General Information:

Bachelor’s degree is sufficient for entry-level positions.
Advanced degrees are essential for clinical and therapeutic counseling positions.
Master’s degree or Ph.D. is often needed for administrative and supervisory positions.
Ph.D. is required for college teaching and advanced research positions.
Additional or specialized training qualifies one for higher paying and positions of greater responsibility.
Obtain part-time, summer, internship or volunteer experience in child care, schools, hospitals, camps or overseas programs or in advocacy or service-oriented programs dealing with alcoholism, drug abuse, family violence, aging, poor or disabled populations.
Obtain certification in CPR, safety and first aid for adults, children and infants.
Develop interest and gain experience in computers, arts, crafts, music or physical activity.
Obtain certification for specialized areas including Child Life Specialist or Child Advocacy.

Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA /ADEA/Employer.

Explore Possible Careers Pathways in Child / Family Services:

Pre-School / Day Care: Areas & EmployersAreas – Pre-School / Day Care
Teaching
Administration
Employers
Religious organizations
Montessori schools
Private, public, franchise and corporate day care centers
Private homes
Family day care
Extended school programs
Preschools
Head Start programs
Pre-School / Day Care: StrategiesStrategies
Develop physical stamina for working with children. Acquire appropriate certification or licensure for day care and public school teaching. Obtain experience working with children through volunteering or part-time jobs.
Demonstrate patience with children and the ability to work well with people of various backgrounds. Develop strong communications skills to deal effectively with parents.
Community Services: Areas & EmployersAreas – Community Services
Administration
Development
Programming
Research
Evaluation
Employers 
Community centers
YMCA or YWCA
Consumer protection agencies
Summer camp programs
Adult day care providers
Hospitals
Rehabilitation organizations
Religious organizations
Adoption agencies
Community Services: StrategiesStrategies
Seek related work experience; particularly summer camps or special needs areas. Learn to work well with all types of people through volunteer or paid positions. Obtain Child Life Certification for some areas. Develop strong presentation and public speaking skills. Be willing to wear multiple hats within an organization. Learn how to write grants. Develop research and writing skills.
Social Services: Areas & EmployersAreas – Social Services
Case Management
Counseling
Administration
Employers
Profit and nonprofit organizations focused on children, youth, families or senior citizens
Adult and child day care providers
Group homes
Half-way houses
Youth services agencies
Senior citizens’ programs
Foundations and funding organizations
Social Services: StrategiesStrategies
Supplement curriculum with courses in social work, sociology or psychology.
Obtain a master’s degree and appropriate licensure in mental health counseling, social work or rehabilitation counseling to provide therapy. Earn a graduate degree to obtain most administrative positions. Gain experience through volunteer positions or internships.
Education: Areas & EmployersAreas – Education
Teaching
Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Special Education
Home Economics
Family and Consumer Sciences
Curriculum Development
Research
Counseling
Administration
College Student Affairs
Parent-Child Education
Employers
Public and private schools (K-12)
Public preschool programs (e.g., Head Start)
Private preschool programs
Montessori schools
Adult education programs
Colleges and universities
Programs servicing children and adults with special needs
Education: StrategiesStrategies
Acquire appropriate certification for public school teaching. Obtain Ph.D. for college and university teaching and research opportunities. Acquire certification for day care and parent-child education. Obtain graduate degree for counseling, student affairs and administrative positions. Find part-time or summer jobs working with children. Serve as a tutor, peer mentor, resident assistant or student advisor.
Medical: Areas & EmployersAreas – Medical
Child Care Programs
Education
Employers
Hospitals
Healthcare facilities
Health and wellness agencies
Hospices
Medical: StrategiesStrategies
Earn a master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling or related areas for the most opportunities. Obtain experience in advocacy. Acquire licensing or certification for some areas. Volunteer in a healthcare setting.
Business: Areas & EmployersAreas – Business
Management
Sales
Customer Service
Employers
Manufacturing companies of children’s clothes, toys, furniture and food Department and retail stores Service organizations
Business: StrategiesStrategies
Minor in business; develop skills in areas such as management, marketing or sales. Secure leadership positions on campus. Get related experience through internships or part-time jobs. Build computer skills in word processing, database management and spreadsheet programs.
Communications: Areas & EmployersAreas – Communications
Journalism
Public Relations
Writing
Editing
Research
Employers
Organizations geared toward children and family including:
Book publishers
Professional associations
Radio and TV stations
Nonprofit organizations
Manufacturers
Newspapers
Magazines

Communications: StrategiesStrategies
Minor or double major in a communications field. Develop excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Submit articles or books for publication. Work for campus publications or radio stations. Complete internships with related organizations.
Government: Areas & EmployersAreas – Government
Social Services
Rehabilitation
Program Coordination
Research
Program Evaluation
Legislation
Advocacy
Employers
Federal, state and local government agencies (i.e., Departments of Health, Education and Welfare, Criminal Justice Departments, Sanitation, Fire/Safety, Nutrition, and Cooperative Extension)
Vocational rehabilitation
Mental health agencies
Military child care programs
Overseas child care and education programs
Health and wellness agencies
Women’s protective agencies
Government: StrategiesStrategies
Take additional courses in area of interest. Develop strong presentation and public speaking skills. Obtain specialized training for opportunities in protective services or law enforcement. Complete an internship with a government organization. Learn federal, state and local job application procedures.