Community and high school training programs in early child development can land you an entry-level job, but it's important to pursue college credits and ongoing training. High schools, child care resource and referral agencies and organizations like the YMCA may provide training in early child development. Specialized training like child CPR or literacy workshops are often available through various community, government and non-profit agencies.
Certificate and credential programs don't give you a degree in early child development but can give you the knowledge you need to work with young children. Many colleges offer certificate programs, and you can use the 6 to 30 credits awarded toward obtaining a degree. A variety of organizations offer credential programs, which verify that you have specialized knowledge or competency in a specific area of early child development. Examples of certificates and credentials include those for Child Development Associate, Children's Program Administrator, Infant/Toddler Care and Education, School-Age Child Care, Family Development and Early Childhood.
An associate degree takes about two years to earn if you attend school full-time, generally requiring 60 credits of college-level study. This degree can help you find work in a daycare or preschool program, give you insight into business trends for child care or perhaps land you a job with a community or social service agency. Certificates and credentials can further your prospects and career opportunities.
A bachelor's degree requires four full-time years of study, or 120 university credits, and if you have an associate degree you're already halfway there. A bachelor's degree may help you find a preschool teaching position in some states, or an entry-level position in other sectors directly or indirectly related to early child development.
You'll need a master's degree or Ph.D. to work in many administrative and supervisory positions concerning early child development, and some states require a master's degree for teacher certification. A master's or doctorate may be necessary to counsel children or conduct research, and a doctorate is required to teach at the university level.