Tuesday, 29 May 2012

Online Child Development Degree Program Options

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.

Continuing Education Information

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.

Program Information and 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.

Career Information

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.

Career Information

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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