Education

CHILDHOOD STUDIES MAJORS
COMMON CAREER PATHS

Preschool Teacher:

Work in preschool facilities and daycare centers with small children and help them acquire basic skills and knowledge. Perform duties such as organizing activities, providing learning opportunities through play, comforting children in distress, supervising children on the playground, and reporting to parents.

General Requirements:

Associate or Bachelor’s degree.

For more information, see:
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/preschool-teachers.htm
https://childcarecenter.us/state/new_jersey

Special Education Teacher – Preschool:

https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/25-2051.00

P-12 State Certified Teacher:

Kindergarten & Elementary School Teachers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm

Special Education Teacher – Kindergarten & Elementary School
https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/25-2052.00

Middle School Teachers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/middle-school-teachers.htm

High School Teachers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm

General Requirements:

Master’s degree; student teaching experience; state certification

For more information, see:
https://nj.gov/education/license/teacher/
https://teaching.camden.rutgers.edu/

Non-traditional teacher prep. programs (alternate route):
https://www.state.nj.us/education/rpr/preparation/alternate/

Teacher Assistant: (Paraprofessional)

Tutor and assist children individually or in small groups to help children master assignments and to reinforce learning concepts presented by teachers. Teach social skills to students. Supervise students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, school yards, and gymnasiums, or on field trips. Observe students’ performance, and record relevant data to assess progress.

Special Education Paraprofessional:

Work directly with the assigned student on a one-to-one basis in accordance with levels of supervision, the Individual Education Plan (IEP), and the established behavior plan. A Special Education Paraprofessional can work with students who have a diagnosis of autism, or be intellectually and/or developmentally disabled.

General Requirements:

Minimum of 60 college credits; Associate or Bachelor’s degree preferred.

For more information, see:
https://www.bls.gov/OOH/education-training-and-library/teacher-assistants.htm

Early Intervention Specialist

Early intervention specialists are trained educators who work with kids from birth through age four to address developmental delays. Early intervention provides assistance at the first warning signs of educational difficulty to prevent further impediment. Children who receive early intervention services can significantly benefit in lowering the severity of physical, speech, intellectual, and behavioral development issues.

General Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree with specialized post-Bachelor’s certificate or Master’s degree

For more information, see:
https://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/eis/for-families/when/

Substitute Teacher:

Provide backup teaching services when full-time teachers are unable to work. Execute lesson plans left by the absent teacher or are required to create classroom lessons on their own. Create and maintain a respectful and fair classroom culture that fosters safe and productive learning. Monitor, observe, and report student behavior according to school policies and procedures.

General Requirements:

60 college credits or Associate degree.

For more information, see:
https://nj.gov/education/license/sub/

NJ Department of Education: County Offices (for substitute teacher certification)

Educational Administrator: PreSchool & Childcare Center Programs

These jobs are directly related to teaching and learning activities but the administrator – manager works mainly on the administrative end, planning, organizing and carrying out educational programs.

General Requirements: