Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Chapter 1 Learning About Children 25
In the United States, parents have the rights
of guardianship and determine their children’s
upbringing. For example, they control the chil-
dren’s level of fi nancial support. They also control
religious and moral teachings, as well as educa-
tion and health care choices. The state can come
between a parent and child only if the court feels
the child needs more protection.
Each state makes laws and policies to protect
children. The state can make laws to develop child
welfare services. Each state has a department con-
cerned with children’s welfare and the obligations
and responsibilities of parents. These state depart-
ments are usually called Department of Human Services
(with offi ces pertaining to children within the larger
department) or Child Protective Services (CPS). These
offi ces are staffed with caseworkers who work to
make sure laws and policies are being carried out
by families with minor children. For example, laws
exist regarding the quality of child care programs,
school attendance, child labor, and illegal drug sales
to help protect children and society. State laws also
protect children from the results of their own lack
of judgment. For example, young children are not
responsible legally for their contracts. Children are
treated differently from adults in court. The state can
make laws to develop child welfare services.
Child Care Worker
Child care workers work with young children who
are not yet in school. They may also work with older
children before or after school. Child care workers
meet children’s basic needs and provide activities to
stimulate growth and development.
Career cluster: Education and training.
Education: Educational requirements vary greatly
for each state. Requirements may include a Child
Development Associate (CDA) credential or a
bachelor’s degree.
Job outlook: Future employment opportunities
are expected to grow as fast as the average for all
occupations.
To learn more about a career as a child care
worker, visit the United States Department of Labor’s
Occupational Outlook Handbook website. You will
also be able to compare the job responsibilities,
educational requirements, job outlook, and average
pay of child care workers with similar occupations.
Careers
Figure 1.12 Children need places where they can engage
in fun and challenging activities that will encourage growth.
What activities do you think a child would consider fun
and challenging?