Individuals looking to work directly with
young children or fulfill administrative roles in education may pursue
an online degree in childhood development. Degree programs are available
at the associate's through master's degree level and may be completed
entirely over the Internet. However, programs may require some in-class
training to fulfill graduation requirements.
Overview of Online Associate's Degree in Childhood Development Program
An associate's degree in childhood development or
early childhood
education prepares graduates to work with young children as teaching
assistants and childcare workers. Students learn about the different
areas of
child development--such
as social, cognitive and emotional growth--that help them foster
learning and well-being. Associate's degree programs can be completed
entirely over the Internet. However, some programs require students to
work in classrooms to gain experience; students may work at educational
facilities convenient to them.
Popular Associate-Level Courses
Coursework covers the development of children from birth through
pre-school. The entire curriculum, which includes general education
units, can typically be completed in two years. Core classes cover
normal and abnormal development, professional standards, basic
psychology, special needs children and health topics. Students access
lectures, tests and assignments through the school's website or a
designated system; they commonly use discussion boards and e-mail to
communicate with instructors and other students.
Child Development Course
Students taking a childhood development course learn about youth
developmental stages and the external factors that impact child
development. Topics also cover physical and language growth according to
age, along with signs of typical and atypical development.
Early Childhood Education Course
Students are introduced to the profession of child care and teaching
and learn about the types of educational programs available. Students
also learn how to create programs that cater to children and families,
especially special needs students.
Safety and Nutrition Course
A course covering the health, nutrition and safety of children
discusses standard nutritional guidelines, illnesses and safe
environments. Students also learn about state regulations with regard to
disease and injury.
Literacy Course
This course explores verbal and written skill development for various
age groups. Students learn how to select books and media that will
teach literacy, plan and implement reading programs, and gauge literacy
levels.
Childhood Development Curriculum Course
Students examine curriculum models and learn to implement strategies.
They also learn how to select appropriate work for children and design
their own lessons.
Graduates may pursue certification to become a Child Care
Professional (CCP) or Child Development Associate (CDA). They may also
apple to a 4-year bachelor's degree program in early childhood
education, teacher education or a related field. A higher degree is
necessary to obtain teaching licensures in most cases, but
qualifications and licensure requirements for child care workers vary by
state.
Overview of Online Bachelor's Degree in Childhood Development Program
Students in an online bachelor's degree in childhood development
program learn how to work with children from infancy through
preschool-age. They also focus on special needs children. Degree
programs can be completed entirely online, although supervised classroom
experience may be necessary to satisfy graduation requirements.
Bachelor's degrees in childhood development can be completed entirely
over the Internet. They can typically be completed in four years;
however, those who are transferring from an associate's degree program
can complete them in less time. Those enrolling in an online bachelor's
degree need ongoing access to a computer with a reliable connection to
the Internet. Students may also need to meet technical requirements,
such as the latest browsers and a recent version of Windows.
Popular Bachelor-Level Courses
Baccalaureate programs blend general education and electives with
child development courses. Students learn about professional roles in a
child's educational, social and emotional growth. They can typically
access lectures and assignments online at any time, and use chats,
discussion boards and e-mail to interact with instructors and other
students. Below are sample courses commonly found in child development
programs.
Language Development Course
Students studying language development in children learn about the
typical stages of language acquisition. Additional topics include
environmental influences, research in the field and the development of
different languages.
Child Development Course
Lessons differentiate and address social, emotional and cognitive
development. Recent research read by students covers cultural
dissidence, family relationships, risk factors and outside influences on
development.
Family and Community Relationships Course
This course examines the role of childcare professionals in relation
to other people who affect and influence child growth. It explores
communication strategies for families and groups. Topics broach common
family crises and the supportive roles teachers and counselors play in
divorce and abuse situations.
Addressing Special Needs Course
Students learn to work with special needs children by understanding
their unique developmental paths and identifying exceptional cases. This
class addresses educational requirements and regulations, along with
referrals and intervention strategies.
Child Assessment Course
Students delve into the techniques used to observe behavior in
children and assess development. Additional topics include ethics, data
analysis and instructional planning.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment
opportunities for teachers are expected to grow at an average rate
between 2008 and 2018 (
www.bls.gov). As of 2010, median salaries
for preschool teachers ranged from $20,326-$32,375, while elementary
school teachers earned between $32,544 and $49,904, according to
Payscale.com.
Overview of Online Master's Degree in Childhood Development Program
These master's degree programs prepare graduates for leadership and
administrative roles in organizations that support the development of
children. Students learn advanced and best practices used in the field.
Some programs can be completed entirely over the Web. Technical
requirements vary by school, but most students only need access to a
computer that can log online.
Popular Master's-Level Courses
Courses are geared toward students who have experience working with
children in fields such as social services or education. Enrollees not
only access coursework online, but also use the same forums to listen to
or view lectures and provide their feedback on the material. Sample
classes from a master-level child development program are listed below.
Life Span Development Course
Students examine aspects of human development not just during
childhood, but over the course of a lifetime. Topics including aging,
health, environmental factors, gender and culture.
Research Methods Course
Students learn research design and methodologies. Topics explore experimental designs, validity and ethics in research.
Ethics in Psychology Course
Students learn the moral and ethical issues in the field of
psychology. They examine case studies and evaluate the ethical
implications.
Tests and Measurements in Psychology Course
This course describes psychological testing. Lessons discuss the
development and delivery of tests as well as the reliability and
interpretation of results.
Statistics Course
Statistics covers approaches to data analysis as well as the many
types of data. Students learn how to design research, understand
probability and apply statistical techniques.
Graduates with a master's degree in childhood development (or a
master's degree in psychology with a concentration in child development)
are prepared for a number of careers in education and social services.
Job growth for those working in education administration is expected to
grow at an average rate of eight percent between 2008 and 2018,
according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Payscale.com
reports that the median annual salaries of those working in
administration range from $48,315-$83,281 as of 2010. The BLS states
that job growth for social workers is expected to grow at a
faster-than-average rate between 2008 and 2018; yearly median salaries
for social workers range from $28,449 to $40,992 as of 2008.
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