One of the greatest things about working with young children is how rewarding it can be. These early years of a child’s life are very important to their growth and development, but they’re also the years when kids are still passionate and excited about learning.
It’s such a privilege to be included in the process of developing a child’s mind and preparing him for the next steps in life. You’ll get to build their social skills, intellectual learning and confidence, while also having a lot of fun.
Your influence now can determine their future success in school and that’s a wonderful thing to get to be a part of.
There is a wide variety of jobs to choose from
The demand for quality childcare will never go away, but the business seems to be booming in many parts of the world.
Parents want a positive and educational environment for their little ones during their early years. You can start as a childcare assistant and work your way up to be a preschool classroom teacher.
There are also many opportunities for growth in the childcare field, including becoming a director or supervisor of a childcare center or a family support worker. You could even become a childcare consultant if you dream of helping others realize their childcare career goals.
Working hours can be flexible
When it comes to childcare, parents tend to need a variety of hours of care for their kids. Whether it’s to go on a vacation or they work full time, you can likely choose your own schedule and find a job that fits.
If you love the idea of a regular weekly schedule, finding a career in a classroom setting would be ideal. If you want to work your hours around your own family, you might consider being a substitute or a fill-in nanny where you can take the jobs that work for you when they come along.
Whatever you choose, there’s bound to be a job that works with your schedule.
A childcare job can be fun
Who doesn’t want a job that’s fun to do? Working with kids is incredibly joyful and every day brings new and exciting things to experience with the children in your care.
You get to see your charges learn and grow and see how the world works. And you get to be a part of that on a daily basis. What better reason to embark on a career in childcare?
A career in childcare doesn’t require a college degree
If traditional college isn’t for you, childcare could be the career you’re looking for.
Most positions don’t require you to have a college degree, though you may have to take some classes and training in childcare to be qualified for some of the positions you might be interested in. However, you can often start at a lower position and work your way up as you get the necessary education needed.
You’re doing an important Job
You might think it’s just babysitting, but there’s so much more to a career in childcare than that. You get to be on the front lines of teaching a child how to function in the world.
You hold the keys to their future success in school and out in the world. You get to be the one who shows them how to interact with others, learn the necessary skills needed for entrance into traditional school and you get to be the one who shares their daily successes and help them learn from their failures.
Often, childcare workers spend more time with a child than her parents, so your job is vitally important.
There are many rewards and so much to love about a career in childcare. You can start with nannying or look for openings in a preschool near you. No matter where you end up, you’re sure to love the time you get to spend with the next generation.
If you are interested in a career in early childhood learning we have chosen some great places to start….
The Open College: Adv. Childhood Care & Education Major Award (Level 6)
This QQI level 6 Early Childhood Care and Education Major award – 6M2007 will provide learners with the knowledge, skill and competence to work as autonomous practitioners and to lead and supervise others in the provision of quality early childhood care and education in a variety of ECCE settings, whether working in a day care nursery, crèche, pre-school / after school facility or with families as a professional childminder.
Marion College of Further Education: Certificate in Early Learning and Care
This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to work competently, safely and effectively with young children in a childcare setting. This programme will enable learners to develop the knowledge, skill and competence to work as an early learning educator, supporting the holistic needs of children 0-6 years in the early learning and care setting. This award also provides the learner with the opportunity to progress into further and higher education and training.
Selskar College: Certificate in Early Learning & Care
This course will provide you with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to work in a range of childcare and early years services for children aged 0-6 years. Successful learners are awarded a nationally and internationally recognised certificate in the theory and practice of Early Learning and Care.
Coláiste Dhúlaigh: Early Childhood Care and Education
This Early Childhood Care course is designed to equip the learner with the personal skills, knowledge and competence required for working with children in a professional manner, within Early Childhood Care and Education, Primary Education and Social Care settings. The course aims to equip the learner with the necessary skills required for assisting children with General Learning Difficulties (GLD) and Specific Learning Difficulties (SPLD). This course promotes the highest standards of good practice, equality of opportunity, an inclusive approach to curriculum development and respect for diversity in lifestyle, religion and culture.
Bray Adult Education Centre: Early Childhood Care & Education
The Level 5 Major Award in Early Childhood Care and Education (5M2009) is a one-year full-time course leading to a nationally recognised qualification in the early years sector. Students who successfully complete this course will be qualified to work in a number of roles including classroom assistant, special needs assistant and child minder. Students will learn how to develop strategies to promote the mental and physical well-being of children, develop creative learning environments, the skills and knowledge to work in a special needs setting and how to take into account children\’s cultural backgrounds.
Pearse College of Further Education: Stage One Advanced Certificate in Early Learning & Care QQI Level 5
This very practical course offers training in the skills needed to work in the childcare profession. It is a preparation for those who wish to work with young children in a variety of pre-school settings and may also lead to work as a Special Needs Assistant in a school setting. It covers all aspects of childcare and
leads to a full Level 5 award suitable for immediate entry into the workplace. There is a work experience module as part of the course, so students will already have practical, hands-on experience when they finish the course.
Kerry College of Further Education & Training: ELC Stage 2 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care (Level 6)|FREE*
This programme aims to meet the requirements of childcare supervisors and managers in relation to current childcare legislation and child protection legislation. Develop the core competencies required to work at managerial level.
Looking for a career change but don’t think childcare is for you? Make sure to check out our course search for more!
