This is an educational degree that is considered by the Early Childhood (ECHS) field as a beginning level of entry into the profession. The following are some of the jobs graduates can hold with this degree:
- Director of Child Care Center
- Child Care Provider in Child Care Center
- Head Start Teacher
- Owner of Child Care Center or Preschool
- Paraprofessional in school districts P.S. - Grade 3
- Paraprofessional in state school Readiness Program (4 year olds)
- Paraprofessional in a H.S. or College Lab Preschool
- Director of School Age Care Programs
- Preschool Teacher in some school districts
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK:
The demand for education paraprofessionals has increased steadily since the 1950s. That demand is fueled today by a nationwide education reform movement that calls for paraprofessionals to help teachers make classroom instruction more effective, efficient and tailored to the individual needs of students. Also, more education paraprofessionals are moving into the teaching ranks, thus opening positions for newcomers.
SALARY AND CAREER ADVANCEMENT:
Education paraprofessionals are usually paid on an hourly basis and normally work during the nine to 10 months that schools are in session. Salaries average about $10 per hour; although salaries can range from as low as minimum wage to as high as $20 per hour.
Both salaries and opportunities for career advancement continue to improve, due in large part to the efforts of AFT PSRP and other organizations working on behalf of education paraprofessionals.
For example, in many places AFT PSRP affiliates have negotiated with employers to create "career ladders" that allow paraprofessionals to earn more money as they acquire new skills and take on more responsibility. Often, the union has negotiated tuition reimbursement or special training to help paraprofessionals acquire skills needed to improve their positions or even to attain state teaching licenses or certificates. |
