Child Development Degree

Child development degrees prepare individuals for careers working with early elementary or preschool children. Colleges and universities offer four-year bachelor's programs to prepare graduates to earn a teacher license, or related employment. Community colleges and vocational schools also offer child development degree certificate programs and associate degrees to prepare individuals to be teacher's assistants, educational paraprofessionals, or care providers. "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Proverb 22:6)

Courses in this area typically cover the emotional, physical, social, and intellectual development of young children. Depending on one's chosen area of emphasis, classes may also cover working with parents, nutrition, or managing an in-home or institutional daycare facility. Programs with an early childhood emphasis typically focus on birth to age 7. Most institutions offering a child development degree will offer a variety of program emphasis areas depending on whether one intends to work in a school, daycare, hospital, or youth program.

An associate degree in this field is one of the most commonly sought after programs due to its usefulness and flexibility. Many institutions offer a variety of child development degrees on campus or online. An associate's takes around 2 years to complete and equips graduates to work as teacher's assistants, care providers in daycares or preschools, or as specialists in community programs for children. One can also apply their classes toward a bachelor's at most universities or towards degrees in related fields such as human development, child psychology, or social work.

A master's is available for teachers or other professionals to further their education. Some universities combine child development degrees with master's in social work for individuals who plan to work with at-risk children and their families in a government system. Administration of county youth programs or programs aimed at preschool children may also require a master's in child development degree.

Taking the time to explore courses and schools is vital before selecting a college or program to enter. It is important to evaluate these programs by looking for well-established programs taught by qualified faculty. Strong courses include many hours of supervised contact with young children. Some institutions even have on-site childcare centers where students can go to observe, learn about, and work with young children.

Working with children and their families is a highly rewarding career. Because parental demand for good early childhood programs is increasing, the need for qualified individuals with child development degrees is likely to rise as well. A child development degree can help a person become a part of quality childcare programs or can assist the individual in the foundation of their own business.



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