jobs available after a BA early childhood studies degree?

jobs available after a BA early childhood studies degree?

by: nat1958 - 04-04-08 00:48

hi im currently near the end of my first yr of my BA early childhood studies degree and i wondered if anyone had done this degree and what jobs they went into? i qualified as an NVQ 3 nursery nurse with 3 1/2 yrs experience of working in a nursery before my course and dont want to be stuck in an office, i still want a job that has contact with children once i graduate. can anyone help me? or know where i could look for jobs/ideas!!! thanks!

by: CH

Hi, I've just done a foundation degree and I am now at uni doing my final year of a BA Honours in early childhood studies. When I finish I want to work in a school as support staff or something and as i'll have the BA hons you can go into teaching through a PGCE in the future if you wish too, which I might look into. By 2010 the government are bringing in a thing so that there has to be a graduate in every setting, and in 2015 there has to be staff with the early years professional status. I may also do the EYPS as with the honours degree you can do it in 3 months which is great. Have you had any more ideas about what you'd like to do? You'll def be able to get a job with children with your degree, so I wouldn't worry about being stuck in a office :)

by: Ruthd

I have someone working for me with the BA in Early Childhood studies.  She is doing a lot of work on bedding in EYFS for us and heading up the pre-school room. She will be doing her EYPS (fast track) in January.

by: rochelle

I graduated from this degree with a 2:1 (just missed a first :@). I am really struggling to find related work as Im finding everything is really poorly paid. Im working in an office at the moment and really hate it so I understand your worries!!

TBH I am starting to regret doing this degree as Im finding it difficult to use. If you can do the EYPS then go for it as it will be essential as mentioned by 'CH'. Unfortunately i cannot do the EYPS in 3 months as i dont have enough experience of working within an early years setting :(

 Hope everything works out for you though!!

by: Millie

Hi

I am doing the BA Hons in Childhood studies too.  We have heard so many negative sides, some have already dropped out.  The negatives are that schools will not recognise the BA in Childhood studies as they already have teachers who are obviously graduates - but we argue teaching staff do not have the basics of child development and struggle with the EYFS in relation to providing PLAY for learning as opposed to Education through and through.

The other aspect with the BA is that there are far and few jobs that will pay for this qualification.  The same applies to the EYPS - a setting will usually only require one person - that will often be the Manager as they will receive the enhanced salary and not the other staff!! - All of us are wondering where this is going on a personal level.

On a positive note - its fantastic for the children that we care for because they have a good skilled workforce looking after their needs.

I can only say I am doing it for my own persononal and professional development as well.  I am using my Foundation Degree, NVQ A1, V1 awards to teach in local FE colleges, assess and verify at the same time.  Having to compensate nursery wages with these other jobs.  Its exhausting.

But..... and heres the but - essentially I feel a better practitioner all round, understanding government initiatives, and drivers, which in the end benefits the settings I work for.  One day I hope to find that dream job that will encompass all my training over the last 10 years.  Do it for yourself.

Good luck

by: timmylums

I too have a degree in advanced study of early years and education (BAed Hons). I find that there is not much call for the qualification as nobody in childcare can afford to pay for it. it is welcomed but people only want to pay for a level 3 so you may provide extra knowledge and qualification as a free bonus to your employer. I have completed my EYPs and am awaiting the outcome, I don't even think that this will change the market for job prospects but only time will tell. On a positive note though I can honestly say that I was new to childcare before my degree as I was mainly focusing on education but amongst other staff I feel that I am appreciated, I am always called on to support others with planning for the EYFs etc. Completing my degree has also given me the confidence to know that i may not be getting paid as a highly qualified professional but I am providing the children in my care with a high level of quality provision, my ability and knowledge has been gained throughout my time at uni and I feel that even if I am not reaping the rewards financially the children, parents and other staff are gaining from the quality provision and support that I feel I am able to promote.  Keep up your goal as things can only get better if more people use their drive and determination to better themselves and gain high level qualifications.          

by: nat1958

thanks to all your responses it was interesting to hear all the different views! im poss considering a career in primary teaching (infants) and i will be spending time in a school from jan 2 see if this is an area i am interested in.

thanks for all your help

Nat xxx