In addition to enjoying being around children,
it takes patience,
stamina and good communication skills
to handle a childcare worker’s responsibilities.
Childcare workers care for children
as a service to parents and families.
Childcare workers’ tasks
depend on the age of the child.
They provide for basic needs
such as feeding, changing diapers,
and instituting a regular sleep time
for babies and toddlers,
and also introduce concepts
like sharing and playing games.
Childcare workers use storytelling,
and hands-on activities
to help prepare preschool-age children
for kindergarten.
School-age children
may need help with homework,
or rides to activities.
Tasks also vary with work setting:
Childcare center workers
generally work full-time, in teams.
They teach structured lessons,
prepare activity schedules,
and keep records of children’s progress.
Family childcare providers
work in their own homes
to care for children
during the parents’ work day.
They must follow local regulations,
set policies, and market their services.
Nannies work full-time for one family,
and are in charge of children
throughout the day –
including preparing meals
and coordinating activities.
Some nannies live with the family.
Babysitters typically work part-time
for multiple families, as needed.
Education and training requirements vary
from no formal education
to postsecondary education
in early childhood education.
Employers often prefer
at least a high school education.
Many states require childcare centers,
including those in homes,
to be licensed.
Some employers require childcare workers
to have a nationally-recognized credential
from a childcare association.