10 jobs for people who want to work with children

10 positions for people who want a career working with children

Working with children can be a fulfilling career path for those who have a passion for nurturing and educating young minds. From teaching and counseling to health care and social work, these jobs offer various options for those who want to make a positive impact on the lives of children. Whether you're looking to work in a school, day care center, or community center, there are many job opportunities to choose from. In this article, we explore 10 jobs for people who want careers with children, including average salary and minimum education requirements.

Childcare director

National average salary: $25.90 per hour

Childcare directors provide a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment for children to grow and learn. They develop and implement programs that promote children's physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. This involves designing age-appropriate activities, curriculum planning, and organizing events and field trips. They also ensure that staff are trained and equipped to support the children's needs, and they oversee the daily operations of the facility, including scheduling, budgeting, and maintaining licensing requirements.

Education requirements: Associate's degree.

Child social worker

National average salary: $29.95 per hour

Child social workers ensure the safety, well-being, and development of the children they work with. This involves conducting assessments to understand their individual needs and creating plans to address them. Social workers work with children who are in foster care, experiencing abuse or neglect, or have mental health concerns. They also work with families to improve parenting skills and strengthen family relationships.

Education requirements: Bachelor's degree, though you will need a master's in social work to work in clinical settings.

Lawyer

National average salary: $71.20 per hour

Lawyers have a primary duty to advocate for the best interests of their young clients. They represent children in various legal matters, including child custody disputes, juvenile delinquency cases, and cases involving child abuse or neglect. They have a deep understanding of child development and a thorough knowledge of the legal system and relevant laws and regulations. Child lawyers are skilled at communicating with children and their families and can provide support and guidance throughout the legal process.

Education requirements: Bachelor's degree and Juris Doctor degree.

Librarian

National average salary: $38.90 per hour

Librarians promote literacy, encourage a love of reading, and provide educational resources for children of all ages. They help children find resources and assist with research and homework assignments. Librarians working with children plan and conduct programs and activities that promote literacy and education. This includes story time sessions, book clubs, and other interactive events designed to engage and encourage children to explore new interests.

Education requirements: Master's degree.

Pediatrics registered nurse

National average salary: $39.80 per hour

Pediatrics registered nurses provide specialized care to infants, children, and adolescents. They monitor vital signs, administer medication and treatments, and provide emotional support to the child and their families. Pediatric nurses have a thorough understanding of child development and can communicate effectively with children, their families, and other healthcare providers. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, schools, and community health centers, providing care for a range of conditions, from routine check-ups and immunizations to complex medical conditions and emergencies.

Education requirements: Associate's degree, but a bachelor's can help, too.

School bus driver

National average salary: $14.45 per hour

School bus drivers transport children to and from school safely. They are also responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of their passengers. This includes monitoring behavior and enforcing rules to maintain a safe and orderly environment on the bus. School bus drivers also perform routine maintenance checks on the bus, ensuring that it's clean and well-maintained, and reporting any issues or malfunctions.

Education requirements: High school diploma.

School principal

National average salary: $49.35 per hour

School principals create a safe and supportive learning environment that promotes academic excellence, personal growth, and healthy social-emotional development. They lead the school to develop and implement educational programs, policies, and procedures. This may involve collaborating with teachers and staff to design and implement effective curricula, establishing positive relationships with parents, and monitoring progress to identify areas of improvement. The principal creates a positive school culture that celebrates diversity and promotes inclusion.

Education requirements: Master's degree.

"The principal creates a positive school culture that celebrates diversity and promotes inclusion."

Speech-language pathologist

National average salary: $41.25 per hour

Speech-language pathologists assess, diagnose, and treat communication disorders in children. They work with speech sound disorders, language disorders, fluency disorders, and voice disorders. In order to provide effective treatment, speech-language pathologists first assess the child's communication skills and determine the nature and severity of the disorder. They then develop a personalized treatment plan that may involve a variety of techniques and interventions, such as speech exercises, language drills, and counseling.

Education requirements: Master's degree.

Sports coach

National average salary: $24.30 per hour

Sports coaches teach, mentor, and guide young athletes in their chosen sport. They create practice plans, develop strategies, and provide instruction on fundamental skills and techniques. Sports coaches also play an important role in fostering personal growth and development. They offer guidance and mentorship, help younger athletes develop positive attitudes and behaviors, and promote teamwork and sportsmanship. They also ensure their safety and well-being by teaching proper safety techniques, enforcing safety rules, and monitoring for potential injuries.

Education requirements: High school diploma.

Teacher

National average salary: $32.25 per hour

Teachers educate, guide, and support the growth and development of young minds. They create lesson plans, deliver instruction, assess student progress, and provide individualized support to help children reach their potential. Teachers often collaborate with parents and other professionals to ensure that students receive the required resources and support. Teachers play an essential role in fostering social-emotional development, teaching life skills, and promoting a positive classroom environment.

Education requirements: Bachelor's degree.

And there you have it. You can take your pick of these 10 jobs for people who want a career working with children, depending on your personal interests and skill set. Ready to start applying? Upload your resume to CareerBuilder today!