If you're great with children, are considering a career change and would like to help the next generation in your professional life, you'll be able to choose from a number of careers that involve working closely with kids. Some require a great deal of education and training, while others can be done with less than a high school diploma.
Child and family social workers protect vulnerable children from neglect and abuse. They help at-risk families find services such as childcare and offer advice on benefits and parenting skills. Some social workers are charged with removing children from dangerous environments and helping arrange adoptions or foster care. School social workers get involved with students and their families to deal with problems such as aggressive behavior, bullying or frequent absences from school. Demand for social workers was expected to grow by 25 percent between 2010 and 2020, faster than the 14 percent average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Social workers typically need at least a bachelor's degree to enter the profession.
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers typically teach children until they hit fourth or fifth grade, although some schools include sixth, seventh and eighth grades in their elementary schools. Those who teach in public schools must have at least a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a state-issued certification or license. While the majority of kindergarten and elementary school teachers work the traditional 10-month school year, some teach special programs over the summer months. The BLS forecasts that employment of kindergarten and elementary school teachers would grow by 17 percent between 2010 and 2020.
Childcare workers who care for children while their parents are working or otherwise unavailable spend their professional lives either in formal childcare centers or homes. The former typically work with preschool teachers and teaching assistants to help children through a structured curriculum, while the latter may be charged with responsibilities such as shopping and cleaning, as well as childcare. Demand for childcare workers was expected to grow by 20 percent between 2010 and 2020, according to the BLS. Childcare education and training requirements vary from less than a high school diploma to the achievement of a non-degree post-secondary certification.
School psychologists fulfill a similar role to school social workers, but apply psychological principles and techniques to education-related issues. The BLS advises they may "address students’ learning and behavioral problems, evaluate students’ performances and counsel students and families." As part of their work, they consult with other school professionals to suggest improvements to teaching, learning and administrative practices. Employment of clinical, counseling and school psychologists was forecast by the BLS to rise by 22 percent between 2010 and 2020. Psychologists need a master’s, specialist or doctoral degree in psychology and a state license or certification to practice.
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