Why continuing education is a must for early childhood educators

July 23, 2024
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As summer winds down and back-to-school season approaches, preschool teachers everywhere are gearing up for another exciting year of guiding littler learners! Amid the hustle and bustle of adorning bulletin boards with colorful cutouts, organizing art supplies and creating lesson plans, remember your own education and professional development are just as important as your students’ learning journeys.

The importance of continuing education

In the field of early childhood education (ECE), continuing education isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s essential. The ECE landscape is evolving rapidly, with increasing recognition of the importance high-quality early education plays in children’s development. With this comes a growing need for qualified teachers who are equipped to provide the best possible start for children.

Meeting new standards and requirements

In recent years, more and more states have started requiring preschool teachers to hold degrees and their Child Development Associate® (CDA) credential. This shift demonstrates the importance of ongoing professional development. Continuing your education ensures you stay ahead of the curve, strengthening your ability to create positive, impactful learning environments.

Addressing workforce shortages

The ECE sector is currently facing significant workforce shortages. This shortage highlights the urgent need for dedicated, well-trained teachers. By investing in your own education, you not only boost your skills and knowledge but also contribute to addressing this critical shortage. You become part of the solution, ensuring every child has access to high-quality early education.

Building a strong foundation with CCEI

At ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI), we understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with being an early childhood educator. That’s why we offer a variety of CDA® training programs designed to help you build a solid foundation, boost your skills and prepare for a rewarding ECE career.

Our CDA programs ensure you gain the knowledge and competencies needed to successfully complete your program. With CCEI, you take courses at your own pace, on your own schedule, making it easier to balance your professional development with your day-to-day responsibilities.

Seamlessly connect professional development to a college degree

Continuing education doesn’t have to stop with a CDA. Thanks to our partnership with StraighterLine, CCEI offers a seamless pathway to higher education. 

StraighterLine provides flexible, affordable online college courses designed to help you further your education and advance your career without breaking the bank.

Additionally, one of the benefits of this partnership is the ability to transfer credits from your CDA and StraighterLine courses to over 3,000 colleges and universities. Through CCEI’s relationship with the American College of Education (ACE), you can earn college credits through your professional development, accelerating your path to an ECE degree.

Take the next step with CCEI

Investing in your education brings numerous benefits. It enhances your teaching skills, deepens your understanding of child development and equips you with the latest ECE best practices. Additionally, it opens up new career opportunities, whether you’re looking to specialize in a particular area, move into a leadership role or continue your academic journey.

As you prepare for the upcoming school year, remember your own growth and development are just as important as the growth and development of your students. By continuing your education with CCEI and StraighterLine, you can meet new industry standards and set yourself up for a rewarding career.

Ready to take the next step? Visit CCEI today to learn more about our CDA training programs and how we can help you connect your professional development to earning a college degree. 

With CCEI and StraighterLine, your future in early childhood education is bright!

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