Child development refers to the biological, psychological, and emotional changes that occur in children as they grow from infancy to adolescence. It involves the progressive acquisition of skills, knowledge, and behaviors that enable children to navigate and interact with their environment. Child development can be broadly categorized into different domains: Physical Development: This domain encompasses the physical changes and milestones children go through, such as growth in height and weight, motor skills development (e.g., crawling, walking), and the maturation of sensory abilities. Cognitive Development: Cognitive development refers to the intellectual and thinking abilities of children. It includes processes such as attention, memory, language acquisition, problem-solving, logical reasoning, and conceptual understanding. Social and Emotional Development: Social and emotional development involves the formation of relationships, understanding and expressing emotions, developing empathy, self-awareness, and social skills. It encompasses the child's ability to interact with others, establish friendships, and regulate their emotions. Language and Communication Development: Language development involves the acquisition of spoken and written language skills. It includes understanding and producing sounds, vocabulary growth, grammar, and communication skills necessary for effective expression and comprehension. Moral and Ethical Development: Moral and ethical development pertains to the child's understanding of right and wrong, their sense of empathy, and the development of values and ethical reasoning. This domain is influenced by cultural, societal, and familial factors. Child development is influenced by a variety of factors, including genetic predispositions, environmental factors, social interactions, parenting styles, educational opportunities, and cultural influences. It is a dynamic and ongoing process that unfolds at an individual pace and can be influenced by both positive and negative experiences. Understanding child development is essential for parents, educators, caregivers, and professionals working with children. It helps inform appropriate expectations, interventions, and support to facilitate healthy growth and development.

1. Careers in Child
Development
Exploring Employment
Opportunities

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Human Services
Principles of
Human Services
Lifetime
Nutrition and
Wellness
Dollars and
Sense
Interpersonal
Studies
Child
Development
Family and
Community
Services
Introduction to
Cosmetology
(may be added to
any sequence)
Counseling and
Mental Health
Child Guidance Cosmetology I
Cosmetology II
Practicum in
Human
Services

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Career Cluster
> Human Services
> Programs of Study/Career Pathways
• Consumer Services
• Counseling & Mental Health Services
• Early Childhood Development & Services
• Family & Community Services
• Personal Care Services

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Goals
> Something to work for
> Clear ideas, plans, or purposes
> Dreams
> Vision
> Short term
> Long term

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Long Term vs. Short TermGoals

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Interests, Aptitudes, and Abilities
In selecting a career, keep in mind:
> what do you like to do
> your natural abilities or talents
> what you know how to do well

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Employment
> Job growth will increase by 20%
between 2010 and 2020
> Parents will need childcare while
they work
> Demand for childcare workers is
expected to grow

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Basic Requirements
> Vary from state to state
> Minimum of a high school
diploma
> Experience
> Continued education preferred

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Education and Training
Begin in High School and enroll in:
> Principles of Human Services
> Child Development
> Counseling and Mental Health
> Practicum in Human Services

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Certificate Programs
Available:
> Child Development Associate
(CDA)
> Child Care Professional (CCP)
> Texas Director’s Certificate
> Online College Credit Eligible
CDA Certificate
Involve:
> coursework
> observations
> hands-on activities
> safety and sanitation
> work experience

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Associate’s Degree Programs
> Offered by many colleges and
universities
> Associate Degrees available in:
• Child Development
• Social Work
> Completed in two years
> Offer hands-on practice

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Bachelor’s Degree Programs
> Required preparation for
professional jobs
> Usually take 4 years to complete
> Bachelor’s Degrees available in:
• Elementary education
• Secondary education
• Postsecondary education
> Require observations
> Student teaching

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Entry-Level Training
> Part-time, entry-level job
> Basic training and experience
> On the job training
> Offer flexible hours
> Often work around school
schedule

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Employability Skills Needed
> Communication and teamwork
> Positive attitude
> Willingness to learn
> Technology skills
> Math skills
> Analyzing and problem solving skills
> First Aid and CPR preferred

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Continued Education
> Learning does not stop after completing a program
> You must keep up with current rules and regulations in the industry
> Continue updating your skills:
• additional certificate programs
• conferences
• educational opportunities
• meetings
• seminars
• webinars

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Entrepreneurship Opportunities
Advantages
> Ownership
> Job satisfaction
> Earning potential
Disadvantages
> Financial risk
> Competition
> No guarantees

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Obtaining Employment
> Professional employment portfolio
• Resume
• Certifications
• Record of skills attained
• Letters of reference
> Make sure to accurately complete the job application
> Practice interview skills

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Maintaining Employment
Once you have secured employment, be sure to:
> arrive to work on time
> work responsibly
> work safely
> respect the business
> maintain a positive attitude
> complete your assigned tasks

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Terminating Employment
If you must quit your job, be sure to follow these steps:
> Provide employer with at least two weeks notice
> Provide employer with a written letter of resignation which should
include:
• reason for leaving
• statement thanking employer for experience
• your offer to train new employee

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Careers in Child Development
> Adult Literacy and GED Teachers
> Career and Technical Education
Teachers
> Childcare Workers
> Dieticians and Nutritionists
> Fitness Trainers and Instructors
> Health Educators
> High School Teachers
> Kindergarten and Elementary
School Teachers
> Librarians
> Library Technicians and Assistants
> Mental Health Counselors and
Marriage and Family Therapist
> Middle School Teachers
> Occupational Therapists
> Preschool and Childcare Center
Directors
> Preschool Teacher
> Psychiatric Technicians and Aides

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Careers in Child Development
> Psychologists
> Recreational Therapists
> School and Career Counselors
> Social Workers
> Special Education Teachers
> Speech Language Pathologists
> Teacher Assistants
> Substance Abuse and Behavior Disorders Counselors

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Questions

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References/Resources
Textbook:
> Sasse, Connie. Families Today. 4th. Peoria: McGraw-Hill , 2004. 125-137.
Websites:
> Association for Childhood Education International
Each child possesses a unique set of gifts and talents. Educators and others invested in the
education of children should value each child as a unique and special individual.
http://www.acei.org
> Bureau of Labor Statistics
Exploring career information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics http://www.bls.gov/k12/
> National Association for the Education of Young Children
Provide resources for Early Childhood Professionals to improve their practice through
professional development, allowing them to grow in the field. http://www.naeyc.org

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References/Resources
> Child Welfare League of America
CWLA is a powerful coalition of hundreds of private and public agencies serving vulnerable
children and families since 1920. Their expertise, leadership and innovation on policies,
programs, and practices help improve the lives of millions of children in all 50 states.
http://www.cwla.org
> Occupational Outlook Handbook
The nation’s premier source for career information http://bls.gov/ooh/
> Professionalism
An article conveying no matter the industry – from customer service to an office job to
construction and the trades – all of these jobs have one thing in common: in order to succeed
and move ahead, you need to demonstrate professionalism-page 114.
http://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/youth/softskills/Professionalism.pdf

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References/Resources
> TexasCARES
This website includes a self assessment, skills transferability, exploring work, career clusters
and occupation information. http://www.texascareercheck.com/
> The Occupational Outlook Handbook Teacher’s Guide
To assist the students with their career search.
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/About/Teachers-Guide.htm