The most common types of early childhood jobs involve teaching pre-school or elementary school students. A teacher's aid assists in the classroom, primarily when the teacher is not available. Early childhood speech therapists provide help to young children with speech impediments. Those employed at daycare centers may cook and clean, or provide care for infants, toddlers, and pre-school aged children, while others coordinate and supervise activities. Mental health counselors or child psychologists are often employed in early childhood jobs as well.
Some early childhood jobs involve teaching special education. Young children with learning disabilities require special education to help them achieve their full potential. The special education teacher who specializes in early education will primarily teach basic skills, such as the alphabet, primary colors, and simple addition and subtraction.
Early childhood jobs can also involve psychological development. An early childhood mental health consultant may offer advice and guidance to parents of children who have difficulty developing intellectually or emotionally. The early childhood mental health consultant may also offer counseling for all family members.
Social workers may also find work in the early childhood education field. These social workers often help families cope with young children who have emotional issues. Children who are acting out or displaying extreme anger or depression may be seen by a social worker who is experienced in early childhood development. This social worker may also see children with eating or sleeping disorders.
A licensed clinical social worker will typically hold a degree that qualifies her to counsel emotionally disturbed children. The clinical social worker working in this field may offer psychotherapy to young children. Credentials required for a clinical social worker will typically vary, depending on the employer and region.
Some early childhood education jobs are less traditional. A librarian or a program manager may provide services for early childhood programs. A program manager may coordinate special events involving educational or social activities. Librarians may be employed at schools or public and private libraries. Daycare administrators and superintendents are essential in early childhood centers.
Researchers and research developers are often involved in early childhood jobs. The research developer may conduct studies and evaluations before developing a new product. In this case, the research developer may also write grant funding proposals and organize meetings among peers.