Career/Job Opportunities

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.