Early Childhood

Careers in Early Childhood Education may lead to a wide range of employment in fields such as childcare centers, nursery schools, preschools, and public schools. As a part of the Family and Consumer Science cluster, there are many potential career pathways that students interested in Early Childhood Education may wish to explore. VALEES member schools with Early Childhood Education programs that articulate with Waubonsee Community College’s Early Childhood Program include:

Batavia H.S.
East Aurora H.S.
Fox Valley Career Center
Indian Valley Vocational Center
Oswego and Oswego East H.S.
Plano H.S.
West Aurora H.S.

Early College Credit may be earned at Waubonsee Community College upon successful completion of VALEES member school early childhood courses. Apply for early college credit here. Additional information regarding early college credit is available from your high school counselor, your high school CTE teacher, or VALEES.

Employment in Early Childhood Education is projected to grow at about the same rate as the average for other occupations. About two out of five childcare workers is self-employed. Pay depends upon the educational attainment of the worker and the type of work:

Teacher assistant $16,000-$35,000
Early childhood educator $20,900-$32,370
Elementary school teacher $35,000-$80,000

Career Cruising provides additional career information for planning a career pathway. If you have not yet used Career Cruising, speak to your school counselor for free access to this valuable online career planning tool.