Acknowledgments --Introduction: Why enter the field of early childhood education? -- ch. 1. Hot jobs : rewarding careers in early childhood education -- Why early childhood education? : A career with many rewards -- Is early childhood education right for you? : What it takes to be an early childhood educator -- Entering the field of early childhood education -- What's in a name? : The terminology of early childhood care -- Kinds of jobs in early childhood education -- Early childhood education environments -- Areas of specialization -- Salaries in early childhood education -- Job outlook and hiring trends -- A bright future -- ch. 3. All about early childhood education programs -- Choosing the right program -- Choosing the right college or institution -- Practical training -- Certificates -- Associate degrees -- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) of Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees -- Montessori training -- Special education -- Graduate degrees -- State licenses -- ch. 3. Financial aid for the training and certification you need -- Some myths about financial aid -- Types of financial aid -- Applying for financial aid -- General guidelines for loans -- The most frequently asked questions about financial aid -- Financial aid terms - clearly defined -- Financial aid resources -- ch. 4. Landing your first job : Where and how to find the right position -- Narrowing your options : what's the right job for you? -- Where to look for job openings -- ch. 5. How to succeed in early childhood education once you have landed the job --- School culture : finding out and fitting in -- Dealing effectively with parents -- Under a watchful eye -- Managing the children in your care -- Getting ahead : promotions and professional development -- Technology in the preschool -- Challenges for early childhood educators -- Reaping the rewards -- appendix A. Professional associations -- appendix B. Additional resources for teachers -- appendix C. Sample Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).