PRE-SCHOOL/DAY CARE Teaching Administration | - Religious organizations
- Montessori schools
- Private, public, franchise, and corporate daycare centers
- Private homes
- Family day care
- Extended school programs
- Preschools
- Head Start programs
| - Develop physical stamina for working with children.
- Acquire appropriate certification or licensure for daycare and public school teaching.
- Obtain experience working with children through volunteering or part-time jobs.
- Demonstrate patience with children and the ability to work well with people of various backgrounds.
- Develop strong communications skills to deal effectively with parents.
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COMMUNITY SERVICES Administration Development Programming Research Evaluation | - Community centers
- YMCA or YWCA
- Consumer protection agencies
- Summer camp programs
- Adult daycare providers
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation organizations
- Religious organizations
- Adoption agencies
| - Seek related work experience; particularly in summer camps or special needs areas.
- Learn to work well with all types of people through volunteer or paid positions.
- Obtain Child Life Certification for some areas.
- Develop strong presentation and public speaking skills.
- Be willing to wear multiple hats within an organization.
- Learn how to write grants.
- Develop research and writing skills.
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SOCIAL SERVICES Case Management Counseling Administration | - Profit and nonprofit organizations focused on children, youth, families, or senior citizens
- Adult and child day care providers
- Group homes
- Half-way houses
- Youth services agencies
- Foundations and funding organizations
| - Supplement curriculum with courses in social work, sociology, or psychology.
- Obtain a master's degree and appropriate licensure in mental health counseling, social work, or rehabilitation counseling to provide therapy.
- Earn a graduate degree to obtain most administrative positions.
- Gain experience through volunteer positions or internships.
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EDUCATION Teaching Early Childhood Education Early Childhood Special Education Home Economics Family and Consumer Sciences Curriculum Development Research Counseling Administration College Student Affairs Parent-Child Education | - Public and private schools (K-12)
- Public preschool programs (e.g., Head Start)
- Private preschool programs
- Montessori schools
- Adult education programs
- Colleges and universities
- Programs servicing children and adults with special needs
| - Acquire appropriate certification for public school teaching.
- Obtain Ph.D. for college and university teaching and research opportunities.
- Acquire certification for daycare and parent-child education.
- Obtain graduate degree in counseling, student affairs, and administrative positions.
- Find part-time or summer jobs working with children.
- Serve as a tutor, peer mentor, resident assistant or student advisor.
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MEDICAL Child Care Programs Education | - Hospitals
- Healthcare facilities
- Health and wellness agencies
- Hospices
| - Earn a master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, or related areas for the most opportunities.
- Obtain experience in advocacy.
- Acquire licensing or certification for some areas.
- Volunteer in a healthcare setting.
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BUSINESS Management Sales Customer Service | - Manufacturing companies of children's clothes, toys, furniture, and food Department and retail stores Service organizations
| - Minor in business; develop skills in areas such as management, marketing or sales.
- Secure leadership positions on campus.
- Get related experience through internships or part-time jobs.
- Build computer skills in word processing, database management, and spreadsheet programs.
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COMMUNICATIONS Journalism Public Relations Writing Editing Research | - Organizations geared toward children and family including:
- Book publishers,
- Professional associations,
- Radio and TV stations,
- Nonprofit organizations,
- Manufacturers,
- Newspapers, and Magazines
| - Minor or double major in a communications field.
- Develop excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Submit articles or books for publication.
- Work for campus publications or radio stations.
- Complete internships with related organizations.
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GOVERNMENT Social Services Rehabilitation Program Coordination Research Program Evaluation Legislation Advocacy | - Federal, state and local government agencies (i.e., Departments of Health, Education and Welfare, Criminal Justice Departments, Sanitation, Fire/Safety, Nutrition, and Cooperative Extension)
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Mental health agencies
- Military child care programs
- Overseas child care and education programs
- Health and wellness agencies
- Women's protective agencies
| - Take additional courses in area of interest.
- Develop strong presentation and public speaking skills.
- Obtain specialized training for opportunities in protective services or law enforcement.
- Complete an internship with a government organization.
- Learn federal, state, and local job application procedures.
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