For those who love children, there is no better career than childcare. And they have various options available to acquire the right education and get started. Child Day Care programs are offered by many universities and professional education institutes in the United States.
The future also looks bright for most professions in the field. From 2018 to 2028, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted an 11% increase in jobs for Child, Family, and School Social Workers. This translates to over 81,000 new employment opportunities.
So, if you want to work with children for a living, here is a detailed guide to tell you about some of the best degree programs and career options in the sector.
What Are Child Day Care Programs?
These programs impart students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a childcare-related career. The typical curriculum of a child care degree includes courses in multicultural education, learning methods, child psychology, etc. Early childhood development professionals and childcare workers often play a major role in the growth and learning of children.
What Can You Do With a Child Day Care Program?
Professional education in childcare and early childhood development can help you work as a Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher, School Coordinator, Social and Community Service Manager, School Social Worker, Day Care Center Manager, Childcare Worker, Preschool Teacher, School Principal, etc.
Information about compensation and career outlook for a few of these professions, as provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, is given below.
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers are responsible for teaching basic subjects (Mathematics, Reading, English, etc.) to young students. They also mentor and prepare the little ones for middle school.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | State with the Highest Salary, 2019 |
| $56,850 | 4% | $60,210 | Texas | 15,770 |
| Connecticut | $78,720 |
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | State with the Highest Salary, 2019 |
| $47,390 | 11% | $51,030 | California | 32,630 |
| District of Columbia | $71,590 |
Childcare Workers
Childcare Workers deal with children’s basic needs like feeding, dressing, supervising play, etc. They also help younger kids prepare for kindergarten or help slightly older ones with homework.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | State with the Highest Salary, 2019 |
| $24,230 | 2% | $25,510 | 55,430 | California |
| District of Columbia | $34,140 |
What to Expect from a Child Day Care Program?
Over the course of a Child Day Care program, you will learn about Introductory Reading and Writing, Child and Parent Relationship, Special Education, Behavior Modification Techniques, Children’s Health and Nutrition, Classroom Technology, Children’s Mental and Physical Development, Music and Education, Observation and Assessment Techniques, Leadership in Education, Advanced Teaching Techniques, etc.
How to Choose a Child Day Care Program?
When selecting a Child Day Care program to enroll in, the first thing that you need to consider is the “accreditation status.” Make sure that your chosen degree is recognized and accredited by the concerned authority. Beyond that, you should also consider things like curriculum, fee structure, available specialties, campus location, and residence options (both on-campus and off-campus).
Child Day Care Program Admission Requirements
Admission criteria tend to differ based on degree level as well as the candidate preferences of a particular school. For instance, entry to an Associate or Bachelor’s program usually requires obtaining a High School Diploma or GED (General Educational Development) Certificate. On the other hand, getting into a Master’s program often depends on a candidate’s undergraduate GPA.