online, this guide will help you understand what to expect at different ages, aiding you in deciding which age group you might prefer to work with.

Working With Children From Birth to 18 Months: Infants

Not all early childhood education degree holders work with kids in schools. Some are employed at childcare centers that serve children from infancy. 

You may not think you have much to teach kids at this stage, but you’d be wrong. Infants are constantly observing the world around them, learning how the world works, speaking their first words, and learning beginner motor skills, such as crawling.

Developmental Milestones During This Age

• Physical: Infants develop rapidly, gaining control over their head, hands, and feet. By 12 months, many can stand and may start walking.

• Cognitive: Infants begin to recognize faces, show interest in objects, and explore their surroundings.

• Social and Emotional: They form strong attachments to caregivers and start to express emotions like joy and distress.

Infant Caretaker Duties

Here are some of the main job duties you can expect to have an early childhood educator working with infants:

• Providing a safe, stimulating environment with plenty of sensory activities.

• Engaging in activities that promote bonding, such as reading, singing, and talking to the infant.

• Being responsive to child needs to foster a sense of security and trust.

Working With Children From 18 Months to 3 Years: Toddlers

Working with kids in the toddler stage means you’ll still probably be working with kids at daycare, although some schools offer 3-year-old preschool programs. 

At this stage, children are beginning to assert their independence and explore their surroundings. Your early childhood education degree will really come in hand as you find yourself guiding them through their newfound curiosity while also teaching them about boundaries and social interactions. 

Expect plenty of energetic play, as well as opportunities to foster language development through storytelling and simple conversations.

Developmental Milestones During This Age

• Physical: Toddlers become more mobile, mastering walking, running, and climbing.

• Cognitive: They start to understand simple instructions, recognize familiar objects, and engage in pretend play.

• Social and Emotional: This age group begins to assert independence but still seeks comfort from caregivers.

Toddler Caretaker Duties

• Encouraging exploration and providing opportunities for physical activity.

• Using simple language and reading to them regularly to enhance language skills.

• Setting clear, consistent boundaries to help them understand acceptable behaviors.

Working With Children From 3 to 5 Years: Preschoolers

For early childhood education degree holders who aspire to work in schools, 3-5 years old is the youngest age you’ll probably be able to teach. 

This age is marked by imaginative play, socialization, and the development of fine and gross motor skills. 

You'll engage with children in activities that spark creativity and problem-solving, like arts and crafts or group games. 

Working with preschoolers is all about nurturing their curiosity and helping them form friendships, making it a lively and rewarding experience.

Developmental Milestones During This Age

• Physical: Preschoolers refine their motor skills, becoming adept at activities like drawing, cutting with scissors, and riding tricycles.

• Cognitive: They develop better problem-solving skills, understand basic concepts like numbers and colors, and can follow multi-step instructions.

• Social and Emotional: They start forming friendships and can express a wider range of emotions.

Preschool Teacher Duties

• Providing a variety of activities that promote both fine and gross motor skills.

• Fostering cognitive development through interactive games, puzzles, and storytelling.

• Encouraging social skills through group activities and role-playing games.

Get Started Teaching Kids: Earn Your Early Childhood Education Degree Online

Now that you have a solid understanding of what each child needs from their caretakers and teachers at different stages of  their life,  we hope you have a good idea of what early childhood education niche you are suited for.

Earning your early childhood education degree online will be helpful no matter what age range you work with, from infants to third graders. 

The University of Alabama Online’s early childhood education degree program prepares you to earn the Pre-Kindergarten: Birth to Age 4 Child Development. Visit their website here to learn more about the program and how to apply.