
What can you do with a bachelor's in early childhood education?
Written by: Jason Lee, Edited by: Jennifer Kiesewetter
Published: March 3, 2025
A bachelor's in early childhood education can prepare you to work with young children as they develop social, emotional, and fine motor skills. Learn what you can do with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education in our guide.
What jobs can you get with a bachelor's in early childhood education?
As you might expect, most of the jobs you can get with a degree in early childhood education involve caring for, nurturing, and educating young children. While the exact responsibilities and earning potentials vary significantly from job to job, most opportunities require hands-on interaction with children.
Here are a few of the most popular jobs available.
Kindergarten teacher
As a kindergarten teacher, you'll teach children basic math, language, and social skills. These professionals generally work in a classroom setting with students around the age of five. Additional tasks include creating lesson plans, communicating with parents, and evaluating student progress.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) median annual salary (2024): $62,310
- BLS projected growth rate (2023-33): -1%
Preschool teacher
Much like kindergarten teachers, preschool teachers are responsible for students' growth and development, with a heavier emphasis on basic skills like fine motor and social skills.
While the curriculum may be less intensive than that of higher grade levels, preschool teachers must be highly patient and empathetic, as their students are at a prime age for being energetic and exploring their emotions.
- BLS median annual salary (2024): $37,120
- BLS projected growth rate (2023-33): 4%
Childcare worker
Childcare workers work with families to help care for, supervise, and, in some cases, educate children. The specific roles and responsibilities vary greatly by the age of the children, the goals of the parents, and the agreed-upon level of involvement. Some childcare workers are hired part-time, whereas others may work full-time and act as primary caretakers while parents are at work or away.
- BLS median annual salary (2024): $32,050
- BLS projected growth rate (2023-33): -1%
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Explore online bachelor's degrees in early childhood education on edX to build classroom skills and earn a recognized credential from a top university.