Education, Health & Community Focus

Welcome

This Career Community supports students exploring careers in early childhood education, community health, aging services, office administration, and legal support. You will develop skills that employers value: compassion, communication, cultural competency, teamwork, problem-solving, and attention to detail.

Choose Your Major

Education Programs:

• Early Childhood Education (AAS) – Teaching, childcare, and early learning careers.

Community Health Programs:

• Community Health (AS) – Public health and health promotion careers.
• Aging and Health Studies (AAS) – Gerontology and elder care services.

Business and Legal Support Programs:

• Office Technology (AAS) – Administrative and office management careers.
• Paralegal Studies (AAS) – Legal assistant and paralegal careers.

Liberal Arts Programs:

• Liberal Arts (A.A.) – Education and Community Pathways – Early childhood education, community health, healthcare management, and social services.

Relevant Options: Teacher Education, Community Health, Health Care Management, Aging and Health Studies, Social Work.

View all Liberal Arts Options

Not sure which major? 📅 Meet with Career Advisor Estefani Pliego

Career Exploration

Research Careers

My Next Move – Explore job duties, salaries, and job outlook:

→ Preschool Teachers
→ Teacher Assistants
→ Community Health Workers
→ Medical and Health Services Managers
→ Social and Community Service Managers
→ Paralegals and Legal Assistants
→ Executive Secretaries and Assistants
→ Browse All Careers

Learn From Professionals

Candid Career Videos – Watch industry professionals share their stories:

→ Education and Community Service Videos
→ All Career Videos

Find a Mentor - Connect with Industry Professionals 
→ Mentorship — The City Tutors: A Volunteer Tutoring and Mentoring Community

Gain Experience

• Work-study in early childhood education centers and administrative offices.
• Field placements in Head Start and community programs.
• Student organizations (Early Childhood Education Club, Student Government).
• Peer tutoring and mentoring programs.

Off-Campus:

• Early childhood education field placements in schools and childcare centers.
• NYC DOE paraprofessional and substitute paraprofessional positions.
• Pre-K assistant teacher roles in community-based organizations.
• Lead teacher positions in childcare centers and Head Start programs.
• Community health internships with public health agencies and nonprofits.
• Senior centers and aging services organizations.
• Law firms and legal aid organizations.
• Career Launch Program – Paid internships.
• Spring Forward Program – Professional development.

Where Students Intern:

• NYC Department of Education public schools and Pre-K programs.
• Community-based Pre-K programs and childcare centers.
• Head Start programs and early childhood education centers.
• Community-based organizations and nonprofit agencies.
• Senior centers and assisted living facilities.
• Public health departments and community health centers.
• Law firms and corporate legal departments.

Career Resources

Resume and Job Search

• Resume and Cover Letter Toolkit
• Handshake – Access jobs and internships.
• Schedule Resume Review – Get personalized feedback.

Professional Development

Certifications:

• NYSTCE Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills (ATAS).
• CPR and First Aid for childcare workers.
• New York State Early Childhood Teacher Certification (requires bachelor's degree).

Community Health Certifications:

• Community Health Worker Certification.
• CPR and First Aid.
• Health Education Specialist Certification.

Office and Legal Certifications:

• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS).
• Notary Public Certification (for paralegals).
• Administrative Professional Certification.

Professional Associations:

• National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
• American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
• New York State Association for the Education of Young Children (NYSAEYC)
• American Public Health Association (APHA)
• National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
• International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP)

Meet Your Career Advisor

Estefani Pliego
Career Advisor and Field Experience Readiness Coordinator

📅 Schedule an Appointment
📧 Email: careerservices@hostos.cuny.edu
📞 Phone: 718-518-4468
Located in the D-building, room 210

Estefani can help you:

• Explore career options.
• Review your resume.
• Find internships.
• Prepare for interviews.

Quick Links

Explore:
→ Career Services Events & Opportunities 
→ Academic Departments - Hostos Community College
→ Student Success Coaching (SSCU)
→ Transfer Services