Online Education (child Development Online Degrees)

By Author: John Srob
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Early childhood education, also known as preschool and kindergarten, focuses on the development of children before the age of six. During this period, children learn how to interact with authority figures and other kids outside of their family in a social environment. Early childhood educators help grow a child's independence in a safe and nurturing environment.

Positions under the early childhood umbrella include kindergarten and preschool teachers, teachers' assistants, and daycare workers. Such professionals are charged with the tasks of teaching children cooperative play and academic basics such as the alphabet, counting, and basic vocabulary. They should not only have a broad knowledge of childhood development, but also be able to detect illness, abnormalities, or special needs in children.

A Child Development Degree at the Bachelor or Master level will usually leads to certification to teach in public schools while requirements for private schools and preschools vary. Though day care workers and teachers' assistants usually are not required to have the same education as full-time teachers, they often make ...
... less.

Those who earn an early childhood education or child development degree must master the five domains of childhood development: social, physical, intellectual, creative, and emotional. To that end, a typical curriculum in Early Childhood Development will lean heavily on cognitive and developmental psychology.

As the nation's teachers, counselors and daycare workers know well, children are the future. For many early childhood educators, teaching isn't just a job--it's a passion and a calling. Even so, the opportunities for advancement in this field are more readily available to those who have a background in child development. Online degrees in early childhood development offer the skills and qualifications individuals need to open doors in teaching, child care and counseling.

Online degrees in child development

A degree in child development provides students with training in child psychology, sociology, teaching, learning development, physical and educational disabilities, and the role of movement and play in development. Students also learn about family dynamics and the effects of stress, violence and other types of trauma on the development of a child. This combination of practical and theoretical teaching creates a solid foundation for a career in a variety of fields, including:

Nursery school teacher
Preschool, primary or elementary school teacher
Child psychologist or psychotherapist
Special education teacher
Daycare worker
Nanny
Extracurricular education instructor (such as a music or dance teacher)

The majority of child development degrees are offered at the bachelor's and master's levels, and may take anywhere from two to four years to complete. Some doctoral programs in child development also exist and may be required for certain administrative or research positions in the field.

Build a career in childcare, teaching or counseling

Graduates with a degree in child development often go on to work in health care, education, government and social services. They may find jobs in research, teaching administration, curriculum development, counseling, parent-child education, advocacy, or even marketing of products directed at parents and children. Many of these jobs require a bachelor's degree at the minimum.

Students who pursue online degrees in child development are able to continue working as they develop skills that may lead to a promotion or career change. The versatility and flexibility of an online program is ideal for anyone who has a full-time job or a family to support while he or she completes his or her education.

People who succeed in early education, child care and psychotherapy careers are almost always passionate about teaching and truly enjoy working with young children. They are fascinated by human psychology and by the cognitive, emotional, and social development of children. It's also important for anyone working in this field to have a combination of patience, compassion and practicality.

For anyone interested in work in early education or child care, a degree in child development is a vital stepping stone toward a fulfilling job and career path.

Childhood Development Career Training

Childhood development specialists play a vital role in the education and maturation of young children. A degree in childhood development provides training that puts you on the career path to earning a living shaping the lives of young children--a career as personally fulfilling as it is important to society.

Childhood Development Programs: College Degrees, Coursework, Careers

If you are interested in entering the field, an associate's or bachelor's degree is a good idea. If you are in the field already, a master's degree can help you advance. All of these degrees are offered online. A number of specializations are offered, including programs in early childhood education administration and child day care management. Typical childhood education coursework includes classes in child psychology.

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