Early childhood professions
Child care can be the starting point for a variety of fulfilling careers in the early childhood field, offering valuable experience and opportunities for professional growth. Working in a child career equips individuals with relevant experience in child development and learning, opening doors to career opportunities across the early childhood field.
There are many roles in the early childhood field including:
- child care educator or administrator
- teacher
- mentor or trainer
- child care licensing inspector
- early childhood intervention specialist
Some some career paths may require certain degrees or other credentials.
Considering joining early childhood education
Whether you're entering the workforce for the first time or considering a career change, the early childhood field offers a variety of opportunities to grow professionally while supporting childrens' learning and development.
Learn about educational and career opportunities supporting preschool and early elementary students (available through TEA for high school students).
Contact your local Workforce Solutions office to see if there's a child care and early learning RAP 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.
Searching for work in early childhood? Search for child care programs in your area who may be hiring. Look for Texas Rising Star certification which identifies a program as high-quality!
TWC provides a variety of resources for building a career, including searching different careers, student resources, resources for educators, counselors, and families, and workforce services and programs.
Work-based learning can help programs hire and retain great teachers by letting them employ teachers while they go to school.
New to early childhood education
If you're new to the field, explore opportunities in educating and supporting children in early childhood education.
Start your CDA journey with CLI Engage’s free online 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 open in the future. More information to come!
Access HHSC CCR resources education requirements, annual training, and other important information.
Find local supports, which may include educational scholarships or reimbursement, free training, and much more.
Explore free and low-cost virtual professional development to help you meet your required, annual training hours.
TECPDS is a free online registry to help you keep track of credentials and career growth.
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