The online Master of Early Intervention and Child Development (MEICD) programs at Southeastern Oklahoma State University provide graduates with many fulfilling career possibilities. A profession in this field has a significant impact on children during their early years, particularly in industries like education and social services.
In this article, you’ll discover what students learn in the online MEICD programs at Southeastern. It also discusses the tools students will acquire for leadership and growth opportunities and explores some of the top career options available for graduates.
What Is an Online MEICD?
The focus of an online MEICD degree is to teach students how to develop the professional knowledge and skills needed to provide practical, impactful interventions and care to infants, toddlers and young children. Students learn how to draw upon scientifically based research and experience to help children in these age groups successfully. As you progress, you’ll apply the knowledge you learn through multiple research methods and discover how to hone and use skills that reflect best practices in this field for children from birth to age eight.
Students will prepare to meet the unique behavioral learning needs of young children through systematic, prevention-focused and data-based decision-making. You’ll gain a deep understanding of child development with an emphasis on both typical and atypical development. As a result, you’ll also learn and develop skills to help you effectively assess and care for infants, toddlers and young children in a variety of environments.
Why Should You Earn an MEICD?
Graduates who earn an MEICD degree care deeply about meeting the cognitive, social and emotional needs of children as they develop and grow. This specific degree provides you with opportunities to build strong relationships not just with the children you interact with, but also with their families as you provide support and guidance.
An ideal candidate for this degree is someone who aspires to make a positive impact on children’s growth and progress. Many graduates have a passion for working with young children, particularly those in underserved communities or those with developmental delays or disabilities. If you’re interested in serving children in Native American populations, Southeastern also offers an online MEICD – Native Populations program.
What Jobs Can You Get With an MEICD?
Careers for those with an MEICD include early intervention specialists who provide direct services to children in their homes, Head Start or other early learning programs, and community settings. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), some graduates may also choose a career as a preschool or childcare center director.
Job settings in this field vary and may include everything from preschools and daycare centers to clinical settings. Other careers may involve working in government facilities, offices, clinics and hospitals. Students who receive their online MEICD – Administration degree may serve as directors of nonprofit programs for children and families, community and social services specialists, or work in government to effect change by collaborating with policymakers to develop better legislation designed to protect and serve young children.
MEICD Career Growth and Salary Outlook
The demand for qualified MEICD graduates is high. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), early intervention programs and services are necessary to support children with a range of developmental delays; however, just 53% of children were enrolled in such programs, based on data the agency collected in 2023. Careers such as special education teachers, early childhood therapists and program directors are sorely needed nationwide.
When you graduate from this program, you’ll find a wide variety of career advancement opportunities that help young children through their crucial developmental years. More advanced careers in this field include roles like early childhood education administrator, curriculum developer for early childhood education, preschool director or early childhood education policymaker.
Inside the Online MEICD Program at Southeastern
The unique online programs at Southeastern feature a 100% online, flexible structure. You can learn at your convenience and complete your chosen program in as few as 12 months. You’ll also receive one-on-one guidance from an expert faculty team with real-world experience.
Southeastern offers affordable tuition rates that make it easy to earn your degree with pay-by-the-course options available. Students have access to a range of strong student support services, including a portal for online tutoring support, technological support and Distance Education Library Services that give you remote access to many helpful electronic resources like databases, e-books, print materials and more.
Start Making an Impact Today With an Early Intervention and Child Development Degree
From providing direct care services to policy-changing influences, an advanced degree in early intervention and child development provides many pathways. If you’re passionate about helping young children have positive outcomes, this program is for you.
Southeastern’s programs are specifically designed to support your journey as you learn and develop new skills throughout your learning experience. If you’d like to learn more or are ready to get started, contact our admissions team or apply today to one of Southeastern’s online MEICD programs.