A degree in Child Development can lead to a wide range of working careers with children, families, schools, and communities. Career opportunities extend beyond the classroom and may include teaching program leadership, family support, special education, social services, advocacy, and other helping professions.
Depending on the position, students may enter the workforce with a certificate or associate degree or continue their education toward a bachelor's, master's, or professional degree.
Careers in Early Childhood Education and Teaching
Build the foundation for children's learning and development in educational settings.
- Infant and Toddler Teacher
- Preschool Teacher
- Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Teacher*
- Early Childhood Special Education Teacher*
- Elementary School Teacher*
- Classroom Instructional Aide or Paraeducator
- Early Intervention Assistant or Specialist*
- After-School or Expanded Learning Program Educator
- Child Development Center Teacher
- Family Child Care Provider
Careers in Program Leadership and Administration
Lead programs that serve children, families, and communities.
- Child Development Center Director
- Preschool or Early Childhood Program Administrator
- Site Supervisor
- Family Child Care Owner/Operator
- Child Care Center Owner/Operator
- Expanded Learning or After-School Program Coordinator
- Early Childhood Education Program Manager
- Educator or Curriculum Coordinator
- Early Childhood Coach or Mentor*
Careers in Family and Community Support
Partner with families to strengthen children's development, learning, and well-being.
- Family Support Specialist
- Parent or Family Educator
- Childbirth Educator*
- Home Visitor
- Family Resource Specialist
- Community Outreach Coordinator
- Child and Family Advocate
- Foster Family Agency or Foster Care Support Professional
- Nanny or Professional Caregiver
- Child Life Specialist*
- Family Services Case Worker *
Careers in Special Education, Behavioral and Developmental Support
Support children with diverse developmental, learning, and physical needs.
- Special Education Paraeducator
- Early Intervention Specialist*
- Behavior Interventionist
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)**
- Developmental Specialist*
- Inclusion Support Specialist
- Early Childhood Special Education Teacher*
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Professional*
- Occupational Therapy Assistant or Occupational Therapist*
- Speech-Language Pathology Assistant or Speech-Language Pathologist*
Careers in Social Services and Child Advocacy
Work with children and families experiencing challenging circumstances or needing additional support.
- Child Welfare or Family Services Worker*
- Social Worker*
- Foster Care or Adoption Services Specialist*
- Youth Services Worker
- Residential or Group Home Counselor
- Child and Family Advocate
- Community Services Coordinator
- Family Resource Center Specialist
- Child Abuse, Prevention, or Family Strengthening Program Specialist
Careers in Higher Education, Training, and Research
Continue your education and help prepare the next generation of educators and child development professionals.
- High School Child Development or Career Technical Education (CTE) Teacher*
- Community College Child Development / Early Childhood Education Instructor*
- University Faculty Member or Researcher*
- Early Childhood Education Trainer
- Professional Development Specialist
- Early Childhood Education Coach or Consultant*
- Child Development Research Assistant
- Program Evaluator or Researcher*
* These careers typically require additional education, credentials, certification, or licensure beyond an associate degree.
** RBT certification has additional training, competency assessment, and examination requirements.