A child care provider is a person who cares for children while their parents are at work or otherwise engaged. Generally speaking that person will care for the physical, emotional, and intellectual needs of the children in their care. Some of these responsibilities include feeding, bathing, changing, providing age appropriate games and activities, picking up and dropping kids off at school, helping with homework, and more.
A child care provider should be kind and patient. He or she should possess a genuine affection for children and be committed to caring for them and meeting their needs. This is not a task for the fainthearted, since children can be very demanding. It is also a profession that requires a good amount of physical stamina to keep up with and meet children's demands. It is also a very rewarding job as children bring much joy to one's life.
Child Care Center
The first thing most people think of when they hear 'child care jobs' is working in a licensed child care center. There are many of these centers in all cities and states. This is generally where a parent would expect to pay the most for child care. In return they are given a measure of peace knowing that these centers are licensed and insured.
The process of becoming a child care provider in one of these centers may be more demanding and involved than if you were a work at home child care provider. Many centers require that the lead teachers in their classrooms have a degree. The type and specialty of the degree can vary from center to center. Usually a degree in early childhood education is preferred. Some centers will accept a completed certificate program in lieu of an actual degree.
Although some child care jobs require additional education, the majority do not. If you are a helper in the classroom you usually do not need anything more than a high school diploma. Having experience is a plus, but not necessarily a deal breaker. This is a growing industry and one that will always need good, honest, trustworthy workers.
Child care jobs in a center usually do not pay a great deal of money. The average salary according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics was $17,630 in May 2006. In general, the more experience that you have, the more you will be paid. Likewise, the more education you have, the more money you will make.
When looking for child care jobs, be sure that the child care center you are considering is reputable. Be sure to ask lots of questions and insist on a tour of the facility before agreeing to the job. It is helpful to talk to some of the current workers so that you can get a feel for the environment and whether or not it is a pleasant place to work. Child care centers that are larger tend to have more benefits than smaller privately run centers. Both have their merits, though, so check out both options before making a decision.
Home Child Care Providers
While a child care center is a very popular choice for many, the ability to work at home holds appeal for a number of people. The family run child care option is one that many stay at home moms and dads choose for a variety of reasons.
One of the biggest reasons that people choose to care for children in their home is that it allows them to stay at home with their children and still bring in some income. The amount of income is really up to the individual provider. In general, the younger the child, the more the fee will be. Work–at- home child care providers are usually significantly less expensive for parents than a child care center, making them much more attractive. A provider can charge as little or as much as they choose. It is important to keep in mind that if the fee is too high, parents may look elsewhere. The fee should be high enough to cover expenses and make a profit, but low enough to be affordable for parents.
Work at home child care jobs help people who love kids and want to be their own boss have a business that helps them make ends meet. Some of these providers just take a couple of children, while others have additional adults who come and help out so that they can care for many children at once. The helpers can be family members, friends, or independent employees. The helpers will not make as much as the primary provider, but if enough children are involved, it can be worthwhile.
Many states require that a work at home daycare be licensed by the state. This may involve child care and safety classes, as well as CPR and first aid certifications. It is important to know the applicable state laws before one begins such a venture.
Many states also have a food program that providers can sign up for. This program gives guidelines for offering meals to the children. If the work at home provider stays within the nutritional guidelines, the state will reimburse them for the money spent on food for the children. This makes providing healthy meals and snacks much more affordable.
Conclusion
Whether one chooses child care jobs in an established child care center or goes the work-at-home route, a career in the child care industry is a very challenging, yet rewarding one. Taking care to weigh all option will aid in making the decision of which one to choose. Both have their own distinct pros and cons, but are equally good choices.
