Many parents look for programs that will contribute to their child's success in school. Staff members with education training usually find curriculum planning an easy task. However, they may need help in going beyond the cognitive needs of the child to foster social, emotional, and physical development. Because education tends to work toward group norms, they may also need help planning activities with individual children in mind. The psychology major may have skills that are similar to the social worker's or the early childhood professional's.
Psychologists can contribute knowledge of how children develop during middle childhood.
Individuals who understand this stage of development are likely to get along well with the children. However, staff members with psychology backgrounds may have little training or experience in planning activities or working with youth. In addition to understanding the impact of formal training on staff, you must also consider their work experience. Adults with little or no previous work experience are often enthusiastic and open to learning how to work with school-age youth. Many can draw on skills developed through volunteer work or from being a parent.