Career Development and Universal Prekindergarten: What Now? What Next? Working Paper Series.

Noting that concerns about the qualifications, turnover, diversity, and compensation of the early childhood workforce are growing as more children attend private and public preschool programs, the Foundation for Child Development convened a meeting to explore early childhood workforce issues surrounding career development of the workforce serving 3- and 4-year-olds. Topics covered were: the bachelor's degree as the entry-level requirement for early childhood teachers; characteristics of the workforce and opportunities for career development; current career initiatives; recruitment and retention; and next steps for research, policy formation, and advocacy. Participants generally agreed that early childhood teachers should have a bachelor's degree, but noted that questions remain as to how the degree improves teaching and affects child outcomes. Institutions of higher education are not ready to meet the current or projected need for early educators with bachelor's degrees. Career ladder systems should incorporate multiple pathways for individuals to obtain higher qualifications. Coordination between 2- and 4-year higher education institutions will be essential. Stimulating career development in early education must include linking prekindergarten with the elementary school system, engaging teacher unions, and establishing higher and different standards for the preparation of program managers, policy analysts, and directors. Future research should explore the effects of career ladders on children's early education experience and outcomes, the career outcomes for graduates of these programs, and forming connection between universal prekindergarten programs and career development ladders for teachers. (A list of meeting participants and tables are appended. Contains 21 references and background materials.) (KB)