So you love the idea of shaping young minds, but standing in front of a classroom doesn’t do it for you? No worries—there are plenty of education-related career paths that allow you to have a significant impact on the lives of children without becoming a conventional teacher.
Take daycare assistant and preschool supervisor, for example. Those are just two of the options open to graduates of Herzing’s Early Childhood Education program. The training prepares students for a variety of roles outside the K-12 system.
In this post, we explore those positions in more detail. We also delve into several adjacent career possibilities that may require a bit of extra training.
Keep reading to explore the fulfilling education roles you can consider, far beyond the traditional classroom.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Core Career Paths in Early Childhood Education
- Careers That May Require Additional Training
- Community-Based Roles in Education and Support
- What Skills Transfer Across These Roles?
- How to Choose the Right Path for You
CORE CAREER PATHS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Those who graduate from an early childhood education program can pursue many different career paths. “Most of our graduates work at preschools and daycares,” says Herzing instructor Marjolaine Jeanty. “Some do start their own daycare business after finishing the ECE program.”
Let’s look at a few options:
Early Childhood Educator
This is pretty close to a conventional teaching role, but it’s focused on the littlest learners. An early childhood educator supports the social, emotional, and educational development of young children, typically from birth to age 12. They concentrate on structured learning through play and developmentally appropriate activities.
Typical tasks include:
- Planning educational activities
- Teaching basic concepts (e.g., numbers, letters)
- Observing and assessing children’s progress
- Fostering social skills
- Communicating with parents
- Maintaining a safe learning environment
- Providing emotional support
ECEs plan developmentally appropriate activities for young learners
Daycare Assistant
A daycare assistant is responsible for supervising and caring for young children in a safe and nurturing environment. Their primary focus is ensuring that children’s physical and emotional needs are met while they are in the daycare setting.
Typical tasks include:
- Supervising children during play
- Preparing and serving meals
- Assisting with diapering or potty training
- Ensuring children’s safety
- Engaging in age-appropriate activities
- Providing basic social and emotional support
- Helping with nap times
- Communicating with parents about their child’s daily activities and well-being
Preschool Supervisor
It’s common for ECEs to advance to supervisory roles over time. A preschool supervisor oversees daily operations, ensuring that both the staff and children are safe, supported, and engaged in a positive learning environment. They manage the implementation of educational programs, supervise teachers and other staff, and ensure the curriculum aligns with developmental goals.
Typical tasks include:
- Organizing schedules
- Monitoring staff performance
- Supporting teachers in classroom management
- Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations
- Communicating with parents
- Handling administrative duties
- Assessing the overall effectiveness of the preschool’s programs
- Serving as a liaison between parents, staff, and the broader community
CAREERS THAT MAY REQUIRE ADDITIONAL TRAINING
Several other potential non-teaching roles in education may require some extra training. Here are some common ones:
Child and Youth Worker
A child and youth worker provides support to children and adolescents facing emotional, behavioural, and social challenges. Their role often involves helping youth develop coping skills, improve social behaviour, and navigate difficult life situations.
Typical tasks:
- Providing counselling or emotional support
- Assisting with academic or social skills
- Monitoring behaviour
- Implementing therapeutic programs
Typical requirements: A diploma or degree in social work, psychology, or a related field. Additional qualifications may include certifications in first aid or crisis intervention. Some positions may also require experience in working with at-risk or vulnerable populations.
Behaviour Interventionist
A behaviour interventionist works with children to address challenging behaviours and promote positive behavioural changes. They often work with those on the autism spectrum or with other developmental or behavioural disorders, using techniques based on applied behaviour analysis (ABA) to improve social, communication, and life skills.
Typical tasks:
- Conducting assessments to identify behavioural issues
- Implementing intervention strategies
- Teaching new skills
- Tracking progress
Typical requirements: A background in education, psychology, social work, or a related field, along with certification in applied behaviour analysis (ABA). Experience working with children with developmental or behavioural disorders is often preferred.
Education Assistant
An education assistant (EA) will find themselves in a traditional classroom setting. They support teachers in the classroom by assisting with the academic, social, and emotional development of students, particularly those with special needs or learning disabilities. They help implement individualized education plans (IEPs) and provide one-on-one or small group support to students.
Typical tasks:
- Assisting with classroom activities
- Managing classroom behaviour
- Facilitating communication between students and teachers
- Supporting students with physical needs, such as mobility or feeding
Typical requirements: A diploma or certificate in educational assisting, special education, or a related field. Some positions may require experience working with students with specific needs, such as autism or intellectual disabilities.
EAs provide one-on-one support in academics and other areas
Child and Youth Development Specialist
A child and youth development specialist focuses on promoting the emotional, social, and cognitive development of children and adolescents. They work in various settings, including schools, community programs, and mental health centres, to support young people in reaching their full potential through targeted programs and interventions.
Typical tasks:
- Assessing developmental needs
- Designing and implementing programs to enhance youth skills
- Providing counselling or mentorship
- Offering support with life skills
Typical requirements: A degree in child development, psychology, social work, or a related field. Additional certifications in areas like youth counselling or behavioural intervention may be preferred.
COMMUNITY-BASED ROLES IN EDUCATION AND SUPPORT
Non-teaching roles in education are also available within the wider community. These include:
Family Outreach Worker
A family outreach worker connects families with the resources and support they need to thrive. Their work is centred on building relationships, assessing needs, and facilitating access to community services.
Typical tasks:
- Helping families access services such as housing, food assistance, healthcare, and childcare
- Working with families to develop individualized plans
- Acting as advocates, helping families navigate bureaucratic processes
- Offering emotional support and guidance
Typical requirements: A degree or diploma in social work, human services, or a related field. Experience working with families in a social service setting is a big plus.
Children’s Program Worker in Libraries or Museums
Children’s program workers foster learning and engagement for young audiences. Their work involves creating and delivering educational and entertaining experiences that spark curiosity and promote lifelong learning.
Typical tasks:
- Designing and implementing age-appropriate programs, activities, and workshops
- Organizing special events, such as summer reading programs and holiday activities
- Interacting with children and families
- Promoting library or museum resources and services to children and families
Typical requirements: A degree or diploma in education, library science, museum studies, child development, or a related field. Librarian roles require a master’s degree in library and information science.
Running special library events for children is one option
Community Education Program Facilitator
Community education program facilitators develop, coordinate, and deliver a variety of educational programs aimed at diverse groups, such as adults, seniors, and youth. These programs may cover topics ranging from health and wellness to vocational training, cultural enrichment, and personal development.
Typical tasks:
- Assessing community needs
- Designing curricula
- Organizing workshops and events
- Evaluating program effectiveness
Typical requirements: A degree or diploma in education, social work, community development, or a related field. Experience in program development, community outreach, or a similar setting is highly desirable.
WHAT SKILLS TRANSFER ACROSS THESE ROLES?
Working with children and families takes a certain skill set. To be successful in any of the above roles, you should have strong skills in:
Communication: You need to be able to listen actively, convey information clearly, and engage with both children and parents.
Empathy: Understanding the feelings of children and youth fosters trust, allowing you to support children’s emotional and social needs.
Behaviour management: Being able to maintain order and address disruptive behaviour is essential.
Planning and leading activities: You should be adept at creating engaging and educational experiences that promote growth and learning.
Creating safe and inclusive environments: Your goal is to ensure that all children feel valued, respected, and supported.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PATH FOR YOU
Choosing the education job path that’s right for you starts with some self-reflection. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- Do I enjoy working with younger children (e.g., preschool) or older youth?
- Do I prefer structured settings (e.g., schools, preschools) or flexible environments (e.g., community programs, outreach)?
- Am I comfortable working independently or do I thrive in a team setting?
PREPARE FOR NON-TEACHING CAREERS IN EDUCATION
Herzing’s Early Childhood Education program can set the stage for a range of rewarding career paths. The program is delivered online and takes just 14 months to complete, including eight weeks of hands-on experience in real-world settings. The included internships help ensure that graduates are prepared to support children in diverse environments.
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