An associate's degree in child development can prepare you to work in school settings, for family agencies, and other community organizations. Career training can involve learning about the care of infants and school-age children. You can take courses through online education or campus-based programs and can include learning about nutrition for children, music and movement, special needs children, and child abuse.
Career Opportunities in Child Development
Career training can prepare you to work as a childcare specialist, preschool director, or preschool teacher. Earning college degrees at the bachelor's or master's level can help you obtain a job as an adoption counselor, child psychologist, development specialist, or educational consultant. You can gain additional skills through online while continuing to work.
Job Growth for Child Development
During 2012-2022 the job growth for Preschool teachers is expected to be 17% which is faster than average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As of 2012, a total of 438,200 preschool teachers are working in the United states. The top paying states for preschool teachers are New York, New Jersey, Alaska, Kentucky, Massachusetts. In May 2014 the Preschool teachers had median income of $32,040 with top 10% making more than $50,880.
The childcare workers field is expected to have positive job outlook with 14% growth predicted for the decade of 2012-22. Their median annual income in May 2014 was $21,710 with top 10% earners making more than $30,080, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top paying states for childcare workers include District of Columbia, Massachusetts, New York, Alaska, California.
Sources:
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/preschool-teachers.htm
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes252011.htm
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/childcare-workers.htm
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes399011.htm