Love caring for children? Have a passion for education? Turn that into a career with a child development and education degree or certificate! At West Hills College, students can earn a variety of degrees and certificates. Degrees offered include Early Childhood Education and Child Development degrees as well as certificates on specific subjects of interest in the field.
With an Associate of Arts degree or a Certificate in Child Development and Education, you may have more career options available in the fields of education and childcare But some potential career opportunities include:
Preschool or Kindergarten Teacher:
You can work as a preschool or kindergarten teacher, responsible for creating lesson plans and activities that promote the development of young children. You may also assess students' progress and provide feedback to parents and guardians. The median annual salary for preschool and kindergarten teachers is around $31,930 to $59,420, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Elementary School Teacher Assistant:
You may work as a teacher assistant in an elementary school, providing support to teachers in the classroom. You may help with lesson planning, grading, and classroom management. The median annual salary for teacher assistants is around $28,900, according to the BLS.
Childcare Center Director:
You can become a childcare center director, responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a child care center or preschool. Your responsibilities may include managing staff, ensuring compliance with licensing regulations, and overseeing the budget. The median annual salary for childcare center directors is around $48,210, according to the BLS.
Early Childhood Education Coordinator:
You may work as an early childhood education coordinator, responsible for developing and implementing educational programs for young children. You may work in a school, community center, or nonprofit organization. The median annual salary for early childhood education coordinators is around $49,670, according to the BLS.
Family Advocate:
You can work as a family advocate, providing support to families with young children. Your role may involve connecting families to resources, providing parenting education, and advocating for the needs of children and families. The median annual salary for social and human service assistants, which includes family advocates, is around $36,830, according to the BLS.
Child Development Specialist:
You may work as a child development specialist, responsible for assessing children's developmental needs and creating intervention plans to support their growth and development. The median annual salary for child development specialists is around $46,270, according to the BLS.
In Conclusion:
These are just a few examples of the job opportunities available with an AA or Certificate in Child Development and Education.