6 Career Paths for Working with Children Beyond Teaching

Child and Youth Worker

Child and youth workers play a vital role in the lives of children and young people who face challenging circumstances. They work with at-risk youth in schools, group homes, shelters, or community organizations, providing emotional support, mentorship, and advocacy. These professionals focus on helping young individuals build coping strategies, develop social skills, and improve their overall well-being.

A significant part of the role includes creating individualized plans for each child, addressing their unique needs and circumstances. This may involve collaborating with teachers, counselors, and families to ensure a supportive network. Child and youth workers also lead activities that promote positive behavior and personal growth, such as workshops on communication skills or recreational events that foster teamwork.

Empathy, patience, and strong communication skills are essential for this role. Workers often encounter children dealing with trauma, abuse, or neglect, requiring a compassionate yet professional approach. The ability to set boundaries while building trust is crucial.

In terms of qualifications, child and youth workers typically have a diploma or degree in child and youth care, social work, or a related field. Ongoing professional development is also common, as this field evolves with new research and methods for supporting young people.

The job can be emotionally demanding but equally rewarding. Helping a child overcome obstacles and watching them flourish makes this role incredibly fulfilling for those passionate about making a difference in young lives.

Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Pediatric occupational therapists (OTs) specialize in helping children develop the skills they need to perform daily activities and thrive in their environments. They work with children facing physical, developmental, or emotional challenges, tailoring interventions to improve their fine motor skills, sensory processing, and self-care abilities.

Therapy sessions are often engaging and playful, designed to hold a child’s attention while achieving therapeutic goals. For instance, an OT might use puzzles or building blocks to strengthen a child’s hand muscles or incorporate sensory bins to improve sensory regulation. They may also teach children how to dress, write, or use adaptive tools.

Collaboration is a key aspect of the role. Pediatric OTs often work closely with parents, teachers, and healthcare providers to ensure a cohesive approach to a child’s care. They may provide training to caregivers, suggest modifications to classrooms or homes, and recommend equipment like weighted blankets or ergonomic seating to support the child’s needs.

To become a pediatric OT, individuals typically need a master’s degree in occupational therapy and a license to practice. Specializing in pediatrics may involve additional certifications or training.

The impact of a pediatric OT can be profound, as they empower children to gain independence and confidence in their abilities. Watching a child take their first steps toward greater self-sufficiency, whether that’s tying their shoes or participating in school activities, makes this career deeply rewarding.

Recreational Therapist

Recreational therapists use creative and engaging activities to help children improve their emotional, physical, and social well-being. Working in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or community programs, they tailor activities to meet the needs of children facing illnesses, injuries, or developmental challenges.

Their work might involve organizing art and music therapy sessions, leading sports or outdoor adventures, or facilitating group games that build social connections. For example, a recreational therapist might use a painting activity to help a child express emotions or plan a scavenger hunt to encourage problem-solving and teamwork.

Therapists often assess each child’s interests and abilities to create personalized therapeutic plans. They may focus on developing physical skills through movement-based activities or boosting confidence and emotional resilience through creative outlets. Recreational therapists also play a vital role in helping children reintegrate into their communities or schools after hospital stays or life-changing events.

To enter the field, a bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy or a related field is typically required, along with certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).

This career offers the opportunity to combine creativity with meaningful impact. Recreational therapists often witness firsthand the transformative power of play and recreation in a child’s recovery and growth, making the work both enjoyable and fulfilling.

Child Life Specialist 

Child life specialists work in healthcare settings to support children and their families through medical experiences, such as hospital stays, surgeries, or chronic illness management. They aim to reduce fear and anxiety by using developmentally appropriate communication, play, and education.  

A significant aspect of this role is explaining medical procedures in ways children can understand, helping them feel more in control and less frightened. For instance, a child life specialist might use dolls or stuffed animals to demonstrate a medical procedure or provide opportunities for children to "play doctor" to familiarize themselves with hospital equipment.  

They also engage children in therapeutic play to promote emotional expression and coping. This might include art activities, games, or storytelling to help children process their experiences. Additionally, child life specialists often support parents and siblings, equipping them with tools and strategies to navigate the challenges of hospitalization.  

To enter the profession, most specialists have a bachelor’s degree in child life, psychology, or a related field, along with certification from the Child Life Council. Practical experience through internships in pediatric healthcare settings is typically required.  

The work is both emotionally demanding and deeply impactful. Child life specialists play a crucial role in helping children feel safe and supported during vulnerable times, offering moments of joy and reassurance in difficult circumstances. Witnessing a child overcome fear and find comfort makes this career profoundly rewarding.  

Camp Director or Coordinator

Camp directors and coordinators design and oversee programs that offer children unique experiences in recreational, educational, or therapeutic environments. These roles can involve working in day camps, overnight camps, or specialized programs for children with disabilities or specific interests.  

A camp director’s responsibilities include creating engaging schedules filled with activities like sports, arts and crafts, nature exploration, and team-building games. They also hire and train camp staff, ensuring the team is equipped to provide a safe and inclusive environment. Safety and risk management are top priorities, as is fostering a culture of respect and community among campers.  

For children, camp provides opportunities to build friendships, gain independence, and develop new skills. Directors and coordinators play a key role in facilitating these growth experiences while handling the behind-the-scenes logistics. They may also address behavioral challenges or collaborate with families to accommodate special needs.  

While many in this field have backgrounds in recreation, education, or child development, practical experience in camp settings is often the most valuable qualification. Strong leadership, organization, and problem-solving skills are essential for success.  

This job offers a blend of creativity, leadership, and meaningful impact. Seeing children grow, build confidence, and create lifelong memories under your guidance makes the work both inspiring and rewarding.  

Children’s Librarian or Literacy Specialist

Children’s librarians and literacy specialists foster a love of reading and learning in children, offering programs and resources that inspire curiosity and creativity. They work in libraries, schools, or community centers, tailoring their services to the developmental and cultural needs of young readers.  

In this role, a children’s librarian might organize storytime sessions, lead book clubs, or plan interactive workshops on topics like coding or creative writing. They often curate diverse book collections to ensure all children can see themselves represented while being introduced to new perspectives.  

Literacy specialists may work more directly with children facing reading challenges. They assess literacy levels, design individualized reading programs, and provide one-on-one or small-group instruction. They also train parents and educators on strategies to support children’s literacy development.  

Both roles involve collaborating with families, educators, and community organizations to promote reading and literacy initiatives. Strong communication, creativity, and a passion for working with children are crucial traits for these professionals.  

A degree in library science, education, or a related field is typically required, with additional certifications in literacy for specialists.  

These careers are ideal for those who believe in the transformative power of stories and education. Watching a child light up with excitement over a book or achieve a breakthrough in reading ability makes the work incredibly fulfilling.