Why it’s worth starting a career in early years

It’s never too late to start working in early education and care!

Imagine being an astronaut exploring craters on the moon during the morning and then dive deep under the sea by lunchtime. Imagine being in a job where no two hours are the same and the challenges of one day become the joys of the next. Imaging being in a role where everything is exciting, and you grow personally and professionally every single day.

A career in early education and care is so much more than playing with bricks, giving cuddles and changing nappies. It’s a profession that builds the foundations for our futures, helping children thrive in their worlds and become the best they can be.

We’re going to explore some of the amazing opportunities that working within early education and care can bring. You will see just how much is on the horizon for you…

Working in early education and care

Working in early education and care is not merely a job, but a vocation that stems from a true passion to make a difference that leaves a legacy. It really does change the world.

We recognise that the sector is facing real challenges regarding funding, staff retention and professionalism, and that the daily struggles with long hours and low pay can make a career in early education and care seem less rewarding than it should be.

But this is a profession like no other. Where else would your actions create a loving environment for babies to take their first steps away from home? In what other profession could you watch as children in your care make their first friendships and learn their first words? 

Let’s have a look at some of the most rewarding aspects of a career focused on young children to give you inspiration for what might be next…

Moving on up…

For some, career progression can mean obtaining new qualifications and growing within the workplace to take on a new level of challenge. For example, if you work in a nursery, you might decide to progress in your leadership and management to lead a room or take on a senior position within a specific area, such as SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) or safeguarding. There are many professional development opportunities that enable early education and care staff to progress to a new level of responsibility whilst remaining in a setting working directly with children. 

Moving on sideways…

For others, career progression might mean moving away from a playroom and into a different aspect of early years work. There are thousands of roles within early years that make it such a varied and motivating career!

A step into a different direction might involve additional training or harnessing existing skills in a new way. Some common pathways for those working in early education and care include:

• Following a passion for play to train as a Health Play Specialist working to help children understand their medical conditions and work with families to support challenging times.
• Enjoy helping others to grow? Education consultancy involves visits settings to offer expertise and specialist insight to develop and thrive. 
• There are a variety of roles that relate to early care and education in an indirect, but hugely impactful way. Organisations like the National Day Nursery Association (NDNA) offer valuable roles that allow you to immerse yourself in topical affairs and contribute to the ever-changing scene of the sector. 

 Staying right where you are!

When we talk about progression, we don’t always have to move on, up, or along, in what we are doing. Opportunities to continue professional development are all around us – even as you are reading this, you are continuing to develop your sense of professionalism in the sector and broaden your awareness to make informed decisions about your future. For some, that means staying exactly where they are in their career journey and developing in ways that make you an expert at what you do. Here are some ideas to consider if you are comfortable where you are but want to learn more:

• Consider the areas you are most interested in and how you can develop your professional practice in these areas. There are many fascinating courses that can help you to progress in these areas. 
• Think about the topics you wish you knew more about! Our professional knowledge often depends on the experiences we have. So, it makes sense that we feel less secure in some areas than others. You can use factsheets like these to explore new areas and gain insight to expand your practice.
•  It might be that you want to think more about novel ways to engage in best practice. Reflective scrapbooks and learning planners can be a wonderful way to keep hold of your ‘magic moments’ in the classroom and reflect on your activities for future use.

Key takeaways

Working in early education and care opens so many doors: for the children you work with, who learn and grow under your guidance every day; for the families for whom you provide trusted support for the most precious things in their world; and, importantly, for you! There’s a never-ending skillset that comes with working in the early years that can be transferred through a wide range of opportunities. Why not take a look at our career pathway resources to find out more?