Where to Start

• Most careers in childhood education require a four-year degree. If you are looking to change careers and already have a degree, you can find special certification programs. With these programs, you can usually become a teacher in one year.
  
  

Early Childhood Education

• If you like working with younger children, a career in early childhood education might be a good fit. With this degree, you can teach kindergarten or preschool. You can also be a preschool director or open your own preschool.
  
  

Elementary Education

• If you like working with older children, a career in elementary education might be for you. With this degree, you can teach elementary school. You might teach one or two subjects all day or teach all subjects to one class.
  
  

Other Options

• You can choose to get additional education and become a specialist in a core subject area like reading or math. This allows you to work with struggling students. If you like to lead, you can become a principal or administrator. You can also be a librarian.
  
  

Non-Degree Professionals

• Without a degree, you can work in a child care center or in some nursery schools. You can also be a teacher's assistant.