Knowledge of developmental stages for children is critical in enhancing the ability of any person dealing with children to foster realistic and age-appropriate expectations in regards to behavior. Additionally, knowledge of child development also aids such persons in supporting the development of children with positive interactions, using discipline practices that are developmentally-appropriate and ensuring provision of environments that allow cognitive-stimulation (Ruben, 2018). This discussion will focus on three careers including Child life specialist, Classroom paraprofessional and social worker as careers which require knowledge of child development.
Child life specialist
Child life specialists are professionals who work with children who have been affected by illness, disability or trauma. This profession requires knowledge of using therapeutic play, techniques of special education among other specialized techniques to help children cope with their situations like trauma and overcome any possible limitations. The responsibilities of a child life specialist revolve around helping children and their families to overcome the most challenging events occurring in life. It is also the duty of child life specialists also offer evidence-based, psychologically and developmentally appropriate interventions like therapeutic play, procedure preparations and patient education to reduce anxiety, fear and pain. Qualified child life specialists must have a bachelor’s degree in their specialty and a major in child development. A certification through the Association of Child Life Specialists is also required. For a complete exposure to the professional experience and a successful career development, child life specialists my work in hospitals and also help organizations established in community settings (Ruben, 2018).
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Classroom paraprofessional
Successful classroom paraprofessional require knowledge and skills related to early childhood interventions, dealing with disabled students and students who use English as their second language, using transitional programs, healthy and safety procedures, providing physical and occupational therapies especially for disabled students. Classroom paraprofessionals are charged with the responsibility of helping teachers in the classroom, and also work directly with students to provide them with extra help and attention. They may also work with children requiring special educational needs and the ones who use English as their second language. Classroom paraprofessionals are required to be holders of a bachelor’s degree in child development. They can also have a successful career without additional training. It can also be noted that persons with an associate degree can work well as classroom paraprofessionals but persons with a bachelor’s degree can command a higher paycheck. Classroom paraprofessionals work mainly in classrooms in both public and primary schools to ensure to get a full exposure in regards to their required professional experience. Classroom paraprofessional can also be involved in researches aimed to improve the classroom experience of children with disabilities and children using English as their second language (Ruben, 2018).
Social worker
Social workers require knowledge on all facets of child development. Specifically, they need knowledge on all patterns of overall child development to enable detection of missed developmental milestones. A social worker also needs to have knowledge on children’s rights. Social workers who have contact with children have the responsibility of safeguarding children and promoting their well being. They are also required to work closely with professionals with expertise in dealing with children’s development to review the progress of children’s development process. Such professionals may include community nursing staff, school staff, health visitors, general practitioners (GPs), pediatricians and other specialist therapists. Some social workers may only require a bachelor’s degree; however, others like clinical social workers may need specialization by obtaining a master’s degree, as well as, a two-year post-master’s experience while working in a supervised clinical setting. Social workers can be attached to different settings including schools, health clinics and child welfare and human service organizations. Presently, the overall employment of social workers is projected to grow by 16% by the year 2026, which is a relatively faster rate compared to other occupations. Specifically, employment growth may be propelled by the continued increase in the need for healthcare and social services. This specialization attracts my interest due to the projected dynamics of growth in the career field ( Butler and Hickman, 2011).
To sum up, careers such as Child life specialist, classroom paraprofessional and social worker both require knowledge on children development for successful career progression. Knowledge on children development is critical in both careers as they involve handling children in their developmental stages. Expert reports highlight that the social work profession has more growth opportunities to be realized by 2026. Therefore, it the career that attracts my interest due to growth potential that is projected to be realized in near future.
References
Butler, I., & Hickman, C. (2011). Social work with children and families: Getting into practice . London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Ruben, B. (2018, April 13). Careers for a Bachelor’s degree in child development. Chron. Retrieved from http://work.chron.com/careers-bachelors-degree-child-development-6829.html
