What Can I Do with a Child Development Associate Degree?

<p><a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Associate_Degree_FAQs.html">Associate degree programs</a> usually require about 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits and take about two years to complete. </p> <p>Some schools offer child development degrees online, but many offer them in person. Some students choose to go on to <a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Bachelor_Degree_FAQs.html">earn a bachelor's</a> after they earn their associate degree. </p> <p><b>Common course topics for child development associate degrees may include:</b> </p> <ul><li>child growth and development </li><li>classroom organization and management </li><li>creativity and play </li><li>curriculum planning </li><li>health, nutrition, and safety </li><li>language and literacy </li><li>observation and assessment </li></ul><p>Many child development associate programs also include a practicum, where students get hands-on classroom experience under the supervision of a professional. </p> <p>These practicum opportunities are usually scheduled toward the end of the degree program, giving students the chance to learn the foundations and then apply them. </p> <p>Below, we'll break down some of the more common jobs for people with child development associate degrees. </p> <h2 id="section---ChildcareWorker">Childcare Worker</h2> <p>A <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_are_the_Requirements_for_a_Starting_a_Career_in_Child_Care.html">childcare worker</a>is someone who looks after children at a childcare program like Head Start, at a private or family childcare center, or as a nanny. </p> <p>Childcare workers typically work with toddler and preschool-age children, but plenty work with children outside those age ranges as well. </p> <p>They typically earn an associate degree, although some employers will hire entry-level workers with a high school degree or GED. </p> <p>Some states and employers may require childcare workers to earn a certification in child development. </p> <p><b>Typical duties of a childcare worker may include:</b> </p> <ul><li>changing baby and toddler diapers </li><li>creating schedules that allow children to have the right amount of learning, rest, and playtime </li><li>monitoring child safety </li><li>preparing and serving snacks and meals </li><li>setting up and leading activities </li><li>teaching a learning curriculum </li><li>watching for emotional or developmental delays </li><li>updating parents on child progress </li></ul><p>For nannies, their jobs may also include helping older children with homework or bringing children to and from school and activities. </p> <p>Childcare centers and programs are often open a few hours before and after the typical work day to accommodate parent schedules. Nannies may work more irregular schedules. </p> <h3 id="section---JobOutlook">Job Outlook</h3> <p>Childcare workers in schools typically earn the most, while those in private day care services average the lowest amount. </p> <p>The BLS expects employment for childcare workers to grow about 6% by 2031, about the average for all occupations. </p> <h2 id="section---TeacherAssistant">Teacher Assistant</h2> <p><a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_teachers_aide_training_requirements.html">Teacher assistants</a> work alongside licensed teachers and help them with classroom management and instruction. </p> <p>Teacher assistants generally need to have an associate degree or at least two years of college coursework. Assistants working with special-needs students may need to pass a skills test. </p> <p><b>Job duties of a teacher assistant typically include:</b> </p> <ul><li>assisting teachers with recordkeeping tasks like taking attendance and marking grades </li><li>preparing equipment and materials for the teacher's lessons </li><li>reviewing material with students one-on-one or in small groups </li><li>supervising students outside the classroom, like at recess and on field trips </li><li>teaching students school rules by modeling proper behavior </li></ul><p>The majority of teacher assistants work in a public school setting. Some also work in private schools or daycares. </p> <p>Teacher assistants may work full or part time. Most of the time they get summers off since teachers and students do. </p> <h3 id="section---JobOutlook-2">Job Outlook</h3> <p>According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for teachers in May 2021 was $29,360 with a range of $21,890 to $46,530. </p> <p>The BLS expects teacher assistant jobs to grow by about 5% by 2031, which is about the national average for all occupations. </p> <h2 id="section---PreschoolTeacher">Preschool Teacher</h2> <p>Preschool teachers typically look after children aged three through five. Their primary job is to make sure children are emotionally and educationally ready to enter kindergarten. </p> <p>In most places, an associate degree is the minimum that a preschool teacher needs. Head Start programs require that 50% of teachers have a bachelor's in early childhood education or a similar field. </p> <p><b>Job duties of a preschool teacher may include:</b> </p> <ul><li>creating schedules that allow children to have the right amount of learning, rest, and playtime </li><li>helping children learn their letters, numbers, and shapes </li><li>setting up and leading activities </li><li>supervising child play to ensure safety </li><li>teaching a learning curriculum </li><li>watching for emotional or developmental delays </li><li>updating parents on child progress </li><li>working with children one-on-one as needed </li></ul><p>Preschool teachers usually work in public or private schools or child care centers. Depending on the location, some work a typical nine- or 10-month school year and others work year round. </p> <h3 id="section---JobOutlook-3">Job Outlook</h3> <p>According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for preschool teachers in May 2021 was $30,210 with a range of $22,840 to $58,530. </p> <p>The BLS projects a steep increase in employment for preschool teachers. They predict that jobs will increase 15% by 2031. </p> <p>Some states require preschool teachers to be certified. All public <a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Teaching_Career_Profiles.html">school teachers</a> must have a license to teach early childhood education. License requirements vary by state. </p> <p>Requirements may include a certain amount of experience. Preschool teachers may begin as childcare workers or teacher assistants to gain the necessary experience. </p> <h2 id="section---EarnAnAssociateDegreeInChildDevelopment">Earn an Associate Degree in Child Development</h2> <p>Once you've earned an associate degree in child development, you may be able to work as a childcare worker, teacher assistant, and even a preschool teacher.</p>