Child Care Services Management

Overview

Child care services management programs prepare people to plan, design, and manage child care businesses.

Child care services management programs teach people to create programs that meet the developmental needs of children. Students learn to provide children with a safe and healthy environment.

Child care services management programs include topics such as:

Child development and psychology
Identification of diseases, injuries, and psychological trauma
Personnel and business management
Related laws and policies

Schools

Many community colleges offer certificate and associate degree programs in child care services management. A certificate program usually takes a year of full-time study. An associate degree program at a community college usually takes two years to complete.

A few colleges and universities offer a bachelor’s degree in child care services management. A bachelor’s degree usually takes four years of full-time study.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Preschool and Kindergarten Teachers

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

Proprietary schools, colleges, and universities all offer this program. If you want to study at a proprietary school, you can prepare for this program of study by completing your high school diploma or getting a GED. If you want to study at a college or university, you can prepare for this program by taking the following courses: four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Art
Business Computer Applications
Child Care
Child Development and Parenting
Community Health
Drawing and Painting
English and Language Arts (Four years)
Food and Nutrition
Food Service and Nutrition
Music History and Appreciation
Safety and First Aid
Teacher Aide

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Administration and Supervision
Child Care Training
Early Childhood Intervention
Exceptional Children
Family and Community Relations
Financial Math
First Aid and CPR
Games and Activities for the School-Aged Child
Guidance and Classroom Management
Growth and Development
Health, Safety, and Nutrition
Human Resource Management
Infant and Toddler
Interpersonal Communication
Language Development for the Young Child
Methods and Materials
Music, Art, and Drama for School-Aged Child Care
Observation and Assessment
Small Business Management

Some programs offer practicums in their curriculum. A practicum gives you hands-on experience working in child care. You also get the benefit of guidance and supervision from an experienced child care worker. You might help a manager run a day care center by watching the kids and holding individual conferences with parents.

Things to Know

Internships allow students to develop skills at companies or organizations. Although internships are not required in this program of study, they are a way to meet prospective employers and possibly acquire references.

Several national associations offer programs you take after graduation that allow you to earn a professional credential in child care.