The area of child care is so vast that all of it cannot be combined into one category.
However, taking into account the broad perspective of child care, there are many
career options and many of them need higher academic qualifications while some of
them do not. Moreover, the academic qualifications in child care can lead the person
to a large number of job options ranging from child growth and development and early
year educational needs to child rights, child care activities and caring for a child
as in that of a nanny or an au pair. There are also childcare voluntary organizations
that provide job opportunities to people interested in voluntary work. Caring for
a child usually means caring for children belonging to the age group of less than
one year to about four years. Today with the mothers becoming career women, there
is a great demand for child caring professionals, resulting from the increase in
the number of day care centers, which take care of the young kids while mothers
go to work.
Eligibility
Basically, all the people involved in the child care sector must have an inherent
love for the little children, which should be the motivating factor for them to
take to the profession. Though child care workers do not always need certifications,
there are some schools that provide educational degrees in child care. Early education
programs, Special education programs, Child Growth and Development, Child rights
and many such programs that help to enter the teaching profession. Most of these
programs can be taken both at the undergraduate and the postgraduate level.
Required Skills for a Career
One of the basic skills is the love, understanding and willingness to work with
a child or for children. Other skills include a complete understanding of child
psychology. A high level of patience is needed for a successful career in the field
of child care.
How to become a Child Care Professional?
Basically to become a child care professional, qualifications do not count at the
caring stages, but when it comes to treating or therapy, the qualifications become
mandatory. In teaching small children there are various levels of qualifications
that is an essential requirement. Montessori training, Early Childhood Education
and Education for Special Children are areas when academic qualification and training
is mandatory. Nevertheless, to become a professional in the field of child care
it is best to be licensed so that there are many options that are available.
Job Description
The professional in child care has many roles which include, caring for a child,
teaching, catering to special children, understanding their requirements and being
able to engage them in their activities.
Career Prospects
The role of a child care professional is highly prospective as there are innumerable
fields in which the professional can make a career. Besides working in child care
centers, the professional can branch out as an entrepreneur and start day care centers,
special schools and child care agencies which is a great way to take the career
forward in the field of child care.
Salary
When working for a child care agency or a center the salary is very attractive and
as years go by, it gets better as the chance to become an entrepreneur is possible.