Child Care Worker duties and responsibilities
A Child Care Worker ensures that all aspects of a child’s welfare are met while under their supervision. Some common duties include:
- Plan, lead, and guide activities throughout the day, such as reading, physical activity, and creative expression through art and song
- Ensure that meals are prepared and distributed to all children
- Provide guidance with safe hygiene practices
- Monitor children throughout the day and ensure safety at all times
- Provide guidance to assisting staff members
- Ensure classroom or play environment is kept sanitary and implement a cleaning schedule
Child Care Worker skills and qualifications
A successful Child Care Worker has the necessary prerequisite skills and qualifications to carry out their responsibilities in a professional manner, including:
- Positive, caring and compassionate attitude
- Ability to help others
- Safety conscious with keen observational skills
- Excellent leadership skills and confidence giving direction
- Excellent verbal communication skills
- Ability to motivate others and be proactive
- Ability to be organized and plan ahead
Child Care Worker experience requirements
Having three or more years of experience in child care is ideal. The individual should have practical knowledge of how to take care of preschool age children and what to expect. A prospective Child Care Worker can gain experience through babysitting for friends and family and providing after-school child care at a private residence.
Other opportunities for gaining experience in the field include tutoring young children in after-school programs. There are also various volunteer opportunities at government-run organizations and non-profit child care centres. Some places of worship need child care during their services, and rely on volunteers for help.
Child Care Worker education and training requirements
Child Care Workers typically need a bachelor’s degree in child development or have completed a two- to four-year college program in early childhood education. Some workplaces may require additional licensing depending on the level of the position being applied for. All Child Care Workers must have CPR and first aid training. At the bare minimum, a Child Care Worker is required to have a high school diploma or GED.
Child Care Worker Salary Expectations
According to Indeed Salaries the average wage earned by a Child Care Worker is $15.86 per hour. The pay rate may vary based on the employer, level of education and experience.
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