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Early Childhood Development

If you love children and want to help them grow and develop, then a career in early childhood development is the career for you.  SFCC offers a two-year degree, which will allow students to enter the workforce immediately.  Childcare workers nurture and teach children in childcare centers, nursery schools, preschools, Head Start centers, religious institutions, family childcare homes and before and after school programs.  Childcare workers organize activities that stimulate the children's physical, emotional, intellectual and social growth.  They help children to explore their interests, develop independence, build self-esteem and learn how to interact with others.  Although childcare work is demanding, there are few careers that are as personally rewarding. 

Wage and salary jobs in the childcare industry are projected to grow 43 percent over the next seven years, compared with the 16 percent employment growth projected for all industries combined.  Opportunities for self-employment in this industry are among the best in the economy.  More than 40 percent of all workers in the industry are self-employed.  This reflects the ease of entering the childcare business.  An unusually large number of job openings also will result each year from the need to replace experienced workers who leave the industry. 

The training and qualifications required for childcare workers vary widely.  Each state has its own licensing requirements that regulate caregiver training; these range from a high school diploma, to community college courses, to a college degree in child development or early childhood education.  An increasing number of employers require an associate degree in early childhood development.  Some states require continuing education for workers in the field. 

Program requirements

Early childhood development program requirements.

Contact

Beth Ash, Program Coordinator  
Yeater 108
(660) 596-7266
bash@sfccmo.edu