What can you do with a bachelor's in child development?
By: Sarah Edwards, Edited by: Arthur McMahon
Last updated: February 26, 2025
Do you love learning about and working with children? Find out what you can do with a bachelor's degree in child development and how it can help you land your ideal role.
What jobs can you get with a bachelor's in child development?
A bachelor's in child development can prepare you for a variety of roles working with children and families. Below are some career options you can pursue after earning this degree.
Preschool teacher
Preschool teachers provide care and education for children ages 2-5. In a preschool classroom, you may:
- Develop and teach age-appropriate curriculum
- Guide children through daily learning experiences
- Provide individualized support based on a child's learning style
- Communicate with parents and guardians to report on the child's progress
- Collaborate with other professionals to support a child's development in all areas
- Administer basic first aid on an as-needed basis
- Keep records of each child's work and progress
A bachelor's in child development degree program can prepare you for this role by teaching you about a child's physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and linguistic developmental stages and how each is affected by familial and cultural contexts.
This knowledge will help you develop and implement curriculum activities that are appropriate for each stage of growth.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for a preschool teacher in 2023 was $37,130 per year. The lowest 10% in this profession earned less than $28,200, while the top 10% earned more than $60,900.
Childcare center director
What can you do with a bachelor's in child development? In addition to teaching, you may also be able to use your knowledge to manage adults and children beyond your classroom. Childcare center directors ensure safety and oversee the delivery of quality education for all children in their care. Some typical responsibilities for this role include:
- Hiring, training, and managing staff
- Selecting and developing state-approved curriculum materials
- Communicating with parents
- Developing policies and procedures
- Preparing budgets and allocating funds
- Collaborating with stakeholders to make important decisions
A degree program in child development may teach you to assess and support learning needs, collaborate as a professional, and develop partnerships with a diverse range of families and communities. These skills are essential for success as a childcare center director.
The BLS data reports that childcare center directors earned a median salary of $54,290 per year. The lowest 10% of earners made less than $36,550, while the highest 10% made more than $94,890.