3 answers
Hailey
Student
Sheffield Lake, Ohio
1
Question
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Im in college and my major is Bachelors of Science in Education with Primary Grades/Intervention Dual Program (P-5) Transfer Pathway. I don't want to be a teacher. I want to help the kids that struggles or have development issues and help them one on one. What careers should I look for. I want to be in early intervention but not a specialist.?
is a master degree suggested?
What licenses are needed?
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3 answers
Tamina Crook
pediatric occupational therapy assistant; student
60
Answers
Greensboro, North Carolina
Updated
Tamina’s Answer
Based on what you've shared, it sounds like you're less interested in leading a classroom and more passionate about working one-on-one with children to help them develop the skills they need to be successful. There are several careers that fit those interests, including occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, physical therapy, child life, developmental therapy, early intervention, special education, and school psychology. Since you mentioned wanting to work in early intervention, occupational therapy may be a great fit because OTs work one-on-one with infants and young children to support development through play, daily routines, motor skills, sensory processing, and family education. I've been a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant for many years and am now finishing my Master's in Occupational Therapy, and one of the things I love most about OT is that every child is unique and treatment is individualized to help them participate in the activities that are meaningful to them. If you decide to become an occupational therapist, you'll need to complete a graduate degree (Master's or Doctorate), pass the national certification exam, and obtain state licensure before you can practice. My advice would be to shadow professionals in a few different pediatric settings, especially early intervention, so you can see what each role looks like
Michelle M.
Actress
3282
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Hailey !
Your first step will be to visit the Dean's office to ask about how to change your major from Education to Psychology. For a career working with children one on one, you'll need a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Psychology. Do this right away before the semester ends. Dual Degree programs are not advised by me because they are not necessary for the work you want to do, it requires a lot of cramming courses in a semester and employers never ask for a dual degree. Most professionals in this field area have not done a dual degree and have been very successful. You just need to have one major and have the time to achieve good grades and understand the work and do the practicums.
To be a Child Therapist, you will need to obtain your Masters Degree in Counseling. The masters program is totally focused on working with children. The programs usually focus on counseling techniques with children, child development theories, educational and psychological testing and measurement, review of emotional, behavioral, and mental disorders, and family, group, and individual therapy. A degree in Education will not prepare you to be a Child Therapist.
Now, I hope this is in your plan because the state of Ohio does require that you obtain your Doctorate Degree for this career. Ohio requires that all who are pursuing psychology careers, including child therapists, obtain their Doctorate. After you obtain your Doctorate, you go for certification from the American Board of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology. In Ohio, this certification is not mandatory yet without it, you wouldn't be able to obtain work unless you have it. So think about that being in the plan too.
I hope that redirecting you will help you attain your goals and I advise strongly that you visit your on campus Academic Counselor, the Psychology Department and the on campus Career Center. Overlooking information for your career and academic path can lead to having to make changes and possibly taking courses that you may not have needed. Psychology is most effectively done as a single major, not a dual major, so decide if you want to disenroll from the dual. Finish and complete what you're doing this semester but make that fresh start next semester that will start preparing you for your career and save you time and money. You need lots of time for a psychology path.
I hope this helps. Never hesitate to get information before you make a move towards something.
Your first step will be to visit the Dean's office to ask about how to change your major from Education to Psychology. For a career working with children one on one, you'll need a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Psychology. Do this right away before the semester ends. Dual Degree programs are not advised by me because they are not necessary for the work you want to do, it requires a lot of cramming courses in a semester and employers never ask for a dual degree. Most professionals in this field area have not done a dual degree and have been very successful. You just need to have one major and have the time to achieve good grades and understand the work and do the practicums.
To be a Child Therapist, you will need to obtain your Masters Degree in Counseling. The masters program is totally focused on working with children. The programs usually focus on counseling techniques with children, child development theories, educational and psychological testing and measurement, review of emotional, behavioral, and mental disorders, and family, group, and individual therapy. A degree in Education will not prepare you to be a Child Therapist.
Now, I hope this is in your plan because the state of Ohio does require that you obtain your Doctorate Degree for this career. Ohio requires that all who are pursuing psychology careers, including child therapists, obtain their Doctorate. After you obtain your Doctorate, you go for certification from the American Board of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology. In Ohio, this certification is not mandatory yet without it, you wouldn't be able to obtain work unless you have it. So think about that being in the plan too.
I hope that redirecting you will help you attain your goals and I advise strongly that you visit your on campus Academic Counselor, the Psychology Department and the on campus Career Center. Overlooking information for your career and academic path can lead to having to make changes and possibly taking courses that you may not have needed. Psychology is most effectively done as a single major, not a dual major, so decide if you want to disenroll from the dual. Finish and complete what you're doing this semester but make that fresh start next semester that will start preparing you for your career and save you time and money. You need lots of time for a psychology path.
I hope this helps. Never hesitate to get information before you make a move towards something.
Haley, speech-language pathologist (prevoiusly called speech therapists) often work individually with people (children as well as adults, in schools and hospitals) to help them learn to talk and swallow. Audiologists help people with hearing and balance issues. You will need at least a master's degree, and probably oon, a PhD. There are also program for speech-language pathology assistants (SLPA's). You must be an excellent student to get into one of the programs to prepare you for one of these fields; only 5% of applicants are admitted as students as demand to get in is so high. Learn more https://www.asha.org/students/
Also consider physical and occupational therapy and their assistant programs.
Katie Schwartz, CCC-SLP
Rafael Diaz Montelongo
Consultant
563
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Hi Hailey,
Consider becoming a Child Development Specialist or Early Intervention Specialist. These roles allow you to work in engaging environments such as schools or clinics, helping children grow and thrive. Alternatively, you could explore the field of Behavioral Therapy, utilizing techniques like ABA to work one-on-one with children, or become an Educational Consultant to design programs that cater to their needs. Pursuing a master's degree in child development or special education can enhance your expertise, and obtaining certifications such as the Child Development Associate (CDA) or Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) will ensure you are well-prepared for your new role. Hope this helps!
Consider becoming a Child Development Specialist or Early Intervention Specialist. These roles allow you to work in engaging environments such as schools or clinics, helping children grow and thrive. Alternatively, you could explore the field of Behavioral Therapy, utilizing techniques like ABA to work one-on-one with children, or become an Educational Consultant to design programs that cater to their needs. Pursuing a master's degree in child development or special education can enhance your expertise, and obtaining certifications such as the Child Development Associate (CDA) or Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) will ensure you are well-prepared for your new role. Hope this helps!