Education

5 Child Care Careers With a Degree in Education

Written by: Wilson College • Aug 26, 2024

A kindergarten teacher working with four students.

5 Child Care Careers With a Degree in Education

Many parents across the U.S. rely on child care providers to help them care for their children while they earn an income. More than 6.3 million American parents — roughly 58% of working parents — rely on paid child care to pursue their careers, according to the most recent National Household Education Surveys Program (NHES) data. Individuals pursuing child care careers have more options available than ever before.

Earning a Master of Education (MEd) degree in a flexible environment offers students an exceptional set of skills and prepares them for numerous child care careers.

Why Pursue a Career in Child Care?

Individuals who choose to work in child care have the opportunity to make a significant impact. Child care careers shape the future of our children, from the lives of the kids who child care professionals see every day to the adults those children will ultimately become. Without exceptional child care providers, teachers, and directors, many parents would be unable to pursue their own careers, potentially leading to a family’s financial distress.

Child care providers allow parents the freedom to pursue their own interests while providing safe, quality care for children. Whether individuals choose to work with young children in a day care environment; teach elementary, middle school, or high school children; or work as nannies in their clients’ homes, every day is different. Child care careers offer the opportunity to watch children grow and learn in fascinating ways.

5 Child Care Careers

After earning an MEd, several child care career paths are available. Some focus on working in day care, preschool, or educational facilities, but others are far more flexible. Here are five careers students can pursue after earning their MEd.

1. Child Care Center Director

A child care, day care or preschool director is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of their center. Though their responsibilities may vary somewhat depending on the size and scope of the facility, they may be required to design programs, hire and schedule staff, and handle the facility’s budget.

This role is a full-time position and may require some overtime. Aside from a degree in education, some centers require directors to obtain certification. One of the most common certifications is the Child Development Associate credential, which is offered by the Council for Professional Recognition. The credential is based on core standards and awarded to those who have mastered the certification standards.

Preschool and child care center directors earned a median annual salary of $54,290 as of May 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

2. Kindergarten Teacher

Kindergarten teachers provide foundational social and academic instruction to children between the ages of 5 and 6 in both public and private schools. Their roles may vary depending on geographic location and classroom size.

Kindergarten teachers work full time during the school year, and some may teach two classrooms per day—one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Though most have summers off, teachers who work in districts with year-round instruction may have shorter, more frequent breaks.

At least a bachelor’s degree in education is required to work as a kindergarten teacher, and those working in public schools must also have a valid state-issued license or certification. Private schools may also require these credentials.

Kindergarten teachers earned a median annual salary of $63,670 as of May 2023, according to the BLS.

3. Early Childhood Education Consultant

Early childhood education consultants work with children, parents, educators, and educational institutions to facilitate better educational experiences. They may help parents determine whether their children are ready for preschool or kindergarten, help children with special needs, or assist schools in developing new policies that improve the way young children are educated. Most work full-time hours year-round.

Though this child care career doesn’t involve working directly with children, early childhood education consultants can have a significant impact on numerous children’s lives through the adoption of new educational tools, staffing recommendations, or even placement recommendations.

Education consultants earned a median annual salary of around $67,700 as of June 2024, according to the compensation website Payscale.

4. Special Education Teacher

Special education teachers work with students of all ages who have one or more learning, emotional, physical, or mental disabilities. They may work in public schools, private schools, or special education centers. Their primary role involves helping these students overcome barriers to achieving success in their education.

Special education teachers must have a degree in education—such as an MEd or a Master of Special Education (MSE)—as well as a valid state-issued license or certification if they work in a public school system.

Special education teachers earned a median annual salary of $65,910 as of May 2023, according to the BLS.

5. Camp Director

Camp directors oversee the daily operations associated with a wide range of children’s camps, including seasonal, educational, and behavioral camps. They oversee the programs within their camps, hire and train staff, manage safety protocols, and handle budgeting. Some camps are residential, meaning children live in the camp facility, and others are day camps, meaning parents or caregivers pick up and drop off children during camp hours.

Camp directors may work directly with children, providing them with the skills, life lessons, academic help, or behavioral assistance required to help them overcome hurdles. Some camp directors work year-round, but others take on seasonal work as needed.

Camp directors earned a median annual salary of around $46,000 as of May 2024, according to Payscale.

Benefits of Earning a Master’s Degree in Education

Earning a master’s degree in education provides education professionals with the specialized skills they need to make a bigger impact on students and their families. The other benefits associated with completing an MEd program include the following:

Higher salary potential
Better teaching / child care career opportunities
Access to more prestigious credentials
Leadership skills
Improved teaching skills

Earn Your MEd and Pursue Exciting Child Care Careers

If you’re interested in pursuing these or other child care careers, Wilson College Online’s MEd degree program can provide you with the skills and tools you need to thrive. Our self-paced, asynchronous course delivery model allows working teachers and child care providers to learn newfound skills and tools for the classroom at the right pace for their busy schedules.

Explore how we can help you prepare to take your child care career to the next level.

Recommended Readings

How to Become a High School Teacher

Master of Teaching vs. Master of Education: What’s the Difference?

How to Become a Kindergarten Teacher

Sources:

Child Care Education Institute, Child Development Associate (CDA)

Indeed, 14 Careers in Child Care

Indeed, How to Become an Educational Consultant (Plus Salary Info)

Indeed, 10 Jobs You Can Get wWith a Master’s Degree in Education

National Center for Education Statistics, National Household Education Surveys Program of 2019

Nebraska Department of Education, Why You Should Pursue a Career in Early Childhood Education