Child Studies & Education

Do you love being around children? Do you want to help give them a strong start in life? A career working with children might be the perfect fit for you.

Young children need a safe and caring environment to grow into healthy adults. Teachers, caregivers, mentors, and role models make a lasting difference in the lives of the youngest generation.

Career Opportunities

Graduates go on to become:

  • Child Life Specialist
  • CPS Adoption Specialist
  • Family Life Counselor
  • Head Start Assistant Teacher
  • Certified Early Childhood Teacher
  • Certified Secondary Teacher

Non-traditional careers are also available, such as designing or marketing children's products and selling educational supplies.

Earning Potential

Child Life Specialist: $54k
CPS Adoption Specialist: $46k
Family Life Counselor: $56k
Head Start Assistant Teacher: $32k
Certified Early Childhood Teacher: $53k
Certified Secondary Teacher: $53k

For more salary information, check out . 

Training Options

Adult reading or showing a book to a young child seated at a table in an early childhood classroom setting with shelves and toys in the background.

À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ's Child Studies & Education department is a great place to start. You'll learn about child development, guidance, teaching, and curriculum planning. You'll also learn how to create safe and healthy learning environments.

À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ offers two paths: 

  • Early Childhood Caregiver - Choose from several certificates or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Child Development. You'll get hands-on experience at our on-campus Child Development Center. The center also provides childcare for À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ students, faculty, staff, and community members from 7:15 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
  • Teaching Degree - Earn an Associate of Arts in Teaching, then transfer to a four-year school to finish your bachelor's degree.  You can even earn your Bachelor's in Teaching right here on the À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ campus through the University Center.

 

Criminal Background Notice

If you have a criminal background, it may prevent you from getting a Texas state license. Talk to your instructor or program director if you have questions. You also have the right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing agency.

Contact

Dr. Daelynn Copeland
Program Director/Associate Professor
Child Studies & Education

  254-299-8786
  dcopeland@mclennan.edu

Links & Resources