The first few years of a child's life are widely recognized as the most critical stage of life. Early childhood educators can work in a variety of settings, including as teaching assistants in daycare centers or instructors in private homes. With flexible career paths and the opportunity to build strong community bonds, many educators report high job satisfaction. Graduating with a degree in Early Childhood Education from Columbia College opens many career opportunities as influential changemakers in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow 10% from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is largely driven by increased childcare and preschool enrollment.