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What is Child Care?

Child care is an area of employment responsible for the care and education of children in a functional environment. Individuals working in this field are responsible for the safety and well-being of children under their care as well as providing early foundational education as part of a curriculum that is often masked by playtime. Child care training courses for individuals in this field may work in preschools, kindergartens, daycare, childcare centers, or after school programs.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$22,930

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

569,370

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Child Care Training

Childcare and Preschool Education degree programs are offered at Boston University. There are three education program options available. The Boston University Children’s Center, this is a full-time program that is designed for children ages 2-5 years old. The Early Childhood Learning Lab is a preschool for children ages 2 years and nine months to 5 years old. Then, Little Sprouts at BUMC which is also a full-time program for children from 4 weeks through 5 years of age.

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The students at University of La Verne develop capabilities to assume leadership roles in all facets of the child development field. The courses they offer in the Master’s program can be taken both on campus or online or they can have the combination of the two. Students may select a concentration in early childhood or adolescence and they can also decide to choose a culminating experience focused on either a practitioner or a research track. Even the current educators in elementary or middle and high school are welcome to use the program to enhance their skill and knowledge. 

Acceptance Rate

54.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

SUNY at Purchase College’s degree in child care Training consists of four courses. Each coursework students are provided with broad exposure to essential areas of study in general and child psychology. Hands-on experience shall be expected as it is what practicum offers which happens while working with young children at the Purchase College Children’s Center. Their psychology program gives basic and advanced courses, but regardless of the subject matter, strong emphasis on the use of scientific methodology to pursue knowledge is being taught.

Acceptance Rate

51.51

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Oklahoma State University offers an online degree in Early Child Care and Development. The curriculum of this program was developed by early child care experts from seven universities. They designed it to focus both on ethics and guidelines that are related to early childhood practice. Yet this degree program doesn’t lead to a teacher licensure.

Acceptance Rate

69.98

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Knowing that the impact of education in our society cannot be overstated, Laurel Business Institute strives to make great graduates. Because they believe that it is the educated graduates that can change lives. Their Childcare Education Program is teaching the students the techniques, literacy and math development and the understanding of children with special needs. Because they believe that learning should come alive for all students. 

Acceptance Rate

91.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The Childcare Management degree at Chestnut Hill College strives to equip the students with administrative skills that will be useful in the management of daycare facilities. Students will then be trained on how to work effectively with children. In addition to that, they will also call to mind that creating and maintaining a healthy and safe environment for the young ones is a must. They will also learn how to communicate well with parents and the community.

Acceptance Rate

64.93

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Newberry College’s Teacher Education community aims to educate the next generation. They provide training to each candidate to help them become a highly-qualified teacher that is caring, life-long learner and reflective with the skills and dispositions needed to be able to teach future generations of students. Their efforts were not in vain since their graduates became leaders throughout South Carolina. Until today, their education reaches beyond classroom walls.

Acceptance Rate

62.75

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Deep understanding of growth and learning in children from birth to eight years of age is what you’ll gain when you study childcare and child development at Mills. They will provide you coursework with a strong foundation in theory, research methods and issues faced by children with diverse backgrounds which affects their attitude and behavior. The professors here include an accomplished researcher and Preschool Highschool teachers at their highly rated School of Education. In this School Education, both undergraduate and graduate students engage in several laboratories in conducting investigations. 

Acceptance Rate

75.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro provides a setting for approved research and a laboratory experience for undergraduate and graduate students in child development and childcare related fields. They put effort in facilitating decision-making and problem-solving skills in young children and that is done through a variety of open-ended experiences that allows children to creatively formulate their own ideas. They work hard on providing a warm, nurturing and respectful environment just to show children a good example that will eventually lead them to develop empathy and respect for others and their natural surroundings. UNCG also includes families in the education of their children which is an effective way to encourage their participation. Their center information as to when they are open and where they are located are published on the schools ECE page.

Acceptance Rate

82.46

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The MSE in Early Childhood Education online program in Arkansas State University prioritizes the developmental and educational needs of young children and is for the educators who have a teaching license. Under this program, students will gain a broad perspective on education that spans early childhood. You will be trained to cultivate the ability to create, select and use a variety of assessment and documentation tools. Techniques and methods of research will be taught in this program. You will be expected to acquire skills for the statistical treatment and interpretation of research data. 

Acceptance Rate

79.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The University of Wyoming’s Childcare Education degree offers a Birth to Five Endorsement for qualified students. This is an interdisciplinary program focused on teacher preparation for infants to five years old children. Their curriculum is based upon the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The unique feature of this program is its flexibility to accommodate undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students who work in early-childhood-education-related fields.

Acceptance Rate

95.96

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Rhode Island College offers a leading Institute of Childcare and Early Learning Center.  This shall provide opportunities and pathways for those who are currently working in the field of early childhood education for completion of their bachelor’s degree in one of two areas of study. The areas of study available are Early Childhood Learning, and Early Childhood Education Concentration Birth-5. They aim to put childcare workers on track to bachelor’s degrees and gainful employment in the critical field of ECE.

Acceptance Rate

78.39

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The childcare curriculum at Siena Heights covers the growth and development of children from infant to toddler, pre-primary and primary. Their program maintains a balance in educational theory and practical experience. Students get the chance to observe and work with children in schools and child development centers regularly. Aside from establishing quality programs for young children and their families, it is also Siena height’s mission to prepare competent and ethical childcare workers and educators. 

Acceptance Rate

73.4

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Southeast Missouri State University offers an online degree Child Care and Guidance. This program motivates their students to become the driving force for quality child care. Students here learn how to create and maintain a healthy learning environment for young children. They are also dedicated in providing a solid foundation to their students so they’ll pursue a bachelor’s degree in child development.

Acceptance Rate

86.19

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill offers an Early Childcare degree. The courses available are hands-on and allows the students to hone skills and develop dispositions that are needed for the field. Their faculty are experts and are involved in professional organizations. They also have up-to-date research and practices in the field. During the first semester, students will receive meaningful assignments which allows them to explore the wide field of early childhood then consider a career path.

Acceptance Rate

53.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

To those interested in a career in an early childhood setting that doesn’t need public school certification, then Child Development major is designed for you. This major will provide you general education and early childhood courses which will shape your abilities to establish and maintain your own daycare center. In addition to that, the background needed for a career in commercial or non-profit childcare initiatives and start programs will be given to you. As a CMU Child Development major, you will be given the opportunities to obtain the educational background desired by employers in this field. It is also a good thing that you’ll receive the preparation needed to earn an advanced degree.

Acceptance Rate

93.23

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

On August 31, 2015, The University of Texas-Pan American became the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. They offer a program in Master of Education in Early Childcare Education. This degree program is for professionals who want to develop expertise in early language and literacy development and theory. The primary goal of the program is to advocate for the quality early education of children that comes from diverse backgrounds.

Acceptance Rate

80.16

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

If you are one of the people who likes to be around young children, when you take Early Childhood Education, you won’t feel like working anymore, it becomes a labor of love. The Early Childcare Education degree at Ferris will help you be more effective in this career. It will teach you a broad spectrum of courses and extensive hands-on experiences. Some of the things the students will get familiar with are, education of children and study of early childhood development. You will be advised to complete education courses like English, Mathematics, Humanities and Sociology. After that, you surely will have a broad educational background.

Acceptance Rate

86.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

SUNY College of Technology at Canton offers Early Childcare Studies Associate of Science Degree.  This involves students in a course of study that combines theory and practice. They developed a challenging curriculum that is designed to promote the value of early childhood studies as well as the early care profession. It is a rigorous program that let the students gain teaching experiences. 

Acceptance Rate

84.62

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Youngstown State University offers Early Childcare Education and Early Childhood Intervention Specialist program.  This program is designed to help you learn how to shape the little minds so that it can build big dreams. This major can help you start that journey. Their primary goal is to produce excellent early childhood educators.

Acceptance Rate

67.39

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus offers an online degree in Early Childcare Education  with an emphasis in Birth to PreK.  This is a non-licensure program that provides practical learning. The courses will be taught by faculty that gained actual, in-classroom experience both in private and public early childhood education. You can expect that the program covers learning that are needed for career goals in early intervention, home daycare, Head Start, and private preschools.

Acceptance Rate

58.25

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Bachelor of Arts in Childcare Education degree is offered at Limestone College. This provides a dynamic teacher preparation which leads to a fulfilling career working with children in Pre-K through 3rd grade. The objective of this program is to hone prospective early childhood candidates with theoretical knowledge. Candidates that are able to develop awareness of the content needed in teaching young children. Students here will have the opportunity to gain teaching experiences.

Acceptance Rate

50.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Morrisville State College developed a program that is designed for people who love working with children and aspire to contribute to their success in the first years of their education. AAS in Early Childcare program prepares individuals to work with the identified needs of area child care as well as child and family development organizations. They manifest a firm foundation in the liberal arts. They tailored their well-rounded course load to cover theories of assessment, education, activities in the arts, and much more.

Acceptance Rate

74.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Mayville State University’s Childcare and Development degree program aims to provide the children with the opportunities for comprehensive developmental through developmentally appropriate practice. They recognize the value and support of parents to children since they are the first and primary teacher. Students under this program will receive the chance for leadership and direct experiences in developmentally appropriate classrooms provided. This program empowers children, students, families, volunteers, and staff by putting effort on an aim to improve their life.

Acceptance Rate

70.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Child Care Administration Degree program at Manor College offers hands-on learning and individualized focus. These strategies are proven effective in helping students and current educators hone the necessary skills that lead to high-quality child care programs. The program has a strong base in Early Childhood Education added with administrative coursework. The program will give emphasis to the value of advocacy work and facilitate a clear understanding of current issues and trends related to early childhood education.

Acceptance Rate

85.55

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Learning Objectives of Child Care Professionals

Throughout the course of a day, a child care professional may engage in a number of activities that may include reading books, playing outside, teaching yoga, preparing meals, recording activities, organizing the classroom, managing circle time, and writing lesson plans. Regardless of the daily requirements of the school and the emotional undulations of children, child care professionals generally agree on a few basic tenants. The overarching goal of a child care training course is to help ensure each child has what they need to engage, learn, grow, and develop in age-appropriate means. Regardless of teaching philosophy, a care professional invests time in the lives of children with the right training to help them in the following ways:

1. Grow Strong & Healthy

Books upon books have been written about health and living a healthy lifestyle starting at a young age. When children jump, run, roll, throw, catch, or swing children are building muscles and establishing positive lifestyle patterns early. Physical play improves strength, endurance, balance, and self-esteem.

2. Provide Meaning & Purpose

Child care training courses allow professionals help to provide children meaning and purpose in the world around them. Games help children learn what words mean, like top, go, faster, or slower. They learn to collect and use information from sources around them and discover how things feel and taste. Children learn about art, science, math, music, nature, animals, and people in significant ways when they engage freely.

3. Develop Interpersonal Skills

Formal childcare training teaches us those specific areas should be a safe medium to help children learn about other people as well as about themselves. While playing and engaging together, children will learn to take turns, share, listen, talk, follow rules, lead, follow, and talk about their wants & needs.

4. Grow Self Efficacy

Learning and doing helps children grow in a way that helps them feel good about themselves. Science has proven time and time again that it is easier to learn when we are relaxed. Even when a task is challenging, children are excited when they discover that they can control their bodies and actions. Child care professions should offer children an unending wellspring of potential success opportunities.

5. Create Long-Lasting Positive Life Skills

Play is important because it is practice for being a grown-up. Children at play learn to pay attention for elongated periods of time and tend to stick with a job for longer periods of time. They learn to face problems and solve them in creative ways. Play helps them learn what is right and wrong. They learn to be good sports, great collaborators, exude honesty, and become trustworthy. Children develop their imagination when they play. They learn to follow directions. All these skills will be important as children age and mature towards adulthood.

What is Taught in Child Care?

Plenty is taught in care. Teachers and classroom assistants are geared to provide a safe, nurturing environment with a pedagogical purpose while in care. This notion in and of itself tips the notion of daycare on its head as learning and developing is the cornerstone of child care. Consider play as a pedagogy as postulated by Jean Piaget. To an adult it seems pretty basic, however most children go through a process when playing which include a combination of the following:

Anticipation: waiting with expectation, wonderment, curiosity, perhaps a little anxiety if a nominal amount of risk is involved, which leads to

Surprise: the unexpected, a new sensation, unique discovery, idea or shift in understanding, which produces

Pleasure: a positive feeling about the preceding activity. Next, we have understanding: a new understanding of something, knowledge, synthesizing concepts, and ideation which leads to

Strength: a mastery that flows from constructive experiences, grasping new elements of the world, power that comes from self-discovery and self-mastery, which ultimately leads to

Poise: composure, grace, and a sense of balance in life. Scott Eberles diagrams this process in the shape of a wheel, once a person arrives at poise, they are ready (mature) to move on to a new source of anticipation and beginning the journey anew.

What Types of Play Exist in Child Care?

Many types of learning modalities exist within care with the most popular being play. Play may be simplified to only mean free play, but a world of development exists just below the surface in child care training. In fact, there are many different types of play that benefit children of all ages. Examples of play in a childcaretraining setting include:

Fetal Play - Starting as a fetus, neural circuits are taking shape to help determine brain patters for years to come. The seemingly random movements are derived from our central nervous system as a means of establishing vital connections between the brain and limbs.

Bonding Play - Long gazes will undoubtedly turn into a smile on babys face and the parent will reply in kind with a burst of emotion and return the smile creating a harmonic, relational intimacy known as synchronized neural activity.

Movement & Body Play - Play-based enjoyment associated with body movements, rhythmic early speech, loco-motor activity, and rational events are done for their own sake as they are both pleasurable and internally derived. At the same time, they actively sculpt the brain.

Object Play Children of all backgrounds find immense pleasure in the physical part of play such as assembling a puzzle, throwing a football, kicking a soccer ball. It is through object play we help craft a brain ideally suited to understand and solve problems dynamic problems of all types later in life.

Imaginative or Dramatic Play - It has been said that imaginative play is one of the most powerful abilities a human possesses. It is a means of allowing a person access to a simulated situation or event we can explore without giving up access to the real world. Throughout life, imagination remains a pillar to creatively solving problems, emotional resilience, and innovation.

Social Play - Humans are social beings and play acts as the fuel for the social engine. It is play that allows us, as a society, to properly function and individual relationships to flow seamlessly through time and space again and again. Social play can be parsed into friendship play, parallel play, mutual play, contact play, ritual play, mental play, narrative play, and creative play.

Guided or Structured Play - This type of play actively engages children in seemingly spontaneous and/or child-directed, pleasurable activities that promote academic exploration and learning. Embedded within this free-flowing exploration, the teacher has specific learning goals they will achieve by subtly directing or guiding. The key element within the guided play methodology is in the teachers ability to integrate each childs prior knowledge and experience into a meaningful context all the while expanding on the existing foundation through the aforementioned exploration and question-and-answer exchanges.

Child Care Training Courses

A degree in child care prepares individuals to care for and assist children in preschool and kindergarten. Childcare training is often taken as an associate program, providing skills and education in regard to working with children. Results of childcare training helps teachers to be more attentive, innovative, careful, and energetic. An associate degree in child care takes between 1 and 3 years to complete depending on credits taken per semester.

A curriculum in child care training may include:

  • Child Abuse Recognition Training
  • Special Needs Children
  • Abuse Recognition Training
  • First Aid Training
  • In-Service Training Hours
  • Safety and Care of Young Learners
  • Educational Technology
  • Child Care Resource Training
  • State Training CDA
  • Emotional Regulation Training
  • Neglect Recognition Training
  • Nutrition Training
  • Child Development
  • CPR Training & Certification

Due to the variance in requirements from state to state in regard to working with children, you should research your state's requirements. If such requirements are in place, cross check them with their intended child care training program of study to see if it complies with state standards.

Early Childhood Education Learning Course

Care positions in ECE do not necessarily require any formal education beyond a high school diploma or GED for most states. However, minimum training requirements are a must depending on your local training requirements and state guidance. When seeking employment an individual should review their state's training requirements as some states require a license while others have no employment requirements at all. Regardless of state training requirements, it is important to note that child care providers are increasingly looking for individuals with some sort of formal training or education, preferably in children's care training or early childhood education.

Child care specialists typically work in:

  • Preschools
  • Child Care Center
  • Home Child Care
  • Kindergarten Classrooms
  • Day Care Centers
  • After School Centers
  • Church Based Child Supervision Programs

Featured: Washington State Early Learning Courses

Washington State Department of Early Learning is now part of DCYF. This new department is responsible for managing early childhood education, children's care, safety, neglect, abuse, training, and learning. Learn more about the services and training offered by DCYF here.

Jobs and Salary in Early Childhood Education

As job growth increases demand and available positions, the desire for qualified individuals is expected to increase in this field, resulting in a demand for more education when considering hiring of an individual. The average salary of a child care specialist is approximately $28,790 per year according to the BLS. Salary can expect to increase with experience and continued education. Individuals interested in a degree in child care may also be interested in elementary education, teacher assistant, and preschool teacher.

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