The early childhood education profession is highly competitive. With so many schools vying for new students in the same geographic region, it can be difficult to establish your school as the best in your local market.
However, by continuously improving your skill set and expanding the services you offer, you can help your school stay competitive and benefit your own career. By staying up-to-date on the latest educational trends and offering a variety of services that meet the needs of both students and parents, you can set your school apart as a destination for families that want the best for their young ones.
One of the most effective ways to remain competitive is by continuing to earn new educational and child care professional certifications from credible institutions. These endorsements demonstrate that you have completed an intensive study on a topic or skill that you can use to benefit and enrich the lives of young students.
If you have considered expanding your own education but have not chosen to do so yet, we hope this post will give you some extra motivation to start researching new opportunities that line up with your career goals. Here are some of the most significant reasons to continue earning new certifications:
1: Become More Qualified
A certification communicates that you are someone who has been independently verified as highly competent in a specific topic or skill that you can offer to a school. This increases your qualifications as an early childhood administrator or educator and may help you earn a job opportunity that you desire by distinguishing yourself from other applicants.
Depending on where you apply, these certifications may also enable you to negotiate a higher salary. For example, if you have a wide range of certifications that bring real value to the classroom, your expertise may be considered worth more than someone who does not have these credentials or experience.
Lastly, certifications are a helpful path for gaining more experience early in your career. If you are a recent college graduate, you may not have years of teaching experience on your resume, but you can continue gaining skills and knowledge in your field by continuing your own education which can often impress potential employers.
2: Expand Your Professional Knowledge
Providing an engaging, safe, and impactful learning experience is essential for nurturing young minds. When your school’s administrators are seeking new, innovative ideas to improve the quality of the classroom environment, they can benefit from a perspective informed by someone who remains up to date on emerging trends in early childhood education.
Certification programs are often aimed at addressing the current and future needs of modern classrooms. Spending time exposed to new concepts, technologies, and practices can also broaden your perspective as a professional school administrator or educator.
Continuing to invest in your own education can allow you to make an impact as a true resource for your school. You can share your knowledge with other educators and administrators to help them discover new ways that they can continue to improve the school’s offering for parents and their children.
3: Meet State License or Certification Requirements
Some states require that early childhood educators and administrators possess specific certifications in order to work in the field. These requirements vary by state, so it is important to do your research to find out what you need before beginning a certification program.
It is also essential to make sure that the program you choose is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) or another relevant institution. This will ensure that your certification meets any state requirements and is recognized as high-quality professional development.
4: Stand Out When Applying for New Positions or Promotions
When you are ready to take the next step in your career, pursuing new certifications can help you stand out from other candidates who may be vying for the same opportunities. In a competitive job market, any extra edge that you can give yourself is valuable.
Obtaining new certifications can also help you move up within your current organization. If you have ambitions to take on more responsibility or be promoted to a leadership role, pursuing additional qualifications can show that you are willing to invest in your professional development and are committed to improving the quality of the school.
5: Enhance Your Credentials for Professional Development Opportunities
Teachers and school administrators who want to pursue advanced degrees or other professional development opportunities may need to have certain credentials in order to be eligible. While each program has different requirements, having relevant certifications on your resume can give you a competitive edge when applying.
Some professional development opportunities, such as fellowships or residencies, may also require that you have a certain number of years of experience in the field. If you are early in your career, pursuing certifications can help you meet these requirements and make you a more attractive candidate for these programs.
Advance Your Own Career with CEUs from Impact Early Education
At Impact Early Education, we’re committed to equipping teachers and administrators with innovative resources that you can put to use directly in the classroom to enhance the experience for young minds. If you’re interested advancing your own career, continuing your education, and earning IACET-accredited continuing education units (CEUs), contact us today to learn more about becoming a member.
