Associate Degree in Child Development

Do you remember your first words? What's your earliest memory? When did you learn to ride a bike, and how come you couldn't do it earlier? How many language did you learn when you were young? There are few people who can resist that feeling the breathtaking amazement when we witness a child's ability to learn. Whether the children are learning to walk, say the alphabet, mastering the multiplication tables, operating a computer, or using a set of tools, children possess a unique charm due to the fact that they are not masters, they are learners.

Young humans' minds develop very rapidly, and the more we look at the way the brain develops, the more we understand about the way children take in information about their world. We can additionally take what we know about how children learn and create instructional tools that amplify the results. With your Associate's Degree in child and developmental psychology, you'll be able to work with children and work towards obtaining deeper insights into the way a human mind develops in all kinds of aspects.

Child and developmental psychology are two specialized areas in the broader realm of psychology. These areas, like the other components of the psychological field, focus on researching the growth and development of the human mind, analyzing the data to prepare applicable theories, and ultimately apply those theories to improve the lives of individuals and the environment they grow up in. Many fundamental psychological practices are applied in this field; however, the area of child psychological typically only considers development from the prenatal period through adolescence. This takes into consideration many different and related factors, such as genetics, language, personality, cognitive development, and social development.

 

Child Development Schools

 

Child psychologists work with a range of different ages and types of situations. Children's ages typically breakdown along the lines of infants, toddlers, children, and then teens. Psychologists might work will all age groups or specialize in just one. It is also common for child psychologists to work on a team of physicians and psychologists, and even to work with the children's parents as well. Regardless of what ages they work with, child psychologists are responsible for helping children and their guardians understand, prevent, identify, and treat the various psychological issues that arise in a child's development.

There are many different types of child psychologists. A few of the common specialties a child psychologist might have include an abnormal child psychologist who deals with youths who have any number of emotional or personality disorders. An adolescent psychologist works specifically with individuals who are between the ages of 12 to 18 and who deal with mental illnesses and other distresses like eating disorders, depression, or anxiety. School psychologists, educational psychologists, and developmental psychologists are also common occupations. In each of these areas, the highest ranking positions are reserved for psychologists with high levels of education and years of experience. An individual with an Associate's Degree in child and developmental psychology is commonly employed as a type of aide or assistant in the research, theory, patient care, and application of a lead psychologist's work.

While we might remember extremely little about our early development, thankfully there are talented childhood and development psychologists who understand a great deal about this essential period of development. With their studies and advice, we can continue to improve the way we raise our children, and even continue to understand ourselves a little more. When you earn your Associate's Degree in child and developmental psychology, you are taking your first steps into an exciting and thriving field. You soon will be trained in the methods of psychological research, analysis, and application, and you will soon be able to share your talents with so many young people who are waiting for your helping hand to give them a better life.

Early Childhood Development Courses

During your college training to earn your Associates degree in child development you’ll encounter many of the topics and courses below.

Behavior Management – Study conflict resolution and learning behaviors in children including behavior modification. Track behaviors to outcomes and assessments.

Child Development Theory – Learn all about how children grow up and the different types of developmental stages of their life. Learn about Freud, Erikson and other theorists that studied child development.

Child & Family Communications – Learn how communication plays a role in a family and how communication is the single most important thing we can teach to our children.

Development of Children – Understand all levels of cognitive development, speech, language and motor skill development of children.

Interpersonal Communication – Study how out children communicate. Learn how teasing and bullying affects children in schools.

Early Childhood Safety and Nutrition – Know the basics of nutrition and how safety plays a psychological role with children.

 

Early Child Development Careers

When you graduate with your Associates degree you’ll qualify for any of the below careers.

Preschool Teacher – Develop education programs for children during their early stages of school. Often you can work for a private preschool that doesn’t require you to obtain your teachers license to work.

Teachers Assistant – As a teacher’s assistant you’ll work with a licensed teacher and help them track the progress of their students. If you are obtaining your teachers license you’ll start doing some student teaching your 3rd year in college.

Extended School Programs – Churches, larger corporations and schools often offer extended school programs. These programs are designed to teach students a particular skill or activity. It is not necessary to have your license and your AA degree should be sufficient for you to apply.

YMCA – Work with kids during summer programs as an activities director or as a coach at your local YMCA. YCMA’s will have children classes from 4-8 to introduce kids to sports and physical activities.

Nanny – As a nanny you can work part or full-time. Typically a nanny will work with infants and often live with the family in separate quarters.

 

Salaries and Job Outlook

 

For preschool teachers the median salary nationwide is $19,500, some higher if you work for a private school. Teachers assistants that are unlicensed start at $21,000 and some with years of experience can make up to $28,750. Childcare Directors who run child daycare facilities are paid $45,500 to $67,850 per year.

 

Resources
National Association for the Education of Young Children – www.naeyc.org