Online Child Care Certificate and Diploma Program Information

Those interested in working with children can find several online diploma and certificate programs that will prepare them for a career in child care. Although both are designed to instruct students in the care of young children and infants, diploma programs are considerably shorter than certificate programs. Diploma programs typically consist of a few classes, whereas certificate programs offer more extensive training and qualify those who complete them for additional licensure and credentials.

Overview of Online Child Care Diploma Programs

Online child care diploma programs are designed for individuals who want to work with children in a public or private daycare center, school or home environment. A diploma program is well-suited for students who are interested in quickly assuming an entry-level position in the child care field. Participants gain the knowledge and skills to effectively supervise children in a short amount of time. Topics include the emotional, physical and social needs of children from birth to six years of age.

Program Information and Requirements

The majority of online child care diploma programs require students to complete approximately nine credit-hours to earn a diploma. Programs generally require applicants to hold a high school diploma or its equivalent. Students do not need prior experience to enter a program. Classes can be taken through self-guided distance-learning (with textbooks) or via online courses with all content hosted on the Web.

List of Common Child Care Diploma Courses

Courses are designed to give students a broad overview of child development topics. Sample courses for this field are described below.

Developmental Study of Infants and Toddlers Course

This course provides students with an overview of infant and toddler growth and maturation. Areas covered include children's social, emotional, cognitive and physical development. Tips and guidelines for working with children and their families are covered.

Developmental Study of Preschoolers Course

Students learn the cognitive, social, emotional and physical development of preschool-aged children (typically ages 3-6). Developmental theories and research findings are discussed. Students also learn strategies and techniques for engaging, encouraging and managing preschoolers.

Child Safety Course

This course covers all areas of child safety, including first aid, fire strategies and emergency management. It also teaches course participants how to care for sick children while reducing the potential spread of illnesses.

Career Information for Graduates

Graduates with a child care diploma can find work as child care assistants in daycare centers or schools. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median wage for child care workers was $9.25 per hour as of May 2009. Employment opportunities are expected to grow by 11% between 2008 and 2018. This number is on par with the national average for all jobs (www.bls.gov).

Continuing Education and Certification Information

Those with a diploma in child care may want to consider pursuing further education if they are interested in obtaining their Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Diploma programs do not qualify students to apply for the CDA credential, which requires 120 hours of formal instruction. Most diploma course credits can be applied toward a child care certificate program.

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Overview of Online Child Care Certificate Programs

An online child care certificate program provides students with extensive training in child development, health, safety, nutrition and behavior management. Many public child care institutes, local governments and private guardians require child care providers have a certificate from an accredited school. Certificates offer employers and parents some assurance that holders are trained and prepared to work with children.

Program Information and Requirements

Online child care certificate programs require anywhere from 6-12 months to complete. Classes are conducted using various media, including traditional textbooks and interactive media elements on the Internet. Students interested in attending on online child care certificate program must have a high school diploma or GED certificate.

List of Common Child Care Certificate Courses

Courses provide students with in-depth training on child development topics while also providing real-world examples for managing children. Common courses for this field are described below.

Introduction to Early Childhood Education

This course covers historical and psychological theories pertaining to newborns through age six. Cognitive and behavioral development is reviewed, along with the impact made by early childhood educators.

Child Nutrition Course

Students learn how nutrition impacts the health and growth of children. The class provides nutrition guidelines and suggestions for fostering positive eating habits.

Engaging Children of Various Ages Course

Infants have vastly different developmental needs than toddlers and older kids. This course reviews the various social, physical and emotional needs for children of all ages. Students develop activity ideas and lesson plans to engage learners at each stage.

Career Information for Graduates

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for child care workers was $19,240 as of May 2009. Wages vary by workplace establishment and employees' level of education. Typically, the more education a child care provider has, the higher the salary.

Continuing Education and Certification Information

Graduates of an online child care certificate program are eligible for the CDA credential from the Council for Professional Recognition. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have completed at least 120 hours of formal child care education and completed 480 hours of experience working with children. With proper state licensing, certificate-holders can also open a daycare center in their own home. Many online child care certificate program courses can be applied to an associate's or bachelor's degree program for early childhood education, which prepares enrollees to teach at elementary schools.