If you research the role of an early childhood educator, you'll find job descriptions that sound a lot like this: 

Early childhood educators organize and lead activities to promote the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development of children under 12.

They help kids adjust to the world outside their family circle and get ready for the next stage of structured learning.

Now, that certainly sounds accurate - but what exactly does it mean? What does an early childhood educator (ECE) actually do all day?

The truth is an ECE's responsibilities can vary depending on the work environment. For instance, teaching toddlers in preschool is very different from assisting a licensed teacher in a third-grade classroom.

But most ECEs work in daycares and preschools, so that's what we're focusing on in this post.

We provide a breakdown of a typical day for an early childhood educator so you'll know what to expect on the job.

Considering a career in this field? Here's how your workday could look.

Updated December 2022

Love the idea of working with young children, and considering taking early childhood education (ECE) training? Welcome! You've come to the right place.

In this post, we're breaking down the core elements of a quality ECE program.  We want you to understand what is taught in class and which skills you'll graduate with so you can know for sure whether this training is right for you.

So, let's get down to it. Exactly what will you learn in early childhood education courses?

What knowledge and experience will you gain to help you either start your own daycare or land a great position at an established daycare or preschool?

These are the top 10 ECE skills you can expect to cover during your diploma.