In an job market where competition is high, extra education in a field of choice is key in separating yourself from your competitors. The childcare profession is constantly changing and keeping ahead of the curve will help set applicants a part.

The ChildCare Education Institute students completed over 300,000 professional development courses in May, according to their website. To date, approximately 2,900 people have graduated from CCEI's various professional development courses. The online classes allow those who are interested in childcare to take courses in Health and Safety, Nutrition and Food Service, Child Development, Classroom Management, Guidance and Discipline.

"As students move beyond professional development courses to certification programs and college credit articulation programs, CCEI will continue to offer high quality and flexible options for completing continuing education," said President and CEO of ChildCare Education Institute, Maria C. Taylor.

In 2008, 1.3 million people worked in the childcare field according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with 1 out of 3 being self employed.