Early childhood education administration is the process of planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating the activities and resources of early childhood education programs. The role involves managing a variety of responsibilities, including setting up a budget, hiring and managing staff, designing curriculum, and communicating with parents and students. Early childhood administrators play an important role in ensuring young children have high-quality learning environment that includes enriching and developmentally appropriate and hands on experiences in their programs.
As an early childhood education administrator, you’ll be responsible for a lot of different tasks. You’ll need to juggle many different responsibilities and take on a variety of roles, sometimes all at once. You’ll also need to think effectively on your feet and adapt to changes quickly.
Early childhood leaders also mentor, train, engage and lead staff and faculty. Additionally, they hire candidates for positions within the childcare center. They play an important role in ensuring that teachers and staff feel valued, understood and help support them as they implement practices, curriculum, and management techniques.
If you’re organized, detail-oriented, and have a passion for Early Childhood Education (ECE), then early childhood education administration might be the right fit for you. If you’re interested in learning more about what early childhood administrators do, it’s worth taking the time to understand not only what ECE is, but also explore what a BA in early childhood education administration entails, how long the degree takes to complete, what ECE administration courses you can expect to study, and more.
What Are the Responsibilities of an Early Childhood Education Administrator?
As an early childhood administrator, each day can look very different — depending on the needs of the program and the educational setting in which you work.
Some of the specific responsibilities of an early childhood administrator include:
- Planning and developing curriculum and goals
- Hiring, training, and supervising staff
- Evaluating program effectiveness
- Overseeing budget and finances
- Advocating for ECE programs
If you’re interested in working in early childhood administration, it’s important to understand in advance the different responsibilities that come with the job. Research further what early childhood administrators do so you can be prepared for the role. And if you’re still not sure if early childhood administration is right for you, taking courses in the field will give you a taste of what to expect on-the-job.
What Skills Are Important?
There are a few skills that are important for early childhood education administration. First, you should be organized and detail oriented. This will help you keep track of all the different tasks you’ll need to juggle. Second, you should be able to adapt to changes quickly. Because of the fast-paced nature of the field, it’s important that you are able to adjust on-the-fly. Whether making curriculum changes, leading a staff of educators, or meeting with parents and children, each day of the week can look different from the next. Finally, it’s important to have a strong passion for early childhood education. If you’re not passionate about the field, it might be difficult to stay as motivated.
If you're interested in working in early childhood administration, it’s critical that you have the skills that are necessary for success. Be sure to brush up on your organization and time management skills before you apply to any ECE administration jobs. Show off your passion for early childhood education, as passion is as much a skill as an attitude in an early childhood education administration role.
What Are the Education Requirements?
In many cases, those who wish to seek a career in early childhood education administration may pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education Administration. You may also be able to enter the field with a related degree, like child development or elementary education. However, if you want to be competitive in the job market, it’s best to consider a degree in early childhood education administration, specifically.
What is the Salary Range?
The salary range for early childhood administrators varies depending on a number of factors, such as location, experience, and education. Nevertheless, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides some insight into the average salary for early childhood education administrators. As of May 2021, the mean annual wage is $53,800 and the median annual salary is $47,310.
You can research the salary range for early childhood administrators in your district, taking into account factors such as experience and education. With this information in mind, you can start planning for your future in early childhood administration.
What Are the Job Prospects?
The job prospects for early childhood administrators have a positive outlook. According to the BLS, the demand for early childhood education administrators is expected to increase over the next decade, meaning there should be plenty of job opportunities available. If you’re interested in working in ECE administration, you can take steps now to get the right experience and education to join the field.
What Are Some Tips for Success?
There are a few tips that can help you succeed in early childhood administration. First, it’s important to stay organized and keep track of all the different tasks you need to juggle. Second, make sure you’re able to adapt to unexpected changes that come your way. Understanding that your plans for curriculum or meetings may not go as planned when a surprise issue with a student pops up. Finally, always be passionate about early childhood education. If you’re not passionate about the field, it will be difficult to succeed in early childhood administration.
With these tips in mind, you can start planning for a successful career in early childhood education administration.
What Are Some Challenges?
There are a few challenges you might face as an early childhood education administrator. You might have difficulty keeping track of all the different tasks; diverse needs of students, parents, and staff; and demands of helping to run an education program. You might also face challenges with keeping everyone happy, meeting deadlines, and maintaining organization, but these challenges can be overcome with careful planning and execution. With your passion for early childhood education and commitment to making a difference in the lives of children, you can succeed as an administrator in spite of any challenges you may face.
What Strategies Can I Use?
First, you can stay organized and keep an eye on all your responsibilities with calendar and note apps. Maintaining a tight calendar will help you stay on top of everything you need to accomplish. As for unexpected changes, effective communication will be a key strategy to your success as an early childhood education administrator. Plan regular meetings with staff, explain any surprises you expect might arise in the week, and invite others to share their experiences. As a lifelong learner yourself, you can always improve your own approach to ECE administration.
What is a BA in Early Childhood Education Administration?
A BA in Early Childhood Education Administration will prepare you for early childhood education administration and management. This degree gives you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in a variety of settings, including preschools, daycares, and early childhood education programs.
The curriculum such as that offered in the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education Administration at the University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC) will focus on organizational behavior and management, childhood development, and curricula and program administration. Upon completion of your administration-focused degree at UAGC, you will be able to:
- Summarize principles of child development including cognitive, physical, linguistic, social-emotional, and affective domains that define healthy, respectful, supportive, and developmentally stimulating environments for children
- Design developmentally appropriate teaching strategies to implement professional learning standards and curriculum focused on meeting the academic and developmental needs of children
- Justify the goals, benefits, and responsible use of observation, documentation, and assessment strategies in working with families, colleagues, and communities to determine appropriate learning methods for children
- Analyze effective strategies that focus on collaboration and communication with families, communities, and colleagues to foster positive and supportive relationships that impact learning and development of children
- Analyze the principles of equity, pedagogy, and inclusivity to meet the needs of typically and atypically developing children, as well as culturally and linguistically diverse children and their families
- Promote ethical standards through reflective practice and collaboration, critical application of current research and theories, and identification as an early childhood professional and leader while continually advocating on behalf of children and families
- Integrate leadership skills by fostering critical decision-making and the process of change to effectively lead and manage early childhood education and care settings
- Analyze the resources and skills necessary to communicate and implement the fiscal, legal, and ethical requirements of administering a quality child care program
What Courses Do You Take in a BA in Early Childhood Education Administration?
ECE in administration courses are designed to prepare you for a career in early childhood education administration. Some of the courses you might expect to take include:
- Issues in Education
- Introduction to Early Childhood Education
- Nutrition & Health of Children & Families
- Child Development
- Understanding Behavior & Family Dynamics
- Curriculum Planning & Design for Early Learners
- Exceptional Learning & Inclusion
- Collaboration with Parents & Community
- Administration of Early Childhood Education Programs
- Children & Families in a Diverse Society
- Becoming an Early Childhood Education Leader in Today’s Society
- Building, Maintaining, and Leading Early Childhood Education Programs
- Leading the Future of Early Childhood Education
How Long Does it Take to Earn a BA in Early Childhood Education Administration?
It typically takes four years to earn a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education administration. However, some schools offer accelerated programs that allow you to complete your degree in less time. Taking one class at a time offers you flexibility to balance other demands like work and family. Transferring credit from a credentialed university is another option that may help you decrease the length of your program. You may also be able to earn credits for work/life or military experience.
How Much Does a BA in Early Childhood Education Administration Cost?
The cost of a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education administration varies depending on the school you attend. However, competitive tuition rates and financial aid options can help you reach your goals. Contact us today to learn more about the early childhood education administration program at UAGC and how we can help you achieve your educational goals.
What Jobs Are Available in Early Childhood Education Administration?
There are a variety of jobs available in early childhood administration. With a degree in early childhood administration, you have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including preschools, daycares, and early childhood education programs. You’ll also be able to help shape the future of early childhood education curriculum. Some of the top careers in early childhood education administration include:
- Preschool Owner
- Head Start Component Coordinator
- Pre-kindergarten Coordinator
- Early Childhood Consultant
- Childcare Facility Director
With a degree in early childhood education administration you’ll be able to help shape the future of early childhood with your knowledge and expertise. If you’re ready to make a difference in the lives of children, then contact us today to learn more about our early childhood education program. We can’t wait to help you achieve your goals.
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Written by University Staff
The Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education Administration is not CAEP**, TEAC, or NCATE accredited, which is a requirement for certification in some states, and successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education Administration by itself does not lead to certification or licensure in any state. Other factors, such as a student’s criminal history, may prevent an applicant from obtaining licensure or employment in this field of study. All prospective students are advised to visit the Education Resource Organizations Directory (EROD) and to contact the licensing body of the state where they are licensed or intend to obtain licensure to verify that these courses qualify for teacher certification, endorsement, and/or salary benefits in that state prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the states’ policies and procedures relating to licensure as those policies are subject to change.
** The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) is the resulting entity from the merger of the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC) and National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).