Working as a childcare provider is indeed a rewarding career for those who are desperate to pursue this role. But, it isn’t just a few hours of playing with cute kids. You have much more to do!
From keeping records of a child’s routine activities to ensuring their health and safety, you require to do so many tasks. Many times, you have to deal with their unpredictable tantrums. Further, parents have little tolerance with mistakes; their demands and expectations may stress you out at times.
Despite all this, it is one of the most enriching careers that make you feel satisfied by contributing to the development of a child. If you want to work as a childcare professional, here are a few things to consider:
Don’t Confuse Childcare With Babysitting
You might think that childcare is all about babysitting. But the actually such workers are nowhere closer to babysitters. In fact, it’s more than equal to the same level of teaching!
As a childcare provider, you are meant to assist parents to make the kids speak words, learn shapes, colors, walk, hold a spoon, etc. However, in babysitting, you are only responsible for the child’s needs. On the other hand, you need to take responsibility to help them grow and understand small things.
Professional Childcare Job Requires Some Qualifications
Childcare isn’t simply loving and playing with kids. You have to be able to organize games while managing discipline and having a plan to structure the kids. Moreover, as a childhood educator or caregiver, you have a significant impact on the lives of the children. So, if you want to start a career working with kids, it is advised to have a careful consideration.
However, there are some prerequisites for entry into the role of a professional worker. You can go for courses such as a diploma for residential childcare, activity planning for children, child nutrition, and more.
By acquiring professional knowledge, you can work as:
- Childcare assistants
- In-home care organization
- Nannies
- Preschool teacher
The Job Requires A Lot Of Patience
The job role of these professionals is quite demanding. From unreasonable crying or tantrums to cleaning up bodily fluids, you will be doing so many tasks on a regular basis. When things get tough, the worst part is realizing that you aren’t the parents of that kid. So, it takes patience, care, and compassion to work under such situations.
Moreover, when special needs are required, you require extra patience. But, the satisfaction and accomplishment you get with your work weigh out these challenges. If you have these personality traits, childcare is truly a rewarding career choice!
You May Need To Do Paperwork And Planning
Since it is essential to consider all the developmental stages of a child, you need to compile reports. As a part of your task, you will have to work closely with parents, managers, speech therapists, and health professionals.
Besides, there are other documents that must be filled out to comply with the early year’s foundation standards (EYFS). It includes:
- Accident, Injury and First Aid Report
- Emergency Contact Information
- Daily Routines Planner
- Meal planner
- Attendance Register
- Record of Child Concerns
Pay Attention To Local Childcare Providers Licensing Laws
You can also open a childcare center to develop your business. However, you need to keep in mind that these centers are licensed by the states. Moreover, you must meet the educational and training requirements that may vary as per the job role.
Also, the facility needs to meet certain fire, building, and zoning codes. At many of the places, specific child to adult ratio, and background checks are also mandatory.
Conclusion
These are some of the initial things you should know before starting a career in childcare. There is no denying that these jobs are full of challenges. But, if you are passionate enough, working in daycare can be rewarding for you!
