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Online degrees in child care

Some adults have a unique way of interacting with kids and feel a deep sense of fulfillment in helping them grow and develop. Online degrees in child care can take these exceptional adults in a career direction that helps them reach their professional goals--working with, caring for and being a patient and loving presence in the lives of children.

Depending on the level of degree earned, a child care professional may work as an employee at a daycare or child care center, as a manager at a center, as a preschool teacher at a private facility or school, as an after-school program facilitator, or as a care provider in a client's home or his or her own home.

Degrees in child care

Many licensed daycare facilities insist employees have at least an associate degree in child care, and managers of these centers may need a bachelor's degree in child care management or similar. According to the U.S. Department of Labor and the National Child Care Association (NCCA), some employers prefer child care workers who have earned a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential from the Council for Professional Recognition or a Child Care Professional (CCP) credential from the NCCA.

Those with master's degrees fare better in the competition for jobs as child care supervisors and center directors--as well as teaching positions in public and private schools. Graduates of doctoral programs may choose to teach in schools, colleges and universities; seek executive or administrator positions in child care-centered corporations; or offer consulting services to child care businesses and organizations.

Specific topics discussed in child care courses may include:

Overall growth and development matters
Health and safety, including CPR and first aid
Child care regulations and laws (both national and state-specific)
Special needs children
Parent/child relationships
Language development
Preschool instruction
Activity preparation and scheduling

Career outlook for child care professionals

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that job growth for child care workers is expected to be about 11 percent through 2018, on par with growth expectations for all occupations. Those who are flexible in their career ambitions are likely to have no trouble finding work, according to the BLS, either in a private home, a school, or a child care center.

BLS data indicates that child care workers earned median annual salaries just over $19,000 as of 2010, while those in higher level positions (preschool and child care administrators) earned over $50,000 per year. Industries with the most number of jobs available, according to the BLS, include child daycare services (over 260,000 positions nationwide), elementary and secondary schools (149,000 positions), residential care facilities (almost 32,000 positions), and civic and social organizations (over 29,000 positions).

Earning online degrees in child care

While hands-on experience with children in a variety of situations is crucial for any child care degree student, many courses in child care can be taken effectively in the online environment. Many online programs are recommended by the National Association of Child Care Professionals. Online classes can prepare students for certifications, further study, and the excitement of getting out in the field for real-world.

For those who have self-discipline, patience, and that lifelong motivation to work with the youngest and most impressionable citizens, online degrees in child care provide excellent options.

Child care at a glance

Work environment: Graduates of certificate programs in child care often work in private homes or their own homes.
Education: Child care centers prefer employees with at least an associate degree, and daycare supervisors and managers are likely to have a bachelor's or master's degree in child care.
Salary: The mean annual salary for child care workers was around $20,000 in 2010, while administrators earned about $50,000.
Key skills: A quality child care professional is patient, communicative, organized, caring, energetic, and prudent.

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