Child Psych Careers
Careers in Child Psychology
There is no easy or obvious road to becoming a child psychologist.You can either become a clinical or counselling psychologist who specialises in working with children, or an educational psychologist and work with children within educational settings.Working withchildren can be stressful, but rewarding and stimulating.Child psychologists are in high demand in many areas and will work within a range of different settings – schools, foster care settings, child care settings etc.They can also work in private practice working with children who are suffering emotional problems, learning disabilities and so on.Educational psychologists typically apply psychological theories and techniques to helping children and young people with difficulties.
Typical Jobs or Career Paths
Typically, careers in child psychology begin with university study followed by further professional development within your chosen specification.It is a diverse field with many different options and specialisations.
Career options include –
Child psychologist – children with learning disabilities
Child Counsellor
Children with disabilities
Children with emotional probems
Children with behavioural problems
Educational psychologist (working within an educational setting with children dealing with–
learning disabilities, emotional problems, behavioural problems, school phobias, difficulties at school and so on.
Usually educational psychologists work with children under 19 years of age.
Who Employs a Graduate?
Typical employers may include –
- Local Education Authorities
- Local and State Government
- Private Practice
Positions are usually available part and full time and on a temporary or permanent basis.
Remuneration and Advancement Opportunities
Child psychologists are fairly well paid, with payment increasing the further up the promotion ladder they go. It will also depend if they are working in private practice or for a government organization. Figures vary from country to country and the role will slightly differ from country to country.
Advancement within the field will depend on further qualifications and experience within the career. Educational psychologists and child psychologists may move up the promotional ladder to become managers or may move into education and training.
Professional Bodies
Membership of Professional bodies is useful to encourage networking and that you are kept up to date with current trends.Some will require an annual fee to join, whilst others will require evidence of your educational attainment and experience. Some will offer reduced fees for students. Organizations include –
Career Risks
There are risks associated with every careers. Working with children can be stressful and demanding.Also, there may be situations where the children can display challenging and violent behaviour.However, you would be trained to deal with those sorts of situations and would often receive supervisory support to deal with any emotional or stressful difficulties you may face.
Recommended Courses
Knowledge and experience is important, so ACS offer some courses in educational psychology and child psychology that you may find a useful introduction to further study.
Advanced Certificate in Psychology https://www.acsedu.co.uk/courses/product.aspx?id=472
The course is divided into 9 modules/subjects as follows: 2 x Core (compulsory)
Modules: Introduction to Psychology, Psychology and Counselling and six elective modules from - Industrial Psychology, Educational Psychology, Sports Psychology, Child Psychology, Biopsychology I, Marketing Psychology, Conflict Management, Research Project 1 plus Industry experience 100 hours. This Advanced Certificate is accredited through the International Accreditation and Recognition Council.This course can be counted towards credit for higher qualifications with ACS Distance Education, WarnboroughUniversity and other ACS affiliate institutions.
Associate Diploma in Psychology https://www.acsedu.co.uk/courses/product.aspx?id=441
This course is different and unique, allowing you to gain a solid and broad base foundation in theoretical psychology at the same time as developing a variety of practical skills that will be useful in the workplace. Graduates are not psychologists (A psychologist needs higher university qualifications), but they will have a capacity to apply psychology in real life situations (eg. as a manager, a counsellor, a marketer or a consultant). The course is divided into 15 modules. Seven compulsory modules must be undertaken by all students, and eight electives can be selected from a range of options listed below. Compulsory modules - Introduction to Psychology, Psychology and Counselling, Counselling Techniques, Industrial Psychology, Child Psychology, Research Project, Industry Meetings (eg. Seminars, conferences) or Work Experience (eg. volunteer counselling). Eight elective modules also need to be chosen.
DIPLOMA IN COUNSELLING & PSYCHOLOGY VPS007
https://www.acs.edu.au/courses/product.aspx?id=468
This course is a vocational course aimed at those who wish to pursue a career in counselling. As such, it contains a practical element that not only complements the theory, but also prepares the student for real-life counselling situations. It is anticipated that graduates of this course will seek probationary employment in counselling.This course is recognised as an ACA approved counsellor training course. Duration: 1500 hours
Child Psychology https://www.acsedu.co.uk/courses/product.aspx?id=362
Develop an understanding of how children think, and how their psychology changes as they develop. This course will be of value to anyone who works OR lives with children (e.g. parents, play leaders, teachers, etc).
Developmental Psychology https://www.acsedu.co.uk/courses/product.aspx?id=510
This course is aimed at people working with people of any age in a counselling, supporting, or teaching capacity, who will benefit from understanding how physiological and psychological changes over the lifespan affect human behaviour. Parents and carers will gain greater insight into issues that present particular challenges at different stages of the life span, especially from adolescence to old age.
This course also sets the theoretical framework for studying our Child Psychology course, and other courses that may be offered down the line, such as Adolescent Psychology and Psychology of Aging.
Educational Psychology https://www.acsedu.co.uk/courses/product.aspx?id=392
This course will benefit a wide range of people, including:
-parents in developing a better understanding of how their children develop
-teachers, training officers or any other educationists involved in the education of children or adults
-welfare workers or recreation officers (voluntary or professional) in developing a better understanding of the educational development of persons they deal with.
For details of further ACSDE psychology and counselling courses, visit -
https://www.acsedu.co.uk/courses/product_listings.aspx?catid=Psychology
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