Early childhood professions
Careers in the early childhood field are varied, and child care can be one place to start the journey. Experience in a child care setting can provide a solid foundation in skills and knowledge related to human and child development, creating a path to an array of early childhood careers.
Roles such as a child care educator or administrator, a teacher mentor or trainer, a child care licensing inspector, or an early childhood intervention specialist are just a few of many examples of careers in this field. While some career paths may require additional degrees or other credentials, explore the various options within the early childhood field to find a role that might be appealing.
Considering joining early childhood education
TWC provides a variety of resources for building a career.
Searching for work? Use this tool to find licensed child care programs in your area who may be hiring.
Look for Texas Rising Star certification identifying a program high-quality!
Contact your local Workforce Solutions to see if there is a child care and early learning RAP in your area that provides education and training while you work.
TWC previously funded the following RAPs:
UT Health Science Center at Houston, Camp Fire First Texas Early Education Apprenticeship Program, Dallas College, Heart of Texas Workforce Development Board, Inc. Early Education Apprenticeship Program, Collin County Community College, and South Texas College
Learn about occupational and educational opportunities associated with instructing and supporting preschool and early elementary school students TEA’s Career and Technical Education's (CTE) Early Learning program of study(available only to high school students through the Texas Education Agency).
New to early childhood education
TECPDS is a free online registry to help you keep track of credentials and career growth.
Access CCR resources related to educational and annual training requirements and other important information.
Explore free and low-cost virtual professional development to help you meet your required, annual training hours.
Start your journey to obtaining a CDA through CLI Engage’s free online training and access free training and resources.
TWC works with a grantee to provide Professional Development Scholarships to help educators obtain credentials and degrees.
Scholarship applications are currently closed but will be open in the future. More information to come!
Find local supports, which may include educational scholarships or reimbursement, free training and so much more.
Find your way with TECPDS’ Career Pathway
Joining TECPDS gives you access to the Early Childhood Educator Career Pathway. This Career Pathway can track your credentials and experience to guide your professional development and help you market yourself to employers and families.
Learn more about the Career Pathway