Enjoy a Career as a Child Care Specialist

Do you enjoy spending time with children? Do you have a knack of caring for children? Then passion meets ability and you might find yourself suited for a career as a Child Care Specialist.

Typical work settings for taking care of children can be child care centers, pre-schools and children’s homes. Child care specialists are charged with the safety of children coupled with social, emotional and physical well being. Examples of responsibilities of child care specialist could include developing children through engaging activities, ensuring a safe, healthy and nurturing environment, teaching and fostering social and learning skills, maintaining healthy diet and open lines of communication with parents. Though individuals may have the aptitude for child care, yet several times formal grounding may be required in ensuring appropriate care of children. There are several programs available that provide this support viz., Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees alongwith diploma or vocational certificates. Nationally recognized credentials like Child Development Associate (CDA), awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition and Certified Child Care Professional, awarded by the National Child Care Association can be very helpful. Licensing requirements vary among states.

The outlook for this field is good with several job opportunities opening up. Moreover, the growth is projected at 18% through 2016. There is a good mix between those who are employed and the balance that are self-employed. As per Bureau of Labor Standards, the average annual earnings for child care specialists was $20,350 in 2008.

Your search for the right institution ends with Argosy University and Kaplan University that offer customized and accessible programs. Everest College and Sanford Brown College follow closely on the heels of the earlier two providing unique and distinctive programs. Completing the list is Rasmussen College offering programs with a balanced mix between theory and practice.