What qualifications do you need to work at a daycare?

What Qualifications Do I Need to Work at a Daycare?

• Answer:

  Day care workers provide a much needed service for families nationwide each day of the week. Their primary task is to care for children while parents are away at work. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 1,301,900 individuals employed as day care workers in the U.S. as of 2010. That number is expected to grow by 11 percent by 2018. Day care workers' qualifications vary widely from state to state. Education No universal education requirements exist for day care workers, but some states require the completion of a national certification credential known as the Child Development Associate, or CDA, certificate. This certificate usually requires the completion of about one semester's worth of college coursework. Other states require more college coursework for day care workers, while some only require the completion of a high school education. Regardless of state requirements, employers generally prefer applicants who have some level of formal child care education in an area such as early childhood education. Licensing Some states require licensing of day care workers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Aside from minimum education requirements, day care workers that need to be licensed generally have to complete and pass a criminal background check. In some cases, state-sponsored day care worker training may be required to learn about the state's rules and regulations. Day care workers may have to obtain regular immunizations also to qualify for and maintain licensing. Communication Skills Communication skills are essential in most day care settings. Day care workers need to be able to effectively communicate with children on their own level, while maintaining a position as an authority figure and educator. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, day care workers need to be both fair and firm in dealing with disruptive children, and should be able to anticipate potential problems in advance, using their communication skills to alter anticipated behavior and avoid conflict. Other Skills Day care workers typically need to have many other skills on top of their communication skills and credentials. O*NET Online indicates that they need to have leadership skills that involve the coordination and leading of others in group activities. They also need to be able to work as part of a team with other day care workers. Day care workers need to have an empathetic nature for children who may be injured or ill. Workers need to be in relatively good physical shape to keep up with children and participate in activities. Strong time management skills and a watchful eye can also be helpful in most day care settings.