The childcare industry is booming, with over 100,000 job openings in the sector in the next five years. With a growing population and need for high quality education for the development of children, the growth in childcare positions are exploding. Childcare workers are, and will continue being, in high demand. It is an incredibly rewarding job for many, but is becoming a childcare worker the right career for you?
Are you the right person for the job? Go through this checklist and find out!
Have the necessary education qualifications
To become a childcare worker you will need a Diploma of Early Childhood Education & Care! There are many options for you to get qualified. There are many Early Childhood Education and Care courses that have government supported funding, with options for full time and part-time courses.
Get certified with a Diploma of Early Childhood Education & Care that runs once a week for 12 to 18 months with support and funding from Skills First Funding for those eligible. Contact our Career Advisors for more information!
The safety of children is crucial and therefore the government requires those who work with children to pass background checks and have a valid Working with Children license.
Embrace all aspects of working with children
Working with children can be fun and enjoyable but you also have to consider the not so fun and enjoyable moments. Sometimes working with children can be draining and frustrating as you deal with tantrums, hyperactivity and dirty nappies. To become a successful childcare worker, you need to be able to thrive in all aspects of the job, from play time to tantrum time.
Communicate effectively with all ages
In your childcare career, you will need to interact with people of all ages, children and parents. Being able to communicate with children throughout the day is important, but also being able to communicate to their parents about their behavior and development is equally as important.
Patient & flexible
Patience is one of the most important aspects to become a successful childcare worker. Dealing with children when they are throwing tantrums or misbehaving requires a lot of patience and empathy. All children react differently in any given scenario and childcare workers need to be patient and flexible in their childcare methods. If you do not possess patience and flexibility, the childcare industry is not for you.
Dependable
The safety and care of children is the biggest responsibility of a childcare worker. Parents and employers must trust you with children, so you must be trustworthy and dependable. To become a childcare worker, you need to be responsible and reliable. Children in your care depend on you, you must be there for them.
High energy & able to be on your feet
Working with children requires you to be on your feet all day, running after and playing with children. The fast paced and oftentimes chaotic environment when working with children requires a lot of energy and a certain fitness level to be able to keep up with the children. If you are unable to be up and about for extended periods of time, working with younger children may not be for you.
Meet all the criterias mentioned above? Becoming a childcare worker in the ECEC industry could be for you!
Get qualified today in the Diploma of Early Childhood Care and Education course! Contact our Career Advisor for more information or click here to fill out our Student Questionnaire Form Today.
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