A career in childcare can be extremely rewarding. The feeling of helping young children to develop and learn new things is incredible. Plus, there are so many different ways you can get involved in childcare, from being a child doctor to a nanny. However, like all careers, this is not a path for everyone. Keeping that in mind, read on to discover five key things you need to take into account before embarking on this journey. 

1. Do you have what it takes?

A lot of people want to go into childcare because they love children. Nevertheless, loving children is one thing, but caring for them properly is an entirely different matter. It is important to recognise that being a good parent does not necessarily mean you are going to be suited to a role as a childcare provider. There are lots of qualities you need to have. You need to be adaptable, patient, and organised. You also need to have the right temperament and the ability to work well with all children. Be realistic with yourself and make sure you have some experience before determining whether this is the right career path for you.

2. Childcare Jobs  

There are many different childcare jobs available. This includes au pairs, nannies, daycare workers, babysitters, nursery school teachers, and a mother’s helper. Some of these require a greater level of skill and training when compared with others. This is why it is necessary to have a good idea of the type of work you want to get into, so you can make sure you have the qualifications that are required. For instance, if you wish to be a daycare worker or a nursery school aid, you are likely to require high school education. However, if you wish to be a teacher you will need to prove you have the necessary top-level credentials.

You also need to look into any healthcare qualifications you may require. Basic first aid is essential but for certain roles, especially those where you are involved in the physical and mental health of the child, you may require phlebotomy classes so you can take blood, nutrition courses, and so on. The only way to know exactly what you are going to need is to research each job role you are interested in carefully.

3. Location

Do you want to work at a daycare centre? Or, would you rather provide in-home care? This depends on your level of capability, your confidence, and the age of the children you wish to work with. After all, daycare centres tend to be suited to children aged between two and five year’s old, whilst in-home care is generally for school children.

4. Can you work with parents as well?

A career in childcare does not only involve working with children, but you also need to be able to work effectively with adults as well. There are parents who may have frustrating and stringent demands regarding nap arrangements, disciplines, food choices, and alike. You need to adapt to this and act professionally at all times. A good child carer has to be able to communicate with parents effectively too.

5. Child Care Laws

Laws regarding childcare differ depending on where you are located and what type of childcare you wish to get involved in. Therefore, it is impossible to fully elaborate on this point without knowing what path you wish to go down. Nevertheless, if you do decide that a career in childcare is suited to you, make sure you find out all of the necessary laws regarding childcare licensing in your location. You don’t want to find yourself in hot water because you have failed to do the necessary research.

So there you have it – the top five things you need to consider before embarking on a career in childcare. Hopefully, these points will have helped to broaden your perspective and determine whether this is the right career path for you. Of course, all childcare careers have certain elements in common. However, there are lots of different aspects to consider depending on the type of childcare career you are going to go for, and so it is really important to keep this in mind.

This post has been contributed by Ryan Gatt, it may contain affiliate links