What does an Early Childhood Arts Educator do?
Early childhood arts educators use developmentally appropriate music, movement, theater, dance, or visual-arts activities to support young children’s creative, social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. They plan play-based lessons, observe learning, communicate with families and colleagues, and adapt activities for different abilities and needs.
At a Glance
Preparation commonly includes study in early childhood education, child development, an arts discipline, or arts education, along with supervised experience working with young children. Credential, background-check, and licensure requirements depend on the employer and jurisdiction. Experience can lead to lead-teacher, curriculum, program-director, or teacher-training roles.
Early childhood educators work for preschools, public schools, private schools, Head Start programs, and day-care centers, as well as religious organizations like churches, synagogues, YMCAs, and Jewish community centers. Aspiring arts educators can get experience working as a volunteer, intern, teacher's aide, or substitute teacher—all of which help build résumés.
Teaching; experience with young children; broad (or focused) understanding of music, dance, and/or theater; verbal communication; empathy
Working with children requires patience, enthusiasm, warmth, excellent listening and communication skills, respect for diversity, and a deep love of watching and helping young people learn about the world.
Most early childhood educators work a traditional 10-month school year, but teachers employed by preschools and pre-K institutions are increasingly likely to work year-round. Work hours are variable: Arts specialists might work part-time, leading two-hour sessions at several different community programs and schools each day, or work full-time, teaching eight-hour days at a day-care center or school.
