The famous Dr. Seuss once said: “You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”

How are kids to know what direction could be right, or what the world has to offer when it comes to career exploration? We do not expect kids to start math after elementary school, so why wait to explore the wonderful world of work?

It is important for elementary school students to develop reading, critical thinking, communication, and mathematical reasoning skills needed to be better equipped for middle and high school. It is just as beneficial for young students to dive into early career exploration.

Young students in pre-K through five should investigate careers of interest and begin to learn about college and other postsecondary institutions. College and career readiness programs help to develop a keen sense of self-awareness and identity. Throughout a child’s elementary school journey, the awareness of one’s strengths gives students confidence. Students will feel empowered as they learn about the world of work and choose the best career path suited towards their skillset. It also helps to identify areas of talent as well as continual growth. Children will learn the importance of goal setting and developing plans towards achieving those attainable goals.

How Parents and Guardians Can Nurture Healthy Career Development at Home

Having college aspirations can help your child develop positive engagement in school. Parents and guardians are instrumental in supporting positive behaviors that lead to career readiness. Introduce your child to the world around them and connect their likes and interests to their community. Set a routine, be available to help with homework after school, or provide your child with academic tutoring if needed. Healthy habits should also include:

Creating a productive workspace and learning environment at home is just as essential as having one in the classroom. Students need to practice new knowledge to ensure they have retained what is being taught in school. Parents and or guardians are influential in providing the keys towards success in their child’s productive learning environment, which includes ensuring your child has a quiet and well-lit space for learning and concentration.

Give your child positive growth-minded feedback on college and career related games and assignments. This will help them to develop a positive perspective on these tools as they continue to learn about themselves. A school counselor can also be an asset in highlighting student success and providing guidance towards your child’s future pathway.

Elementary Career Development Is Fun!

Given the right tools, career development can be both engaging and fun for young elementary school students. Kuder Galaxy® offers a comprehensive career readiness program for students in grades pre-K through 5 that achieves both enrichment and excitement! Galaxy features an inclusive outer space theme including astronauts, spaceships and other out of this world characters.

Built exclusively for our generation of little tech savvy humans; Galaxy is accessible from laptops, desktops, and tablets – at any time, from anywhere. Its flexibility makes it manageable to fit seamlessly into your child’s less than predictable schedule. Our interactive, game-based technology is certain to capture your child’s interest. They will feel empowered as they are rewarded by their growth and comprehension by earning badges which will lead to academic confidence and promote good self-esteem throughout their newfound self-awareness.

Long-Term Benefits of Early College and Career Awareness 

When kids are exposed to a broad range of knowledge, skills, and abilities, this not only sets the foundation for secondary academic success, but this growth mindset also paves the way for a rewarding college experience, which in turn, will open the doors of opportunity for students to obtain better jobs in their future.

Schools alone cannot instill the various complex sets of skills and abilities that prepare students for their careers. Research has proven that student’s life circumstances — including income level, gender, and immigrant status — have a stronger influence on their career aspirations. Students’ perception about jobs and career industries tend to form before the age of 10. This data is not surprising as students’ circumstances also affect the quality of career preparation. Educators in the United States are only just starting to agree on the importance of early career readiness. School leaders, educators and students in low-income communities lack opportunities to learn about jobs in the future workforce. Elementary school is a wonderful time to start talking about careers because early career awareness gives students from all backgrounds the opportunity to dream without limits.

How Is Kuder Supporting Early Childhood Career Exploration?

Our Galaxy program is a powerful resource to spark the interests of students at an early age regarding what career options would be in their future. Through Galaxy, all students of diverse circumstances can benefit from a feeling of inclusion and opportunity.