A career in child development psychology can be a rich and rewarding choice for those who enjoy working with kids. There are a wide variety of career paths to choose from for those with differing talents and interests.
Careers in child development can vary widely in terms of area of specialization, working conditions, and salary. In order to determine which area you are best suited for, it is important to understand the needed qualifications, skills, and licensing requirements for each area of specialization.
Entry-level positions include teacher's aides, partial care assistants, day care workers, and special education aides. These positions generally require no degree, although some agencies and schools prefer some college-level coursework in the social sciences. These types of positions are usually low-paid, ranging from minimum wage to $8 per hour. Those who work in the public school system also face restrictions on the number of hours they are allowed to work each week, with most schools limiting hours to 19 per week in order to avoid the obligation of placing employees on health insurance.
These entry-level jobs may not sound promising, but they are a great way to gain experience in the field of child development. These jobs can provide valuable insight into your own skills and unique talents, helping to determine what to concentrate your future studies and career goals on. Future employers and school selection committees will also appreciate your applied experience with kids.
If you find that you enjoy helping kids learn, a career in education may the perfect job for you. Most of these positions will require some type of schooling, usually a bachelor's degree at the minimum. Check the nearest college or university for degree programs in early childhood education, elementary or secondary education, or special education. While these programs focus on education, they also provide a wide breadth of knowledge in areas of psychology, sociology, and child development. An education degree can lead to careers such as a public school teacher, school librarian, private tutor, or a special education instructor at a private agency. These jobs tend to be full-time, although there are occasionally part-time positions available. Salaries for such jobs range from around $20,000 for new graduates, to around $45,000 for more experienced workers. Many of these positions require continuing education, but with the wide availability of accredited online courses, these requirements are relatively easy to meet.
If you find that you prefer helping children individually to overcome behavioral or psychological problems, you might want to consider a career in psychology or social work. The minimum qualification for positions in this field is a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or a related social science, although those with master's degree will find more opportunities and command a better salary. There is a rapidly growing demand for people to provide psychosocial rehabilitation services to children and adults suffering from a variety of mental health issues. Psychosocial rehab, or PSR, involves conducting individual treatments to assist clients to become more socially appropriate and to function at a higher level. PSR workers can work both part-time and full-time, often with a very flexible schedule. Many PSR workers are able to set their own hours. The typical pay rates range from $13 per hour to around $20 per hour, although some agencies may pay more.
A career in child development can be a very rewarding and educational experience. Children can be demanding, however, so career preparation should draw on both personal experience and coursework in order to prepare for some of the challenges that may arise. If you love working around children and desire to help kids achieve their full potential, a career in child development may be the perfect job for you.
