What to expect from a career working with Children
Those who work in child studies have a highly demanding, but rewarding job – they get to see and help children as they grow, change and overcome obstacles. Child studies (also known as child development or early childhood leadership) programs prepare students to work with children, their families and community services to enhance education and promote healthy development. Ontario college child studies programs can lead to careers in both education and early childhood development.
If you love working with children and are interested in a career in child development, here’s what you need to know.
Child Studies Courses
Child studies programs at Ontario colleges prepare students to work with children who have emotional and behavioural issues, and other needs and challenges. The program emphasizes the role that families and communities have in child development, and examines how to adjust and integrate these roles into program and learning plans.
Courses provide students with the skills to analyze children affected by various social, cultural, economic and environmental factors and create appropriate educational programming for these situations. Course subjects could include (but aren’t limited to):
- Human development
- Family dynamics and relations
- Early childhood curriculum and program design
In most programs, students will have to complete a minimum number of field placement hours where they will apply their knowledge and skills to real situations.
General Child Studies Program Requirements
Ontario college child studies programs require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Six grade U or M courses are required, including English. Some colleges may require or suggest specific math or science programs.
Health immunizations, Police Record Checks, CPR training and other certificates may also be necessary for admission to specific programs.
Note: Students with a diploma in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or a related program may be eligible for advanced standing in the program, or may have the option to take bridging courses. Be sure to check program requirements carefully.
Child Studies Jobs
Graduates of child studies programs are trained to create a stable learning environment that will support the healthy development of children. Child studies programs could lead to jobs in a variety of settings, such as education institutions, social services centres, parent / child resource centres, hospitals and intervention centres.
Ontario Colleges Offering Child Studies Programs
Use the left-column navigation to refine your search by College, Program Availability, Program Start Date and more, or see the table below for a complete list of child studies programs at Ontario colleges.
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