Careers in Child Psychology

A study of developmental and child psychology may lead to many careers relating to children's mental health and development. The role of a child and development psychologist is to assist a child with adapting to changes they go through as they grow older. This is not the only front they deal with though as they also assist children in overcoming many other problems such as abuse, family problems, and delinquent behavior, among many others.

Most Common Career Paths for Developmental and Child Psychologists
Most developmental and child psychologists choose either of the two paths: practice or research. People who choose to go into practice are involved in counseling
children and adolescents through their problems. These psychologists may work in many settings particularly schools, pediatric hospitals, non-profit organizations, daycare facilities and child development centers
Psychologists who go into research also interact directly with children and adolescents but their main interest is in the emerging trends and development patterns from childhood to adolescence to adulthood. They study and analyze subject responses and reactions and devise better treatment and facilitating plans that may be used by the practitioners to help their clients.

Issues Dealt With by a Developmental and Child Psychologist
Developmental and child psychologists aid children and adolescents with any and all problems they may be facing or be expected to face in the future. Child psychologists will help children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
learning disabilities
adjustment issues

or even attempted suicide. An important part of a child psychologist's job is to empower the child to take control of the prevalent and disturbing circumstances. In cases where a supportive guardian or parent may be present and willing, the psychologist will work closely with that person to educate him/her on how to deal with the child, according to the issue the child is exhibiting. In other cases, child psychologists may have strong referrals with child protection authorities where the guardian is either missing or abusive of the child or his/her own responsibilities.

In a school or any learning institute setting, a development and child psychologist may also design and implement new learning programs and techniques. Others may monitor ongoing learning programs and propose changes if needed.

Average Salary
Salaries for development and child psychologists vary widely. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a child psychologist is $59,440 and can range from $35,000 to $102,000 per annum. This variation is greatly due to the choice of work place chosen by a person. School positions will usually pay the lowest while private practices will earn a person the most.

Employment Growth Rate
The demand for child psychologists is increasing and is expected to see faster than usual growth till 2016. This is due to an increased demand in child psychologist services in various places such as social work agencies
, schools and hospitals, among others.

Degree Requirements
While an undergraduate degree may lead to an assistantship of established and practicing child psychologists, a doctoral degree is usually needed to establish one's own counseling practice
. Along with that, a license from the state where one wants to build a career is also necessary.

Frequently Asked Question(s)

Q:How can the specialist or the doctoral degree program affect my careers in Child Psychology?

A:There is a 60 graduate semester specialist level program in Child Psychology, that is certified by nearly all of the states. This program also includes a 1200 hour internship requirement. Careers in Child Psychology may be even more bright with a specialist degree program in comparison to the doctoral one.

Q:What is the career of a Child Psychologist?

A:The career of a child psychologist depends totally upon their level of experience and also on which road they decide to go down. If you choose to get into the educational field, you could find administrative positions on any school's faculty while you could also work as a school psychologist. You can also choose to go into private therapy or into the federal social services department.

Q:While I read about the careers for Child Psychologist in America, there was mention of the course on Human Relations. What is taught in this course?

A:The prospects of careers for Child Psychologist in America are enhanced by the ample understanding of the 4 credits worth course on Human Relations. The major aim of this course is to examine the main issues that relate to human relations, directly or indirectly. Areas of study include dealing with others in effective manner, managing your own self and fostering of the success in career.

Q:Can you tell me about popular careers in developmental child psychology?

A:Developmental and Child Psychology is a sought after area of specialization offering degree holders lucrative career opportunities. Students gaining Developmental and Child Psychology degree programs can easily work in hospitals, day care center, schools, NGOs, clinics, and private practices. The pay scales and job positions will depend on the level of experience and education for each individual.

Q:As I read on how can studying child psychology contribute to career goals, there was mention of the course on Abnormal Psychology. What are the contents of this course?

A:It is common to get to read about the course on Abnormal Psychology while going through the articles on how can studying Child Psychology contribute to career goals. This course is worth 3 credits in total. It is designed to provide students with ample understanding of the various mental behavioral disorders and how to treat and curb them.

Q:My search for developmental psychology short courses schedule mentioned Parenting and Culture. What is the premise of this course?

A:Parent and Culture would be mentioned when searching for developmental psychology short courses schedule. This course is usually worth 4 credit hours and closely examines parenting techniques with respect to different cultures. Students with the help of this course also learn about influence of parents on a child's development and its role during their formative years. Introduction to developmental psychology is a pre requisite for this course.

Q:What are some of the child development careers I can follow?

A:The career that you will choose in child development will depend on your personal aptitude and choice of majors, but some of the available options are: teaching and designing child development programs for toddlers, preschoolers, and infants, working in an after school program, becoming a foster parent, working in a group home for children, or becoming a parenting educator.

Q:What level of degree is required for a successful careers in developmental psychology?

A:To be able to set up their own successful practice of developmental and child psychology, a student needs an undergraduate degree along with an internship under an established and practicing child psychologists. After this, a Phd in this field clears you for having your own counseling practice. A license to practice from the state where you chose to set us practice is also necessary.

Q:What is the growth rate of child psychology jobs in the job market?

A:According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics demand for child psychologists is on the rise and stay this way till 2016.This might be due to the fast crumbling family system of our society or the recession hit households, but child psychological problems are rising and so is the demand for professionals from this field. Such professionals are mostly needed in the field of social work, schools and hospitals.

Q:What are the prospects of developmental psychology jobs?

A:The two main directions most chosen by developmental and child psychologists are: practice or research. Practicing means getting involved in counseling troubled children and adolescents, and requires working in places like schools, pediatric hospitals, non-profit organizations, daycare facilities and child development centers. In research they still interact with children and adolescents but their focus is on analyzing the emerging trends and development patterns of their personality and not treat or counsel them. This area of profession is expected to grow in the coming years.

Q:What kind of duties is one supposed to perform in child psychology careers?

A:Child psychologists deal with children and adolescents with mental or emotional issues which have grown to the point where they are now hampering their routine duties, affecting their social life, or routine interaction with the people around them. Usually Child psychologists help children deal with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), adjustment issues, hyperactivity, learning disabilities and physical or mental abuse.

Q:Can you tell me what a Child Psychologist Career is all about?

A:A child psychologist is basically a certified professional to helps young children suffering from various mental issues and behavioral problems. The basic duties performed by the professionals include diagnosing and treating mental disorders such as schizophrenia. It takes advanced qualifications and a lot of practical experience to become a licensed psychologist.

Q:Is it easy to prep for careers in developmental and child psychology?

A:To prepare for careers in developmental and child psychology, you must have a college degree in this field. The higher form of education you aim for, the better are your chances of pursuing a rewarding job. Bachelor degrees will lead to entry-level or assistant-level jobs whereas a doctorate or masters degree will lead to higher-paying jobs.

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