I love kids, what are careers that involve kids?

Hi Celinda!

Early Childhood Education:

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  Current students who want to become early childhood educators need to ensure that their prospective college offers the proper programs. These programs are often tied to a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education, while some students may even get their Master’s.
  Some schools offer specific programs that will only coach prospective teachers into working for nursery and kindergarten programs, while others will offer a broader education. Depending on your desired careers, you must choose the right program.

  
  


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  Degrees in early childhood education typically cover various topics in infant and childhood development as well as effective instructional strategies. Find out about the requirements of these programs, and learn about career options, job growth and salary info for early childhood education graduates. With an associate degree in early childhood education, individuals may find themselves prepared to work as teacher's assistants or preschool teachers. With a bachelor's degree and student teaching experience, an individual may be qualified for a K-3 teaching job.

  
  


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  Preschool teachers must be licensed; however, the BLS reports that licensure requirements may vary by state. The Council for Professional Recognition offers the Child Development Associate credential for multiple settings and age levels, including preschool and infants (www.cdacouncil.org). CDA applicants must have 120 hours of training in early childhood education and 480 hours of professional experience. Additionally, applicants must show proof of formal observation in a classroom within the previous six months. Applicants must also pay a fee and complete a verification visit with a representative of the council. CDAs must recertify every three years.

  
  


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  Teacher's assistants work with a classroom teacher to ensure that the teacher has enough time for lesson planning and that children who need additional support receive individualized attention. Teacher assistants may help record grades, keep attendance records or manage classroom supplies. Some teacher's assistants work in non-academic settings, monitoring children during play or meal times. There are no set postsecondary degree requirements for teaching assistants, although the BLS notes that at least two years of college or early childhood education courses may help an aspiring teacher's assistant find a position. In an associate's degree program in early childhood education, students learn to work with at-risk children and to teach movement, music and art.

  
  


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  Elementary school teachers typically teach grades K-5. They usually work with a single classroom of children in one grade level, although some elementary teachers specialize in a single subject, such as music, and teach multiple classes, according to the BLS. In addition to their teaching duties, teachers monitor student performance and development, create lesson plans and communicate with parents. Elementary school teachers must have at least a bachelor's degree and those teaching in public schools must be licensed by their state.

  
  

In: http://www.early-childhood-education-degrees.com/
http://study.com/articles/Jobs_in_Early_Childhood_Education_Career_Options_and_Requirements.html

Have a great career!!

Hello Celinda, Teacher, nurse, pediatrician are all great jobs working with kids.

Other types of jobs that people may not first think of, but there is a great need for more:

Speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists also work with kids. I would suggest google-ing these professions or looking them up on youtube. I know there are some great videos on how occupational therapists work with kids. I love what I do! Hope this helps, let me know if you have any further questions. Take care!

Bailey

Many colleges provide incredible teaching programs. A few of the best in the nation are Johns Hopkins University, NYU, and UConn

Teaching involves a number of different skills and qualities. I would say the most important are:

1. People skills - being friendly and working well with others. You will need to be personable, caring, kind, friendly, compassionate, and understanding. These qualities make a great teacher. But you also need to be stern and firm in your directions, rules, and discipline
2. Public speaking - every day in your class you will need to be able to speak and present information to your students, practice speech, and practice fluency of language and talking in front of others
3. The subject you plan to teach - become a master of the subject you plan to teach, make sure you know as much as possible and learn as much as you can about the subject you plan to teach. Take as many classes as possible in this subject and learn everything you can about it.
4. Psychology & Human Development - start reading books and research articles on human development and psych. It will be helpful for you to know how people learn at different stages and the best ways to teach them at these stages (depending on stage of development and schema).

Hi Celinda
Great question. Some careers that come to mind are Pediatrician, youth or camp counselor, Social Worker and a sports coach. All of those careers can be very rewarding both professionally and personally.

I hope this helps!