I was very interested in going to school to receive my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, but is it worth it? The mony does not seem all that great.

The money is not great in teaching preschool but it's a place to start, and you might decide to go on to a Bachelor's Degree. In many areas you can get a teaching credential for 3 years old through third grade which would give you even greater flexibility for employment and higher pay.

The money is not that great, you are right. This is a job you do because you love it. Not for the money. You have to have a heart for children. The classes to get your CDA alone are worth it, if for nothing else, to use the information in raising your own children. I wish I had done this while my kids were still young. You learn so much that is beneficial not only to teaching, but to child rearing as well.

The money isn't great.. check into college or government childcare centers , they usually pay a little better. Many times some of the "perks" like bringing your child to the center for free factor into benefits instead of salary. Good luck!

I was very interested in going to school to receive my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, but is it worth it? The mony does not seem all that great.
Like the others have said, it has its uses in a variety of ways. Public libraries like credentials like that for their children's department. Colleges and universities have child care centers for students' kids and for their early childhood programs (maybe a tuition benefit while working at one).

As someone told me when I was debating about grad school, "In two years you will be two years older whether or not you get a degree. Do you want to be two years older with a degree or without one?"

If your going to go into a degree don't do it for the money. Do it for the love of what you will be doing.

Stay home with your if it don't pay good its no good

Your right, pay sucks, but I would suggest if your willing to go to school do not just get your associates, you can't do much just with an associates, get your bachelors. More opportunities and better pay! Not the best paying but decent. Plus, like everyone else has said, you should be doing it for the love of children and not for pay.

My college just changed the ECE program so I am actually certified to 4th grade when I graduate next week :) It depends on where you go if the pay is good also. I know head start at least has benefits and advancement opportunities. Plus they will pay for your bachelor's if you agree to work for them for a period. This is something you really need to be passionate about because it takes a long time to climb the ladder. But it is rewarding too.

Also, I don't know about Chicago, but in PA you pretty much need an associates to work in a daycare at all unless you are the janitor. Even our cook has an associates in dietary aid

An option for you is to take the course, become credentialed, and then open your own preschool/daycare. My oldest son was enrolled in one of those. The teacher/provider had the preschool curriculum in the morning and the daycare in the afternoon. It worked out very well for her, the children, and the parents.