Exciting Careers in Child Care

Answer 1

Opportunities abound in the demanding, yet rewarding child care field. With many people starting daycare centers to serve the needs of families going back to work, there are many child care jobs available for the right person. Child care usually consists of caring for several children at a time in a group setting. They may be infants, toddler or school aged children, or a combination of these. Some day care centers offer after school programs and summer camps and need extra staff to care for the children. There are many types of child care jobs for the person who enjoys working with children.

Daycare Centers

Group daycare centers are the most common employers of child care workers. In these settings, children are cared for by non-related caregivers in a structured setting. The children often follow a predictable routine, and receive meals and snacks. In some daycare centers, there is a structured curriculum that prepares the children for entrance to school. The curriculum may include literacy activities, music, mathematics, pretend play and motor skills.

Family Child Care

Usually taking place in the caregivers home, family child care centers offer a more family-like setting that is ideal for infants and small children. Often the owners of the family child care center hires employees based on personal referrals. In these settings, workers often have more interaction with the children, and the children enjoy the feeling of being in a comfortable home similar to their own. These positions may pay less than traditional group daycare centers, but usually offer a less rigid working environment.

After School Centers and Camps

These centers usually care for school-aged children who need care before and after school hours. After school centers usually offer snacks and meals and assist students with completing homework and other schoolwork. These jobs are great for those who want a hands-on, mentoring type of position. Child care workers in after school programs often lead sports activities, Arts and Crafts and musical activities. Summer camps often need extra staff for field trips and enrichment.

There are many positions available for people looking for child care jobs. From infant care to summer camp counselors, there is no limit to how far you can go in the child care field.