For those who want to work in childhood
development but not necessarily as teachers, a career in early childhood
counseling is a suitable option. Online courses in counseling, early
childhood development and family studies are available through many
accredited universities, often as part of degree programs; certificate
programs are less common.
Students can find online courses available in programs related to
early childhood counseling, although completing a full program usually
requires some in-person fieldwork as well. Students who choose to focus
on early
childhood education
or development discover how working with children, such as those who
are handicapped or from low-income families, aids in their growth.
Students also learn how they can create and implement programs that
promote mental and emotional development in children. Psychology courses
prepare students to work with children from birth to five years in any
setting.
A wide variety of degrees are available online in related fields such
as early childhood education, early childhood care, family studies and
counseling. Associate, bachelor's, master's and Ph.D. programs are all
available partially online. Online graduate certificate programs
specifically in early childhood counseling are also offered, though
rarely.
Course Requirements
Some programs that are used to deliver online coursework are
Blackboard and Angel. Both Web-based programs provide virtual classrooms
through which students can communicate and receive instruction and
assessment. Students use these programs to ask questions, interact with
instructors, get assignments and engage in class discussions. Reading
materials can also be sent through the mail for some programs. Students
then work online after reading through manuals and texts.
Online Early Childhood Counseling Courses
Childhood Development Course
A childhood development course is essential in an early childhood
counseling program. Students learn how to create safe, educational
environments that promote the development of infants and toddlers.
Observation and reporting skills are learned through a series of online
course modules. Communication and developmental guidance skills are
emphasized in this course.
Children with Special Needs Course
As one of the introductory courses for counseling programs, this
course teaches students about the different types of special needs that
may arise in children, such as ADHD, autism and brain injuries. Students
learn how to diagnose a mental or learning disability, sometimes using
online case studies for reference. Students research the importance of
catching these disabilities early and working with doctors and families
to promote healthy development.
Families in Counseling Course
This online course can be taken anytime during a program. Depending
on the focus of study, students examine how culture and family play a
role in
child development;
how families influence the emotional and psychological development of
children; or how family structure affects child development. Students
look at violence in the home, divorce, siblings, income and housing to
distinguish the home-life of a child.
Nutrition Course
While nutrition may not seem like a typical counseling topic, proper
nutrition is the cornerstone to the healthy development of children. In
this course, students research foods, minerals and vitamins and their
relationship to illnesses, development and mental health in children
(and adults). Students study the composition of proper diets and menus
to provide a solid base for physical, mental and emotional development
in children.
Cognitive Development
Through a series of online lectures, videos and readings, students
learn to examine the cognitive development of infants and toddlers. Also
considered is the importance of play to cognitive development. Students
learn techniques to aid in cognition and language acquisition. This
course fits into any point of an early childhood counseling curriculum.
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