Degree Overview: Graduate Certificate Programs in Childcare Management
Majors Overview November 13, 2015Undergraduate degree programs and certificate programs in childcare management can open up management careers at different child care facilities. This article talks about these programs and their coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Information on Graduate Certificate Programs in Childcare Management
No school offers graduate certificates in child care management. However, individuals seeking careers in day care and child care management can earn one-year undergraduate certificates or two-year associate’s degrees in child care management. Armed with certification, students can seek entry-level occupations as approved day care workers; an associate’s degree can lead to leadership positions in child care. High school graduates may find admission in both programs.
Certificate Programs in Child Care Management
Undergraduate certificate programs in child care management can lead students to careers as teaching assistants and certified day care teachers. Incoming students to certificate programs in child care management do not have to complete any prerequisite coursework. The program gives admission to all individuals who have been accepted by the school. Enrollees can complete most certificate programs in child care management within a year.
Coursework
Program coursework introduces fundamental concepts of caring for children and teaches enrollees how to deal with the supervised children’s parents. Some business aspects of the day care industry are also in many programs. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Communication with parents
•Activity planning
•Child care finances
•Day care operations
•Child safety
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a job growth of 14% has been predicted for childcare workers (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Over the same period, childcare center and preschool directors are expected to see a 17% job growth. In 2012, childcare workers brought in an average annual wage of $19,510 while preschool and childcare center education administrators banked $43,950 per annum, on average (BLS).
Continuing Education Choices
Program graduates who seek continuing education can take their state licensing exam. Passage of the exam can entail the Child Development Associate (CDA) certification whose value varies by state. Continuing education is also available through enrollment in associate’s degree programs in child care management.
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Programs in Child Care Management
Successful completion of associate’s degree programs in child care management can lead to leadership positions in day care, such as director or head teacher. In some schools, CDA certification or completion of a child care certificate program is mandatory for admission to associate’s programs in child care management.
Coursework
The focus on critical day care issues is much higher in associate’s degree programs in child care management than in certificate programs in child care management. A day care practicum in a child care setting must also be completed by associate-level students before they can earn the degree. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•First aid and CPR
•Multicultural issues in day care
•Child psychology
•Child development
•Ethics of child care
Career Choices
Graduates from the associate’s degree program in child care management can seek occupation in upper-level positions at day care centers. Students are also trained to be able to own and manage their day care centers. They can choose from possible job positions such as:
•Day care head teacher
•Preschool teaching assistant
•Day care center director
•Day care center owner
•Preschool teacher
Continuing Education Choices
Program graduates from a terminal associate’s degree in child care management can seek continuing education through bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education. These degrees are available at many schools and could lead to careers in teaching older children.
