Experience & Education in Early Childhood Education

"Becoming a teacher was the best decision I ever made."

That’s what early childhood educator Samantha Inthabandith says today.

But here’s the twist: Samantha actually studied psychology, not early childhood education (ECE). When life unexpectedly placed her in an early learning classroom, she quickly realized she had some catching up to do. She began gaining hands-on experience,but something still felt incomplete—and she wasn’t sure if she wanted to stay in the field.

So what changed everything?

When Samantha became a Child Care WAGE$ Tennessee (TN WAGE$) participant, she discovered a powerful truth about the early childhood profession: Early childhood educators need both experience and education to thrive.

“Because of TN WAGE$, I’ve learned a lot more about education and caring for children. I took courses that helped widen my knowledge of this field,” Samantha says. “It is due to theeducation courses that I have completed that I’ve come to realize this career path is for me.”

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‍Why Education Is Equally Essential

While experience builds intuition, education builds understanding.

Research from the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) shows that teachers with specialized early childhood education training see stronger outcomes in their classrooms. A New Jersey Department of Education review of seven effective preschool programs also found that access to ongoing professional development for teachers was a key factor in high-quality classrooms.

Education gives early childhood educators

• Deeper knowledge of child development
  

• Fresh perspectives and evidence-based practices

• New tools to support learning and behavior

• Confidence to raise the quality of care and instruction

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The Truth: Experience and Education Work Best Together‍

Instead of choosing between the two, the most effective early childhood educators combine both. Experience allows educators to apply what they’ve learned, while education sharpens their skills and elevates their practice.

Together, they form the foundation for a thriving career in ECE.

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How TN WAGE$ Helps Educators Build Both

If you’re worried about lacking experience or not having enough education yet—don’t be. This is exactly why Child Care WAGE$ Tennessee exists. Child Care WAGE$ Tennessee supports early childhood educators working in Tennessee DHS licensed childcare settings across the state by combining financial incentives with personalized guidance to help educators grow.

Through the program, educators receive the following:

• Salary supplements for early childhood educators: Earn additional income simply for working in an early learning program.

• Incentives for continuing education: As educators complete coursework and professional development, their supplement level increases—rewarding growth and long-term commitment to the field.

• One-on-one support from Regional Education Counselors: Educators are not navigating their journey alone. WAGE$ Regional Education Counselors provide personalized, one-on-one advising to help educators explore education pathways, understand eligibility, connect coursework to higher supplements, and plan next steps toward career and educational advancement.

• Support as you grow your ECE career: You gain hands-on experience and educational advancement—without financial strain.

Whether an educator is interested in the program, actively participating, or simply trying to understand how additional education could increase their earning potential, WAGE$ offers guidance tailored to each individual’s goals.

It’s truly a win-win: educators gain experience, education, and financial stability—while Tennessee’s youngest learners benefit from confident, well-prepared teachers. Samantha is living proof.

“TN WAGE$ helped in pushing me to become a better teacher and caregiver, and I got nudged in all the right directions,” she says.

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Ready to Grow as an Early Childhood Educator?

If you want to strengthen your experience, advance your education, and grow your earning potential, Child Care WAGE$ Tennessee is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re ready to apply or simply have questions about eligibility, coursework options, or career pathways, our Regional Education Counselors are available to provide personalized guidance and help you map out your next steps.

Visit our 'About' page to learn more, connect with a Regional Education Counselor, and explore how Child Care WAGE$ Tennessee can support your professional journey. Invest in yourself—and inthe children who depend on you.

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