Love children? Well, sit tight and read on, as you might just love a career as a childcare worker.
A childcare worker attends to the basic needs of the children. They will carry out the important tasks, such as dressing them, feeding them and supervising their play. Childcare workers can care for children at childcare centers, in their own home, or in a private household. In general, childcare workers will need a high school diploma or equivalent.
| ID | Job Title | Gender | Age | Earnings | City & State | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33874 | CEO | Female | 43 | None Set | corpus christi, TX | 01/01/2010 |
| 33781 | Assistant Group Supervisor | Female | 21 | $16,000 | Springdale, PA | 01/01/2010 |
| 33683 | Child Care Worker | Female | 34 | $23,000 | Mayslanding, NY | 01/01/2010 |
| 33599 | Owner/Operator | Female | 26 | $92,000 | metairie, LA | 01/01/2010 |
| 33274 | Childcare Provider | Female | 32 | $6,500 | Broken Arrow, OK | 01/01/2010 |
A childcare worker has the huge responsibility of attending to the basic needs of children. They will carry out the important tasks, such as dressing them, feeding them and supervising their play. Childcare workers can care for children at childcare centers, in their own home, or in a private household. Their daily duties and responsibilities will vary slightly on where they work and how many children they supervise. However, as a childcare worker you can expect to always conduct duties such as:
Childcare workers play a hugely important role in society. They are responsible for looking after children in some of the most influential years of their life. Children will learn a lot from childcare workers that will set them up from life. On top of this, childcare workers help the economy to grow, as it means that parents with children can still go to work and continue their careers.
Pros:
Cons:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of daycare workers is projected to grow 2% from 2019 to 2029, which is slower than the average for all occupations.
The slight rise in employment is expected because parents or guardians who work will continue to need the assistance of childcare workers. In addition, the growing population will create a bigger demand for preschools and childcare facilities as it is recognized as that childcare workers are seen as being important for a child’s intellectual and emotional development. As a result, the demand for childcare workers should remain strong. However, the increasing cost of childcare may reduce the demand for childcare workers.
The career path to becoming a childcare worker can vary slightly. In some states, childcare workers are required to have a high school diploma or equivalent. However, in other states there are no official educational requirements needed for entry-level positions, but in these states, employers often prefer to hire workers who have at least a high school diploma.
Childcare workers in Head Start and Early Head Start programs must meet specific education and certification requirements, which vary by work setting and job title.
With a couple of years of experience and a bachelor’s degree, childcare workers may advance to become a director of a preschool or child daycare center.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for childcare workers in the United States was $12.24. The lowest 10% earned less than $8.84 per hour and the highest 10% earned more than $18.13 per hour.
The top paying industry of daycare workers in the United States was elementary and secondary schools, where the median annual salary was $13.73. This was followed by religious, grant making, civic, professional and similar organizations ($12.00) and child day care services ($11.57).
Childcare workers aren’t likely to have a huge amount of autonomy or flexibility. They have to follow the plans written out with by the curriculum or by more senior daycare workers. Also, all of their decisions will be dictated by the wishes and wants of the parents of each child.
According to Zippia, the best states to be a childcare worker, based on average annual salary and number of job available, are:
The worst states to be a childcare worker, according to Zippia, are Hawaii, Montana, Florida, Arkansas and Indiana.
27% of childcare workers in the United States were employed by childcare services. 23% were self-employed workers, 20% by private households, 8% by religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations, and a final 8% by elementary and secondary schools.
Childcare workers may care for children in their own home. Or, they may work in a daycare centre, where they will work in a team with other daycare workers.
Which personalities tend to succeed and thrive in Childcare careers? Based on our research, there is a relatively strong positive correlation between the following personality types and Childcare career satisfaction. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t many exceptions, of course, but if you fit into one of the following personality types then we suggest you give strong consideration to a career in Childcare.
Like many childcare/teaching positions, successful childcare workers are likely to be ENFJ personality types. ENFJ’s, or sometimes called ‘the mentor’, are forward-thinkers. They enjoy serving the community and can always see the potential in other people. They want to focus on the possibilities of growth for others, which is absolutely essential qualities for anyone who wants work in education and teaching other – including childcare workers.
As daycare workers have low autonomy, they may not always feel a huge sense of accomplishment and mastery. However, when one of the children that they have been working with responds well or progresses well, a daycare worker is likely to feel accomplished and like they have mastered the necessary skills to help children and let them thrive.
As previously highlighted, childcare workers play a crucial role in the education system and in the life of each child they work with. Without them, many children would not get the chance they deserve. Therefore, the work of daycare worker has a lot of meaning and contribution to society!
A childcare workers schedule can vary. Some childcare workers may work part time, whereas other may work full time.
Childcare centers usually are open year round and operate at long hours so that parents or guardians can drop off and pick up their children before and after work. Some centers employ full-time and part-time staff with staggered shifts to cover the entire day.
Family childcare providers may have to work long or irregular hours to fit the parents’ work schedules. In some cases, these childcare providers offer evening and overnight care to meet the needs of families. After the children go home, family childcare providers often have more responsibilities, such as shopping for food or supplies, keeping records, and cleaning.
As childcare workers can work long hours, which involves giving constant attention to young children, it can be emotionally exhausting and draining. Therefore, to thrive as a childcare worker, you will need to be energetic, creative and engaging. As well as this, you will also need incredible patience, as working with children is not easy and is very demanding. Childcare workers also need to be compassionate, friendly, positive and sensible.
Rather obviously, you will struggle as a childcare worker if you don’t like children, especially ones who are difficult and challenging. A lack empathy and patience will also mean you will struggle in this career, as you must be able to relate to and understand the children. Finally, those who seek independent work and do not want to always have to answer to someone else may struggle as a childcare worker, who often must follow the guidelines and plans set out by more senior members of staff.
As well as a genuine passion for looking after children, childcare workers will need skills and talents such as:
In general, childcare workers will need a high school diploma or equivalent. Although it’s not a legal requirement in many states, it puts childcare workers in the best position for progression and advancement if they have a high school diploma, or even a bachelor’s degree!
In many states, childcare workers are required to be licensed. In general, to qualify for licensure, childcare workers must pass a background check, have a complete record of immunizations, and meet a minimum training requirement. Some states require staff to have certifications in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid.
In some states, employers require childcare workers to have a nationally recognized credential. Most often, states require the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential offered by the Council for Professional Recognition. Obtaining the CDA credential requires coursework, experience in the field, and a period during which the applicant is observed while working with children. This CDA credential must be renewed every 3 years.
A childcare worker attends to the basic needs of the children. They will carry out the important tasks, such as dressing them, feeding them and supervising their play. Childcare workers can care for children at childcare centers, in their own home, or in a private household. Regardless of where they work, the can expect to have good employment opportunities over the coming years, as people continue to recognize the importance of childcare for intellectual development!
Sounds like something you’re interested in doing? Great!
Well, like many careers, it is always advisable to get your foot in the door. To do this, we recommend seeking relevant work experience. Work experience includes things such as nannying children or working in a pre school.
In general, childcare workers will need a high school diploma or equivalent. Although it’s not a legal requirement in many states, it puts childcare workers in the best position for progression and advancement if they have a high school diploma, or even a bachelor’s degree!
Childcare workers will learn many of the skills they need through their high school education and on-the-job. Childcare workers will always be learning and adapting their skills with the more experience and knowledge they gain.
Have a question about Childcare careers? If so, our mentors would love to help! Just click on a mentor’s profile below and then fill out the “Ask a Question” form on that page. Your question will then be emailed to the mentor, who can then email you a reply.
| ID | Job Title | Gender | Age | Earnings | City & State | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33874 | CEO | Female | 43 | None Set | corpus christi, TX | 01/01/2010 |
| 33781 | Assistant Group Supervisor | Female | 21 | $16,000 | Springdale, PA | 01/01/2010 |
| 33683 | Child Care Worker | Female | 34 | $23,000 | Mayslanding, NY | 01/01/2010 |
| 33599 | Owner/Operator | Female | 26 | $92,000 | metairie, LA | 01/01/2010 |
| 33274 | Childcare Provider | Female | 32 | $6,500 | Broken Arrow, OK | 01/01/2010 |
