What Can You Do With a Child Development Degree?
Do you enjoy working with children? Do you want to make a positive difference in young lives? If so, then a career in child development or a related field may be right for you. More specifically, a degree in childhood development could help you build the foundational skills and knowledge needed to explore career paths in education, healthcare/social services, counseling, and research.
What Is a Child Development Degree?
Specifically, a bachelor's degree in child development is an undergraduate program that covers how children learn and grow from birth through the age of adolescence. This type of degree program is typically designed to take around four years to complete, though this can vary based on whether a student is enrolled part- or full-time.
No two child development degree programs are exactly alike, though some core topics covered in this type of program may include:
- Contexts that affect childhood development.
- Developmental stages of childhood.
- Advocacy for children and families.
- Cultural influences on development.
- Policies that support healthy growth.
Career Paths for Child Development Majors
Those who graduate with degrees in childhood development may be able to pursue career options across a wide range of disciplines, including education, healthcare, social services, counseling, and research.
Careers in Education
Many graduates of child development programs go on to work in education, either in teaching positions or even director roles. Some examples of common career paths for child development professionals in education include:
- Early Childhood Educator– Teaches children (usually from birth to around age eight) in a wide range of settings, including preschools and daycare centers.
- Childcare Center Director – Oversees and manages operations at childcare centers, such as daycares and preschools. Responsibilities may include hiring and training staff, budgeting, and maintaining compliance with laws and regulations.
- Special Education Teacher– Educates students with disabilities or special needs, often adapting their teaching to meet the unique needs of each student. These professionals may work in public schools, early intervention programs, specialized schools, and even home programs.
- Elementary School Teacher– Teaches children in grades ranging from kindergarten to about fifth or sixth grade, depending on the school district.
Careers in Healthcare and Social Services
Healthcare and social services are also viable career paths for those with child development degrees. These professionals may work in clinical care and take on such roles as:
- Child Life Specialist – Works with children and their families to cope with the circumstances surrounding medical issues, such as hospital stays and surgical procedures. These professionals are responsible for offering emotional support while keeping children and families educated on diagnoses.
- Social Worker– Provides dedicated support to children and their families facing certain challenges (often related to poverty, homelessness, or neglect). Their goal is to help families access the services and resources they need while keeping children safe.
- Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant– Supports children in overcoming cognitive, developmental, and even physical challenges through a variety of approaches that may include play-based activities and sensory integration therapy. These professionals often work in schools, clinics, or even directly in clients' homes.
- Family Support Worker – Offers support, resources, and advocacy to families facing health issues, financial challenges, or other unique situations. These professionals often work alongside social workers in government agencies or nonprofit organizations. but settings can vary greatly.
Careers in Counseling and Therapy
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), "nearly 20% of children and young people ages 3-17 in the United States have a mental, emotional, developmental or behavioral disorder." As a result, there's an ongoing need for child development professionals who understand the nuances of childhood mental health and the factors affecting it. Some examples of related roles in counseling and therapy include:
- Behavioral Therapist– Works with children and families to manage behavioral issues and a number of other conditions that can affect behavior, such as ADHD and anxiety.
- Family and Child Counselor– These professionals (also known as family and child therapists) work with children and their families to treat and manage mental health conditions and behavioral conditions.
- School Counselor– Works in schools to provide support and guidance for students in their social, emotional, and even academic development. These professionals may work with children of all ages, from early childhood to adolescence.
- Play Therapist– A mental health worker who uses play-based strategies and activities to help children manage and overcome such issues as anxiety, grief, and trauma.
Careers in Research and Advocacy
Child development is a dynamic field where research is being conducted all the time, and new insights are discovered. Meanwhile, child development professionals often spearhead policy changes and other advocacy efforts to make a difference in the field. If this type of work sounds like something you'd be interested in, you may want to explore such roles as:
- Child Development Researcher– Conducts research studies on children and their families to better understand childhood development and the factors that can affect it. These experts often work for universities, dedicated research institutes, or even government agencies.
- Child Welfare Advocate– A professional who advocates for the rights of children, particularly those who may be impacted by neglect and abuse. They often work for agencies like Child Protective Services and court systems, striving to represent children and their best interests.
- Educational Policy Analyst– Assesses educational policies and recommends changes or updates that will provide children with a better learning environment. These professionals most often work for lawmakers, though they may also serve in lobbying groups and school districts as well.
Essential Skills Needed for Successful Child Development Careers
No matter which of these career paths calls to you, there are a number of essential skills you'll need to have if you want to work in child development. This includes both soft skills and some technical knowledge in your chosen area of the field.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Child development professionals need to possess excellent interpersonal skills, especially when communicating with young children and their caregivers. When working with a young child, for example, a professional in this field should be able to use appropriate vocabulary for the particular age group while using nonverbal cues to communicate. Likewise, active listening skills are critical to understanding and getting to know a client's and their family's specific needs.
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
Working in childhood development also requires a great deal of creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making. For example, A child behavior therapist may need to develop unique approaches to help children grow and face challenges. This may include using open-ended play, special activities, or other less conventional strategies to meet a child's specific needs. Meanwhile, child development professionals must be prepared to assess progress and explore new approaches as needed regularly.
Knowledge of Child Psychology and Developmental Stages
From a more technical standpoint, child development professionals should also have an in-depth understanding of child psychology concepts and the stages of development for children. (newborn, infant, toddler, preschooler, and school-age). This should include a robust understanding of each stage's developmental milestones and the factors that can impact development.
Leadership and Organizational Abilities
Many roles in child development also require strong leadership and organizational skills. Program coordinators, family support specialists, and child development consultants, for example, may be responsible for leading and managing team members. Often, working in child development means juggling multiple tasks, responsibilities, and even clients at once, so having strong organizational skills can go a long way.
Interested in Pursuing a Child Development Degree?
As you can see, there's a lot you could do with a child development major. While it's true that simply earning a degree doesn't guarantee a job in the field, the skills and knowledge you take away from a degree program can set you up for a wide range of careers in child development. Whether you're interested in teaching, counseling, social work, or advocacy, working in child development can be extremely fulfilling and rewarding.
Looking for a degree program that can help you build a more comprehensive understanding of child development from birth through adolescence? The University of Memphis Global offers a Bachelor of Professional Studies with a concentration in Child Development and Family Studies to suit your needs. Learn more or get started with your online application today!
Sources
https://www.memphis.edu/uofmglobal/degrees/undergraduate/childdevelopment.php
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