The rise in the number of two-income families and single-parent families and a growing focus on early childhood learning and child development are all playing a role in the steady increase of early childhood education job openings. Early childhood education is a growing industry where energetic, motivated teachers are in demand. According to research from the U.S. Department of Labor, this isn’t a trend that looks to be changing anytime soon.
Outlook for Early Childhood Education Jobs
The Bureau of Labor Statistics gives a glimpse into the future of all U.S. occupational growth over the next decade. They have determined that the average growth of all occupations, from 2014 to 2024, will be 7%. When focusing in on a variety of childcare and early childhood education jobs, the growth ranges from 5-7% over the course of ten years. This is good news for new graduates or those looking for career advancement in the early education field.
Why do these types of jobs continue to be in demand? Here’s just a small snapshot of the reasons that top-quality childcare workers, preschool teachers, and childcare center directors will continue to be hired.
- Early childhood education is crucial to a child’s short- and long-term intellectual and social development.
- Parents are enrolling younger children in learning centers and preschools because of the educational benefits.
- Parents working outside their home continue to need assistance to provide care for their children.
- Students enrolling in kindergarten and elementary schools are expected to increase over the coming decade.
- Since 2004, the number of children in after-school programs has grown by 60%.
source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition
A Need for Quality Childcare (and Childcare Workers)
The availability of childcare in the form of full-day learning centers, along with qualified, nurturing, and energetic teachers to lead classrooms, is increasingly necessary as more married and single parent families are operating with all parents working outside the home.
- In 2013, 67.8% of married mothers were in the labor force.
- In 2013, 93.7% of married fathers were in the labor force.
- In 2014, 69.4% of single mothers were employed.
Full-day childcare and preschool programs, along with before/after school and summer care options are a life-line for working parents who want their children to receive quality care in a safe, nurturing and social environment.
If you’re looking to grow your early childhood education career at U-GRO Learning Centres, see our current job openings and apply on our Career page.