3 answers
Devonna
Student
Culpeper, Virginia
1
Question
Asked
1209 views
What's the proper major for someone who wants to own and run a daycare centered mental health ?
I want to work closely with newborns and babies, but I also love the idea of having my own psychology practice within my daycare. I'm not sure where to start.
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3 answers
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
521
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Creating a daycare center with a focus on mental health and incorporating a psychology practice is a unique and valuable concept. To prepare for this specialized field, you can pursue a combination of education and experience. Here's a recommended path:
1. **Bachelor's Degree in Psychology or Early Childhood Education:**
- Start with a bachelor's degree in psychology or early childhood education (or a related field). These programs will provide you with a solid foundation in either child development or psychology, both of which are crucial for your future daycare center.
2. **Gain Experience in Childcare:**
- While pursuing your bachelor's degree, gain hands-on experience by working in childcare centers, nurseries, or as a nanny. This will help you understand the practical aspects of caring for infants and young children.
3. **Graduate Education in Psychology:**
- After completing your undergraduate degree, consider pursuing a master's or doctoral degree in psychology. Specialize in a branch of psychology relevant to children, such as child psychology, developmental psychology, or clinical psychology.
4. **Licensing and Certification:**
- Obtain the necessary licenses and certifications to practice psychology in your area. This typically involves passing state licensing exams and fulfilling supervised clinical hours.
5. **Legal Requirements for Daycare:**
- Research the legal requirements for starting and operating a daycare center in your location. There may be licensing, certification, and safety standards to meet.
6. **Integration of Mental Health Services:**
- Design your daycare center to incorporate mental health services seamlessly. This could involve hiring licensed psychologists or counselors to work on-site, implementing age-appropriate mental health programs, and creating a supportive environment for children's emotional well-being.
7. **Business Skills:**
- Develop strong business and management skills, as you'll be running your daycare center and psychology practice simultaneously. Consider taking courses or seeking mentorship in business management.
8. **Networking and Collaboration:**
- Build connections within the mental health and early childhood education communities. Collaborate with local mental health professionals, pediatricians, and other experts to create a holistic approach to child development and mental health support.
9. **Continuous Learning:**
- Stay updated with the latest research and practices in both child development and psychology. Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences relevant to your field.
10. **Legal and Ethical Considerations:**
- Familiarize yourself with ethical guidelines and legal responsibilities for working with children, especially in a healthcare and educational context.
Combining your passion for early childhood development with psychology is a commendable goal. It will require dedication, education, and careful planning, but with the right qualifications and approach, you can create a daycare center that provides not only excellent childcare but also essential mental health support for children and families.
1. **Bachelor's Degree in Psychology or Early Childhood Education:**
- Start with a bachelor's degree in psychology or early childhood education (or a related field). These programs will provide you with a solid foundation in either child development or psychology, both of which are crucial for your future daycare center.
2. **Gain Experience in Childcare:**
- While pursuing your bachelor's degree, gain hands-on experience by working in childcare centers, nurseries, or as a nanny. This will help you understand the practical aspects of caring for infants and young children.
3. **Graduate Education in Psychology:**
- After completing your undergraduate degree, consider pursuing a master's or doctoral degree in psychology. Specialize in a branch of psychology relevant to children, such as child psychology, developmental psychology, or clinical psychology.
4. **Licensing and Certification:**
- Obtain the necessary licenses and certifications to practice psychology in your area. This typically involves passing state licensing exams and fulfilling supervised clinical hours.
5. **Legal Requirements for Daycare:**
- Research the legal requirements for starting and operating a daycare center in your location. There may be licensing, certification, and safety standards to meet.
6. **Integration of Mental Health Services:**
- Design your daycare center to incorporate mental health services seamlessly. This could involve hiring licensed psychologists or counselors to work on-site, implementing age-appropriate mental health programs, and creating a supportive environment for children's emotional well-being.
7. **Business Skills:**
- Develop strong business and management skills, as you'll be running your daycare center and psychology practice simultaneously. Consider taking courses or seeking mentorship in business management.
8. **Networking and Collaboration:**
- Build connections within the mental health and early childhood education communities. Collaborate with local mental health professionals, pediatricians, and other experts to create a holistic approach to child development and mental health support.
9. **Continuous Learning:**
- Stay updated with the latest research and practices in both child development and psychology. Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences relevant to your field.
10. **Legal and Ethical Considerations:**
- Familiarize yourself with ethical guidelines and legal responsibilities for working with children, especially in a healthcare and educational context.
Combining your passion for early childhood development with psychology is a commendable goal. It will require dedication, education, and careful planning, but with the right qualifications and approach, you can create a daycare center that provides not only excellent childcare but also essential mental health support for children and families.
Ebony Staten
CareerVillage.org TeamDirector
24
Answers
Riverside, California
Updated
Ebony’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Hi Devonna,
I am currently working on a Masters's Degree in Clinical Counseling, and my mother owned a daycare.
I would agree with Hannah when she says that you have several options. I would encourage you to explore licensing requirements in your state (https://www.childcare.virginia.gov/providers/become-a-licensed-provider). In addition to clarifying the requirements for licensing, you will also have the ability to connect with current owners through their training and professional development events. Networking in any field is extremely helpful.
I'd also encourage you (if you haven't already) to volunteer or obtain some work experience in a daycare/preschool setting.
A degree in psychology is an asset as you navigate this space, as you'll notice that several folks come in with an education/liberal studies background while others may not have a degree at all. I am not saying that one degree is better than the other instead I am saying that either is a strength and only builds on your ability to serve your clients.
I would also say that owning a business includes other skills beyond Psychology (or an Education degree) so building on those learning opportunities (leadership training, budget/finance, HR, etc) is also a good idea.
I hope this helps!
I am currently working on a Masters's Degree in Clinical Counseling, and my mother owned a daycare.
I would agree with Hannah when she says that you have several options. I would encourage you to explore licensing requirements in your state (https://www.childcare.virginia.gov/providers/become-a-licensed-provider). In addition to clarifying the requirements for licensing, you will also have the ability to connect with current owners through their training and professional development events. Networking in any field is extremely helpful.
I'd also encourage you (if you haven't already) to volunteer or obtain some work experience in a daycare/preschool setting.
A degree in psychology is an asset as you navigate this space, as you'll notice that several folks come in with an education/liberal studies background while others may not have a degree at all. I am not saying that one degree is better than the other instead I am saying that either is a strength and only builds on your ability to serve your clients.
I would also say that owning a business includes other skills beyond Psychology (or an Education degree) so building on those learning opportunities (leadership training, budget/finance, HR, etc) is also a good idea.
I hope this helps!
Shalyse Wright-Bethea, MS
Instructional Aide
7
Answers
Copperas Cove, Texas
Updated
Shalyse’s Answer
I had a bachelor's and was working on my master's when I worked in early childhood. As a an ex Site Director this is my suggest plan.
Obtain a part time job in a childcare facility as a group leader. This is an entry level job anyone 18+ can work if they are the right fit for the company.
Get an associate in Child Development or Early Childhood Education. Child development should require a practicum in the Childcare field.
Get a bachelor's degree in Child Psychology. Consider a minor in social work as well.
Open your business and have a heavy focus on Social Emotional Literacy, developing EQ, and addressing at risk youth. You will need certify as a Child Care Director. I also suggest certifying in Mental Health first aode, then moving to an instructor for that so you can host classes for this.
Pursue a Master's in Child Psychology if you want to actively engage child in mental health care and practices and complete the proper licensure. Once licenced you can start integrating mental health care to your current SEL offerings.
Shalyse recommends the following next steps: