Child Development Specialist - Certification and Training

Child development professionals may work in a variety of settings. Many work for child daycares, elementary schools, or private households. A significant percentage of them are self-employed and offer childcare services from their own homes.

Not everyone is well-suited for a career in child development. While working with and caring for small children can be a very rewarding experience, it is also extremely challenging at times. These professionals have various responsibilities and must demonstrate proficiency in many different areas. The most successful child development workers possess the following qualities:

Specific requirements to become a child development professional vary significantly by state. Keep the following general steps in mind as you begin pursuing a career in this field:

While responsibilities vary greatly from job to job, child development professionals typically supervise and monitor the safety of children. They also prepare and organize mealtimes, help maintain good hygiene, organize activities, implement curriculum, teach children about the world, and develop a diversified daily routine. Those who work with very small children will also change diapers. In most cases, these professionals are responsible for watching for signs of emotional or developmental problems, as well as reporting developmental progress to parents.

If you are interested in enrolling in a child development program offered by a trade school, you will have to complete the necessary requirements. In most cases, these include:

It is important to realize that some community colleges offering vocational training may have additional requirements. They may, for example, stipulate that you have certain standardized test scores (SAT or ACT).

Certification requirements vary according to the state. While most do not require entry-level employees to hold a national recognized credential, many states do expect individuals in higher positions to do so. Most frequently, child development professionals obtain the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.

The CDA credential is offered by the Council for Professional Recognition. Candidates must hold, at a minimum, an associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in one of the following:

Additionally, candidates will need two to four years of professional experience in a childcare setting, serving children from birth to five years old.

Individuals interested in a child development career have educational requirements that vary by state. Some states have entry-level childcare jobs available to individuals with nothing more than a high school diploma or equivalent. Many states, however, have additional expectations, especially for people who plan to pursue administrative positions. Many professionals need some sort of postsecondary education and/or an early childhood education credential.

There are several different educational opportunities for people interested in child development. You can enroll at either a trade school or community college or earn a certificate. Your specific career goals will dictate which option is best for you.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), the median hourly wage for childcare workers in 2023 was $30,370. However, the job outlook for those in the field is far below average. The market for child development professionals is expected to decrease by 1% between the years 2023 and 2033. As childcare is still greatly needed, the reasons for this are unclear.

It’s important to note that the level of education has a large impact on the wages earned for these professionals. While many entry-level positions do not require a postsecondary degree, those who do choose to pursue further education tend to earn more money. Certificates and certifications are also beneficial and can result in better pay.

Paying for your degree in child development can be stressful. Like traditional colleges and universities, however, trade schools do offer financial aid options. In addition to loans and grants, you can apply for scholarships to help cover your tuition and other education-related expenses. Scholarships are greatly preferred because the money provided does not have to be paid back after graduation.

While there are many trade school scholarships available, some of the best opportunities for interested in child development are:

As previously mentioned, accreditation is extremely important. Avoid vocational programs that are not accredited, as you may have more difficulty transferring credits or finding acceptable employment. Additionally, some employers pay graduates from unaccredited schools less.

Most institutions have information about their accreditation status on their websites. If you have trouble locating it, call the school’s admission department to ask for clarification.

Many community colleges and trade schools offer three program options: traditional, online, and hybrid. Traditional programs require that students attend classes on campus, while online programs offer a distance learning alternative. While online programs are ideal for individuals with busy schedules, they do not allow for in-personal instructional opportunities or networking. To bridge the gap between these two options, some schools now offer hybrid programs. These are completed primarily online but require students to complete short residencies to gain hands-on experience in the field.