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Childcare workers nurture and care for children who have not yet entered formal schooling. They also supervise older children before and after school. These workers play an important role in children’s development by caring for them when parents are at work or away for other reasons.
In addition to attending to children’s basic needs, childcare workers organize activities and implement curricula that stimulate children’s physical, emotional, intellectual and social growth. They help children explore individual interests, develop talents and independence, build self-esteem and learn how to get along with others.
Childcare workers generally are classified into three different groups based on where they work: private household workers, who care for children at the children’s home; family childcare providers, who care for children in the provider’s own home; and childcare workers who work at separate childcare centers.
How long will it take?
The training and qualifications required of childcare workers vary widely. Each state has its own licensing requirements that regulate caregiver training. These requirements range from a high school diploma, a national Child Development Associate (CDA) credential to community college courses or a college degree in child development or early childhood education.
AC offers three certifications and one degree in child development/early education. That means training in less than two years.
How much will you earn?
Pay depends on the educational attainment of the worker and the type of establishment. Although the pay generally is low, more education usually means higher earnings. Median annual earnings of wage-and-salary childcare workers in 2006 were $17,630.
Where can you work?
About a third of all childcare workers are self-employed. Daycare centers employ nearly 20% of workers and another 20% work for private households. The rest work for educational services, religious organizations and government entities.
AC can help you get there!
Child Development/Early Childhood
