Child Care Management: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Child Care Management equips professionals with the strategic and operational expertise needed to lead high-quality early childhood programs. This interdisciplinary field integrates developmental science with practical leadership, focusing on creating nurturing, safe, and enriching environments for children from infancy through school age.
- Child Development and Psychology: Explores cognitive, emotional, social, and physical growth patterns across early life stages, providing the foundation for age-appropriate programming and responsive caregiving.
- Home- and Institution-Based Child Care: Examines the distinct structures, standards, and operational models of family child care homes and center-based programs, including regulatory compliance and quality improvement strategies.
- Health and Safety Protocols: Covers the recognition and response to common childhood illnesses, injuries, and psychological distress, with emphasis on proper documentation, reporting, and referral procedures.
- Parent and Community Engagement: Develops skills in building trust, fostering communication, and collaborating with families to support children’s well-being and program continuity.
- Human Resources and Organizational Leadership: Focuses on hiring, training, supervising, and retaining qualified staff, including conflict resolution, performance evaluation, and team development.
- Business and Financial Management: Teaches budgeting, grant writing, fiscal planning, and operational efficiency to ensure sustainable program delivery and long-term viability.
- Legal and Policy Frameworks: Provides insight into federal, state, and local regulations governing child care, including licensing standards, child protection laws, and anti-discrimination policies.
Child Care Management Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Child Care Management Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Child Care Management degrees, including Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary and Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 447,710 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1192 | $77,280 | $47,580 - $133,180 | 2,630 | N/A |
| Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education 25-2011 | $37,120 | $28,300 - $60,070 | 445,080 | $17.85 |
Child Care Management Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $27,630 in Alabama to $89,970 in California—a 226% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 447,710 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Child Care Management by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 100 institutions offering Child Care Management programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Child Care Management is found at Post University (281 graduates), Central Community College (CCC) (126 graduates), Pinellas Technical College, Clearwater (109 graduates), H W Brewster Technical College (91 graduates), and Joliet Junior College (JJC) (88 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 3,246 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Post University |
Associate's
|
281 | Waterbury, Connecticut | Private | post.edu |
| Central Community College (CCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
126 | Grand Island, Nebraska | Public | cccneb.edu |
| Pinellas Technical College |
Residency
|
109 | Clearwater, Florida | Public | myptc.edu |
| H W Brewster Technical College |
Residency
|
91 | Tampa, Florida | Public | hillsboroughschools.org |
| Joliet Junior College (JJC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
88 | Joliet, Illinois | Public | jjc.edu |
| George C Wallace State Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
83 | Hanceville, Alabama | Public | wallacestate.edu |
| Rogue Community College (RCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
79 | Grants Pass, Oregon | Public | roguecc.edu |
| George C Wallace Community College (WCCD) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
70 | Dothan, Alabama | Public | wallace.edu |
| National Louis University (NLU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
69 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | nl.edu |
| Chemeketa Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
66 | Salem, Oregon | Public | chemeketa.edu |
| Clackamas Community College (CCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
66 | Oregon City, Oregon | Public | clackamas.edu |
| Oklahoma State University (OSU-OKC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
65 | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | Public | osuokc.edu |
| Sheridan Technical College (STC) |
Residency
|
62 | Hollywood, Florida | Public | sheridantechnicalcollege.edu |
| Columbus State Community College (CSCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
61 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | cscc.edu |
| Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
59 | Grand Rapids, Michigan | Public | grcc.edu |
| City College of San Francisco (CCSF) |
Other Award
|
58 | San Francisco, California | Public | ccsf.edu |
| John C Calhoun State Community College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
57 | Tanner, Alabama | Public | calhoun.edu |
| Lane Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
54 | Eugene, Oregon | Public | lanecc.edu |
| Arkansas State University (A-State) |
Master's
|
53 | Jonesboro, Arkansas | Public | astate.edu |
| SUNY Westchester Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
47 | Valhalla, New York | Public | sunywcc.edu |
| Jefferson State Community College (JSCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
46 | Birmingham, Alabama | Public | jeffersonstate.edu |
| Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC) |
Other Award
|
43 | Valley Glen, California | Public | lavc.edu |
| Florida State College (FSCJ) |
Associate's
|
43 | Jacksonville, Florida | Public | fscj.edu |
| Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) |
Associate's
Postbac Cert.
|
38 | Cape Girardeau, Missouri | Public | semo.edu |
| Amarillo College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
37 | Amarillo, Texas | Public | actx.edu |
| Central Texas College (CTC) |
Other Award
|
37 | Killeen, Texas | Public | ctcd.edu |
| Suffolk County Community College (SUNY) |
Associate's
|
34 | Selden, New York | Public | sunysuffolk.edu |
| Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
33 | Rainsville, Alabama | Public | nacc.edu |
| Shelton State Community College (SSCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
32 | Tuscaloosa, Alabama | Public | sheltonstate.edu |
| Coastal Alabama Community College |
Other Award
|
31 | Bay Minette, Alabama | Public | coastalalabama.edu |
| Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
31 | Troy, New York | Public | hvcc.edu |
| Bevill State Community College (BSCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
30 | Jasper, Alabama | Public | bscc.edu |
| Allen County Community College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
29 | Iola, Kansas | Public | allencc.edu |
| College of the Desert (COD) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
28 | Palm Desert, California | Public | collegeofthedesert.edu |
| Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) |
Other Award
|
28 | Griffin, Georgia | Public | sctech.edu |
| North Georgia Technical College |
Other Award
|
27 | Clarkesville, Georgia | Public | northgatech.edu |
| Frederick Community College (FCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
27 | Frederick, Maryland | Public | frederick.edu |
| State Fair Community College (SFCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
27 | Sedalia, Missouri | Public | sfccmo.edu |
| Northampton County Area Community College (NCC) |
Other Award
|
27 | Bethlehem, Pennsylvania | Public | northampton.edu |
| Orange Technical College (OTC) |
Residency
|
26 | Orlando, Florida | Public | orangetechcollege.net |
| College of Southern Idaho (CSI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
26 | Twin Falls, Idaho | Public | csi.edu |
| ICPR Junior College (ICPR) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
26 | Arecibo, Puerto Rico | Private | icprjc.edu |
| SUNY College of Technology (SUNY Canton) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
25 | Canton, New York | Public | canton.edu |
| Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
24 | Logan, West Virginia | Public | southernwv.edu |
| Antelope Valley Community College District (AVCCD) |
Associate's
|
23 | Lancaster, California | Public | avc.edu |
| Cowley County Community College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
23 | Arkansas City, Kansas | Public | cowley.edu |
| Ferris State University (FSU) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
22 | Big Rapids, Michigan | Public | ferris.edu |
| Enterprise State Community College (ESCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
21 | Enterprise, Alabama | Public | escc.edu |
| Gadsden State Community College (GSCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
21 | Gadsden, Alabama | Public | gadsdenstate.edu |
| Macomb Community College |
Associate's
|
21 | Warren, Michigan | Public | macomb.edu |
| Baltimore City Community College (BCCC) |
Associate's
|
20 | Baltimore, Maryland | Public | bccc.edu |
| Three Rivers College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
20 | Poplar Bluff, Missouri | Public | trcc.edu |
| Southeast Community College Area (SCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
20 | Lincoln, Nebraska | Public | southeast.edu |
| Bishop State Community College (BSCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
19 | Mobile, Alabama | Public | bishop.edu |
| H Councill Trenholm State Community College (TSCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
19 | Montgomery, Alabama | Public | trenholmstate.edu |
| Kellogg Community College (KCC) |
Associate's
|
19 | Battle Creek, Michigan | Public | kellogg.edu |
| NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
19 | Bentonville, Arkansas | Public | nwacc.edu |
| Northwest Shoals Community College (NWSCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
18 | Muscle Shoals, Alabama | Public | nwscc.edu |
| Trident Technical College (TTC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
18 | Charleston, South Carolina | Public | tridenttech.edu |
| Central Methodist University (CGES) |
Bachelor's
|
18 | Fayette, Missouri | Private | centralmethodist.edu |
| Piedmont Technical College (PTC) |
Associate's
|
17 | Greenwood, South Carolina | Public | ptc.edu |
| Central Carolina Technical College (CCTC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
17 | Sumter, South Carolina | Public | cctech.edu |
| West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) |
Other Award
|
16 | Waco, Georgia | Public | westgatech.edu |
| Idaho State University (ISU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
16 | Pocatello, Idaho | Public | isu.edu |
| College of DuPage (COD) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
16 | Glen Ellyn, Illinois | Public | cod.edu |
| Erie Community College (SUNY Erie) |
Associate's
|
16 | Buffalo, New York | Public | ecc.edu |
| Southeast Technical College (STC) |
Associate's
|
16 | Sioux Falls, South Dakota | Public | southeasttech.edu |
| Mineral Area College (MAC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
15 | Park Hills, Missouri | Public | mineralarea.edu |
| North Central Missouri College (NCMC) |
Associate's
|
15 | Trenton, Missouri | Public | ncmissouri.edu |
| Midlands Technical College (MTC) |
Associate's
|
15 | West Columbia, South Carolina | Public | midlandstech.edu |
| M-DCPS The English Center (TEC) |
Residency
|
15 | Miami, Florida | Public | tecmiami.com |
| American River College (ARC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Other Award
|
14 | Sacramento, California | Public | arc.losrios.edu |
| Onondaga Community College (OCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
14 | Syracuse, New York | Public | sunyocc.edu |
| Florence-Darlington Technical College |
Associate's
|
14 | Florence, South Carolina | Public | fdtc.edu |
| Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) |
Associate's
|
14 | Conway, South Carolina | Public | hgtc.edu |
| Oakland Community College (OCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
13 | Auburn Hills, Michigan | Public | oaklandcc.edu |
| Pine Technical & Community College (PTCC) |
Associate's
|
13 | Pine City, Minnesota | Public | pine.edu |
| Umpqua Community College (UCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
13 | Roseburg, Oregon | Public | umpqua.edu |
| Tri-County Technical College (TCTC) |
Associate's
|
13 | Pendleton, South Carolina | Public | tctc.edu |
| York Technical College (York Tech) |
Associate's
|
13 | Rock Hill, South Carolina | Public | yorktech.edu |
| Pierpont Community and Technical College (PCTC) |
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
13 | Fairmont, West Virginia | Public | pierpont.edu |
| Lawson State Community College (LSCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
12 | Birmingham, Alabama | Public | lawsonstate.edu |
| MiraCosta College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
12 | Oceanside, California | Public | miracosta.edu |
| Howard Community College (HCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
12 | Columbia, Maryland | Public | howardcc.edu |
| Framingham State University (FSU) |
Bachelor's
|
12 | Framingham, Massachusetts | Public | framingham.edu |
| SUNY |
Other Award
|
12 | Purchase, New York | Public | purchase.edu |
| Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) |
Associate's
|
12 | Nanticoke, Pennsylvania | Public | luzerne.edu |
| ICPR Junior College (ICPR) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
12 | Mayaguez, Puerto Rico | Private | icprjc.edu |
| Southern Union State Community College (SUSCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
12 | Wadley, Alabama | Public | suscc.edu |
| College of Western Idaho (CWI) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
12 | Nampa, Idaho | Public | cwi.edu |
| Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) |
Other Award
|
12 | Warner Robins, Georgia | Public | centralgatech.edu |
| Lurleen B Wallace Community College (LBWCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
11 | Andalusia, Alabama | Public | lbwcc.edu |
| Los Angeles City College (LACC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
11 | Los Angeles, California | Public | lacitycollege.edu |
| Charter Oak State College |
Other Award
|
11 | New Britain, Connecticut | Public | charteroak.edu |
| North Florida College (NFC) |
Residency
|
11 | Madison, Florida | Public | nfc.edu |
| Jones County Junior College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
11 | Ellisville, Mississippi | Public | jcjc.edu |
| Northeastern Technical College (NETC) |
Associate's
|
11 | Cheraw, South Carolina | Public | netc.edu |
| Houston Community College (HCC) |
Other Award
|
11 | Houston, Texas | Public | hccs.edu |
| Liceo de Arte-Dise-O y Comercio |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
11 | Caguas, Puerto Rico | Private | liceocaguas.com |
| Central Alabama Community College (CACC) |
Other Award
|
10 | Alexander City, Alabama | Public | cacc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Child Care Management programs
How much can I earn with a Child Care Management degree?
Salaries for Child Care Management graduates vary by role and location. Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $77,280 annually, while Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education earn around $37,120. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $89,970 compared to $27,630 in Alabama. Approximately 447,710 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Child Care Management programs?
Currently 228 accredited institutions offer Child Care Management degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Post University (281 graduates), Central Community College (CCC) (126 graduates), and Pinellas Technical College, Clearwater (109 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Child Care Management growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 4,161 in 2010 to 3,901 in 2023-24. This represents a 6% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Child Care Management degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education, . Related occupations employ approximately 447,710 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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