Education · 1 of 5
The path
There is no single route in. Agencies hire at several levels, so most people work and study at the same time.
- 1
High school
Grades 11 and 12
Finish the diploma and turn 18. Volunteer or work at a camp, a tutoring program or a youth sports league. That experience is what gets you the first paid shift.
- 2
First paid job
Right away
Residential counselor, after school program staff, shelter overnight staff, camp counselor. A diploma, a clean background check and a driver's license are usually the whole requirement.
- 3
A degree while you work
2 to 4 years
An associate degree in human services gets you off the overnight shift. A bachelor's in youth development, human services, social work or psychology is what salaried and school district jobs want.
- 4
Internship or field placement
Built into the degree
Degree programs build one in. Rhode Island College, for instance, requires a 180 hour internship before you graduate. This is where most people get hired.
- 5
National certification
After a year or two of work
The Child and Youth Care Certification Board runs a credential at entry, associate and professional levels. The professional level needs a portfolio and an exam.