Child Studies & Education

Do you love being around children? Do you want to help give them a strong start in life? A career working with children might be the perfect fit for you.

Young children need a safe and caring environment to grow into healthy adults. Teachers, caregivers, mentors, and role models make a lasting difference in the lives of the youngest generation.

Career Opportunities

Graduates go on to become:

  • Child Life Specialist
  • CPS Adoption Specialist
  • Family Life Counselor
  • Head Start Assistant Teacher
  • Certified Early Childhood Teacher
  • Certified Secondary Teacher

Non-traditional careers are also available, such as designing or marketing children's products and selling educational supplies.

Earning Potential

Child Life Specialist: $54k
CPS Adoption Specialist: $46k
Family Life Counselor: $56k
Head Start Assistant Teacher: $32k
Certified Early Childhood Teacher: $53k
Certified Secondary Teacher: $53k

For more salary information, check out Texas Wages. 

Training Options

A caregiver interacts with a young child as they engage in educational activities in a classroom setting.

MCC's Child Studies & Education department is a great place to start. You'll learn about child development, guidance, teaching, and curriculum planning. You'll also learn how to create safe and healthy learning environments.

MCC offers two paths: 

  • Early Childhood Caregiver - Choose from several certificates or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Child Development. You'll get hands-on experience at our on-campus Child Development Center. The center also provides childcare for MCC students, faculty, staff, and community members from 7:15 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
  • Teaching Degree - Earn an Associate of Arts in Teaching, then transfer to a four-year school to finish your bachelor's degree.  You can even earn your Bachelor's in Teaching right here on the MCC campus through the University Center.

 

Criminal Background Notice

If you have a criminal background, it may prevent you from getting a Texas state license. Talk to your instructor or program director if you have questions. You also have the right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing agency.

Contact

Dr. Daelynn Copeland
Program Director/Associate Professor
Child Studies & Education

  254-299-8786
  dcopeland@mclennan.edu

Links & Resources