A child development degree trains students to support children and young learners as they grow. With a degree in child development, professionals can pursue careers as preschool directors, child life specialists, and kindergarten teachers.
Earning a child development degree generally takes four years of full-time study. Learners typically study topics like infant and toddler development, atypical child development, and early childhood education.
Our list ranks the best online child development programs for 2021. Prospective students can use these rankings to find the right for their career goals. This article also introduces career paths for graduates with a child development degree, common courses for child development majors, and scholarship opportunities.
Average Yearly Salary for Childcare Workers by state
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Top 25 Online Bachelor's Programs in Child Development 2021
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What Can I Do With a Child Development Degree?
Child development professionals must understand how infants, toddlers, and young children develop emotionally and mentally. They help children gain new skills, work through challenges, and overcome obstacles.
Training in child development leads to careers in early childhood education and childcare. For example, graduates can work as preschool teachers who help children build developmentally appropriate skills. They can also work as preschool and childcare center directors, making curriculum decisions for young learners.
A child development degree also prepares graduates for careers in social services and healthcare. Many child development jobs require a bachelor's degree. Earning a bachelor's in child development helps current childcare professionals advance their careers.
Average Yearly Salary for Childcare Workers by State
Accreditation for a Child Development Degree
Prospective students should always check a school's accreditation status before applying. Accredited schools meet high standards for educating students and granting degrees. To earn accreditation, colleges and universities must submit to a comprehensive review from an independent accrediting agency. Schools that follow the best practices as demonstrated by their student learning outcomes, faculty qualifications, and graduation requirements can receive accreditation.
Accreditation benefits students in important ways. For instance, only students at accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire candidates with an accredited degree, and many schools only accept degrees and transfer credits from accredited institutions.
Programs within a school may also hold accreditation. For example, the National Association for the Education of Young Children grants accreditation to child development programs. Students can verify a school or program's accreditation status through the U.S. Department of Education database.
What Are the Requirements for a Child Development Degree?
Prospective child development majors often must meet certain requirements before joining their program. For example, most colleges and universities require a high school diploma or the equivalent and SAT or ACT scores. After gaining admission, undergraduates may need to take prerequisite courses before declaring their major.
The requirements to graduate with a child development degree vary by program. In general, students must typically earn around 120 credits. Some programs incorporate a capstone project or practicum that provides professional experience.
Courses in a Child Development Program
Courses in a child development program build research, observational, and analytical skills. Students develop these skills through lectures, projects, and hands-on learning requirements.
During a child development degree, undergraduates typically take courses on topics like infant and toddler development, early childhood education, and atypical child development. Some programs let majors specialize their degree by choosing electives in areas like neuroscience, education, and psychology.
While specific courses vary by program, many child development programs include the courses below.
Introduction to Child Development A degree in child development often begins with an introductory course, which provides an overview of the field and the major. Degree-seekers study the history of child development as a field, typical stages of child development, and the research tools scholars use to understand development. They also examine the role of observation and teaching in child development. The course prepares undergrads for advanced coursework in their major.
Infant and Toddler Development Enrollees examine growth and development in the first three years of life. The course incorporates research, child observations, and early education practices to understand infant and toddler development. In addition to examining physical health, the course may also explore mental health and emotional attachments in the earliest years of life. The class prepares graduates for careers working with infants and toddlers.
Early Childhood Development Learners explore various types of early childhood programs and theoretical approaches to early childhood education. Coursework covers the student assessment process, observation skills, and educator tools for working with children of different ages. Students also learn about trends in the field and issues facing early childhood educators. The class provides foundational training for child development majors interested in early childhood education careers.
Curriculum for Young Children Students learn about the appropriate practices for building a curriculum. They learn to connect curricular material to child development, use student observations to revise the curriculum, and draw on early learning theories to create a curriculum. Learners also explore developmentally appropriate curriculum guidelines. The course prepares child development majors for leadership roles in the field.
Atypical Child Development Learners explore the typical human development sequence in terms of motor, cognitive, social/emotional, and language skills. The course then examines deviations from typical development. Topics may include the developmental sequences of disabilities such as autism. The course prepares graduates to work with children with disabilities.
Certifications and Licensure for Child Development Majors
Depending on their career goals, child development majors may need a certification or license. For example, those who work in early childhood education can pursue teacher certification or the child development associate credential. Professional certifications and licenses can help candidates stand out in the job market.
Childcare License
Child Development Associate
Early Childhood Teacher Certification
Psychological Development of Children During the Pandemic
When the COVID-19 pandemic sent countries across the globe into a lockdown over a year ago, it also upended life for millions of people. For children, the abrupt end to regular routines – like attending school, extracurricular activities, and even seeing friends – was particularly destabilizing. Already living in a world that can feel out of their control, children are particularly reliant on schedules and habits to give their lives order and meaning.
Mary Alvord, a children's psychologist, says that since the start of the pandemic, she's seen a drastic increase in the number of children dealing with anxiety. While covid might be sparing our children's physical health, it's not sparing their mental health.
And, even as vaccines begin to allow us a return to "normal" life, the anxieties and stressors felt by our nation's children don't seem to be fading away. While returning to the classroom and outside activities is a positive, the extended time we've spent in isolation means that this return is, in many cases, now tinged with separation and social anxieties. While we may finally be getting a grip on this global pandemic, the increased need for mental health professionals who specialize in children remains high.
Child Psychology Supply and Demand
Prior to the pandemic, the country was already in the midst of a child psychiatrist crisis. According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, there were about 8,300 practicing child and adolescent psychiatrists and about 15 million children and young adults who needed help as of 2019. Since that time, the pandemic has dramatically increased the number of children and adolescents in need, but not the number of qualified, practicing professionals. This is a better time than ever to enter the field of child psychology and truly make a difference, which is why we've compiled a list of the best and most affordable psychology programs.
Starting therapy at an early age is one of the best approaches to help at-risk children. The AACAP reports that about 50% of lifetime cases of mental illness have begun by the age of 14. And, nearly 1 in 5 kids will deal with a mental, emotional, or behavioral issue in a given year. In these cases, therapy is not a luxury, but necessary, to help ensure our kids are primed to become happy, well-adjusted members of society.
What Do Child Psychologists Do?
Prospective counselors will help young children and teens work through feelings like anger, anxiety, and sadness through play, like the Mad Game developed by Patricia Davidson, or talk, like positive postings developed by Jacqueline Melissa Swank. They can help their clients develop positive coping mechanisms and adjust harmful behaviors. Many in the field describe the job as necessary and rewarding, emphasizing its positive long-term, even generational, effects over the occasionally stressful day-to-day.
Conclusion
Children haven't yet fully developed socially or emotionally, which likely means the effects of the pandemic will be much different for them than they would be for the average adult. We have to be prepared to offer the help our kids may need to deal with the fallout, which begins with an increase in the number of licensed child psychologists available to provide this assistance.
Professional Organizations for Child Development Majors
Researching professional organizations can help child development majors build their professional network and prepare for the job market. These organizations offer networking opportunities, professional development resources, and career support. Many organizations also host job boards that list openings in the field. Students, early career professionals, and experienced child development professionals can all benefit from professional organizations.
Scholarships for Child Development Students
Child development students qualify for many scholarships. Professional associations, private foundations, and government agencies award scholarships to child development and early childhood education majors. In addition to the following scholarships, degree-seekers can look for opportunities based on factors like their school, state, or career goals.
NAEYC Lasting Legacy Scholarship
Who Can Apply: This scholarship supports preschool administrators and teachers. The Diane Trister Dodge Award funds bachelor's students in early childhood education who plan to work in the education field.
Amount: Varies
Montessori Teacher Education Scholarships
Who Can Apply: The American Montessori Society awards scholarships to support future Montessori teachers. Applicants must attend an AMS-affiliated program at the infant and toddler, early childhood, elementary, or secondary level. The committee considers applicants based on financial need, a personal statement, and three recommendation letters.
Amount: Varies
Mister Rogers Memorial Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Seniors in child development or early childhood education programs can apply. Applicants must attend an accredited school with the goal of working in children's media. Applicants must submit a detailed plan of how they plan to use the scholarship funds.
Amount: Varies
Kentucky Early Childhood Development Scholarship
Who Can Apply: College students in Kentucky qualify for this early childhood development scholarship. Applicants must be child development or early childhood education majors, Kentucky residents, and employed at least 20 hours per week in an early childhood facility or preschool. Recipients must agree to a service commitment after completing their degree.
Amount: Up to $1,800
Educational Advancement Foundation Scholarships
Who Can Apply: A scholarship offered by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation, this award supports full-time undergraduate students. Applicants must attend an accredited school, demonstrate a minimum 3.0 GPA, and complete at least one year of college before applying. The scholarship also looks for evidence of community service and involvement.
Amount: Varies
