There are many occupations and careers within early childhood education and care that require specific certifications, training, and/or degrees. You can review our occupation search tool to see the typical minimum qualifications to enter specific fields. Use this as starting point but research the position and employer to learn about more specific requirements.

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Early childhood care and education extend beyond working directly with children, encompassing family engagement, community impact, and contributions to educational systems. This holistic approach emphasizes comprehensive child development and advocacy efforts, recognizing the interconnected factors influencing a child's growth and readiness for lifelong learning.

In the field of early childhood work, various roles cater to different aspects of child development and family support. Common roles include Paraprofessionals, Teaching Assitants, Teachers, Early Childhood Special Educators, Family Services Professional, Parent Liason, Service Coordinators, Home Visitors, Early Intervention Special Instructors, and other related occupation paths. Each role contributes uniquely to the well-being and education of young children.

• Missouri Workforce Registry
• T.E.A.C.H. Missouri Scholarships
• Council for Professional Recognition
• Missouri Educator Gateway Assessments (MEGA) Paraprofessional Examination

In the field of Early Childhood, there are three main career fields: Early Childhood Education (birth to five years), Family Services, and Home Visiting. See the career fields, occupations, and qualification levels on our Occupation Search page.

Common roles include Paraprofessionals, Teaching Assistants, Teachers, Early Childhood Special Educators, Family Services Professional, Parent Liason, Service Coordinators, Home Visitors, Early Intervention Special Instructors, and other related occupation paths. Visit the Occupation Search page to learn more.

A qualification level refers to the educational and professional requirements associated with a particular role or position. It indicates the level of knowledge, skills, and expertise needed to perform the job effectively. Qualification levels help employers assess candidates' suitability and competence for specific roles, ensuring a match between the individual's capabilities and the demands of the job. This alignment enhances overall workforce quality and job performance.

There are opportunities to work with children and families in these settings: Head Start/Early Head Start, Private Homes, Child Care Centers, Public/Private Preschools, Family Resource Centers, Group Child Care Homes, or Family Child Care Homes

Early Connections makes navigating Missouri’s Early Care & Education (ECE) system easier for families and professionals. This website is a partnership between Missouri’s child-serving agencies who are working together to make it easier for families to access programs and resources for children from birth through age five. These agencies are also aligning policies and coordinating practices to make it easier for professionals to find information and training opportunities aimed at engaging families in their child’s safety, health and learning.

Visit Early Connections.