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Childcare training is important for individuals interested in
pursuing a childcare career, and offers the key skills and knowledge
needed to nurture and help raise a child. Although training requirements vary by State, basic courses provide
the hands-on programs and experience necessary for prospective
providers. Childcare workers may choose to work
independently or as part of a daycare facility.
Job Description and
Responsibilities After Childcare Training
Childcare training
provides a worker with interpersonal skills and knowledge about
children's health, development, and psychology. Workers
must enjoy working with children and be able to influence them in a
positive way. Common responsibilities include:
-
Playing with
young children
-
Helping children
with activities and learning
-
Guiding children
with projects and tasks
-
Teaching basic
educational principles
-
Motivating
children to participate in activities and providing positive
feedback
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Learning how to
make a positive difference in the child's or family's life
-
Helping the child
to grow, learn, and gain new skills
A childcare
provider may also be involved with play work, at-home education,
homeschooling, and basic cleanup duties. Workers spend the
majority of their day with children and maintaining contact
with parents as needed. Some are responsible for developing a
valuable childcare program. They must ensure that the child receives
enough attention and freedom to grow, and need to make a
well-balanced schedule of activities for each day.
Skills Needed for a
Childcare Program
While some
childcare workers choose to work from home, others may work in a
daycare facility or center. A daycare license is required for those who are interested in opening up their
own business. The average program requires workers to have
specific skills and characteristics including:
-
Learning and
teaching abilities
-
Strong
communication skills
-
High levels of
enthusiasm
-
A high level of
patience
-
Self-motivated
attitude
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Ability to work
on multiple projects at a time
-
Strong attention
skills
-
Ability to focus
on continued education and lifelong learning
-
Provide firm but
fair discipline
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Be alert and
conscientious
Career Options with
a Childcare License
A childcare license is required in some states, and offers more
flexibility with career options as well. After completing
the appropriate childcare training and courses, a worker
may choose to work as a:
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Babysitter
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Nursery
Assistant
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Playtime
Assistant
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Nanny
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Early
Childhood Educator
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Special
Education department
-
Nursery
Manager
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Daycare
Manager
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Daycare
Supervisor or Assistant
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At-Home
Childcare Provider
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Pre-School
Administrator, Manager, or Supervisor
Workers in the field may choose to manage their own child care
program or facility, where additional training will be
required to learn about local laws, legislation, and options.
Childcare Training
Requirements
Training
requirements vary depending on the State, and each state issues a
childcare license after the individual has completed specific
courses or a training program. Requirements are usually higher for a
career at a formal childcare center or business. Still, an
individual may choose to pursue a career at home as an
independent contractor. A childcare course can be taken at a
vocational school, technical college, or even at a distance through
online learning.
Many employers
prefer to hire those with a childcare license. The Child Development
Associate (CDA) credential recognized that the individual has
completed formal training in child development and education. Other
employers offer their own form of specialized training. An
associate degree program in childhood education can provide a strong
foundation for a long-term career. Courses in
these programs often include:
-
Childhood
psychology
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Cognition skills
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Communications
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Language
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Interpersonal
conflict
-
CPR training
Although
opportunities for advancement in the field are limited, many
childcare workers choose to obtain additional training or further
their education. They may choose to work as a daycare center
supervisor or administrator, or return to school in the area's of
child psychology or childhood development.
A childcare license
is important to meet the minimum standards and requirements of each
state. Licensing gives the worker formal credentials for their
position, and allows them to work independently. Some
providers and workers may choose to work out of their homes or open
up their own business. In this situation, a day care license is
usually required. In most cases, obtaining a license
requires completing a formal application and providing various
attachments. Licensing attachments may include:
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Proof of a medial
physical
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A signed health
officer inspection of the facility
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A list of
household residents under 18 along with notarized criminal record
releases
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Documentation of
education and experience in child care
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Documentation of
zoning approval where the program will operate
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Inspection and
evaluation of toys
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Evaluation of the
programs and services to be offered to children
Career
Potential and Employment Prospects
Many childcare workers choose to work part time, and approximately
one third are self-employed. Many work in child
day care services, nursing facilities, and social organizations.
Careers in the non-profit sector are another opportunity,
along with religious institutions, government agencies, school
systems, and State programs. The demand for child care workers is
expected to be about average through 2014, and those with high
qualifications can enjoy a long-term career. Still, with
the increasing need for early childhood education programs, the
growth in demand may be moderate or less than average.
The educational level of the worker largely determines the earning
potential. Median hourly earnings for
childcare careers were $8.06 in 2004, with the majority of workers
employed at residential care facilities. Related occupations
include:
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