Child Care Management

Oh, the places you’ll go! Children are our future—and they could be yours, too.

More than 65 percent of households with children are led by two working parents, (U.S. Bureau of Labor of Statistics, 2022), making a career in childcare a rapidly growing field with multiple job openings.  For those who love children, the rewards are priceless.

By earning an associate degree in child care management, you will learn to contribute to the intellectual, social, emotional and physical development of newborns, toddlers, and young children. You will also gain practical knowledge in the business aspects of childcare, so that you can manage all aspects of finances, personnel, insurance, information technology, marketing, ethics, and more.

After completing 60 credits, which includes a hands-on internship, you will possess the most relevant, contemporary tools to work at a daycare, preschool, summer camp, or home setting as a full or part-time nanny.

A severe shortage of early childhood workers is ongoing, so the doors of opportunity are open to you.

Earn an Associate in Applied Science Child Care Management  

The Associate in Applied Science Child Care Management program at Central Penn focuses on progressive child care as well as effective business management. Through classroom instruction and hands-on experience, students learn how to develop programs that effectively stimulate the intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth of children. The program also educates students on the management of child care services and prepares individuals to plan, design, and manage child care facilities and programs that meet children’s developmental needs and interests and that provide safe and healthy environments. 

Students with an early childhood education can apply for a range of positions that contribute to the support and development of young students. Typically, early childhood educators work with infants and young children up to age four or five. Additionally, it’s possible to enter a role in early childhood education and have the opportunity for advancement as more experience in the field is gained. With this degree, graduates can work at a daycare, preschool, or even a kindergarten classroom. They can also choose to work with young minds outside of an academic setting, such as a camp counselor.

Child Care Management Program Learning Objectives

• Demonstrate effective communication skills, both written and oral, in a manner reflective of the profession.
• Identify appropriate resources and apply analytical reasoning/critical thinking skills to make informed business decisions relating to Child Care businesses.
• Examine and evaluate the various issues required of childcare providers such as inclusivity, diversity, and policies and procedures surrounding Child Care.
• Relate knowledge of specific terminology, procedures, and principles of ethics in the childcare field. 
• Demonstrate the knowledge required to assess developmental needs of the child. 
• Plan an appropriate curriculum geared to the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual readiness of the individual child. 
• Create an interactive learning environment where the children learn by doing through sequential learning experiences based on a child centered philosophy.

Courses

Careers you can pursue

• Day care worker 
• Home-based nanny  
• Camp counselor  
• Preschool or kindergarten assistant
• Teacher

You will succeed if you are...

• Outgoing
• Passionate about babies and small children
• Patient 
• Creative
• A problem-solver
• Have a sound business sense
• Have a keen sense of humor
• Are talented in crafts
• Enjoy children’s literature