Three Ideas For Getting Started in a Career in Childcare

Many individuals considering a career in childcare wonder how best to get started.  One of the advantages of careers in childcare is that it’s easy to get some ground floor experience, to develop necessary skills and figure out if a career in chidlcare is right for you.

1. Spend time with family or friends  with young children:  Identify family, friends, or neighbors with children.  Spend time getting to know the children.  Interact with them, play games, try educational activities, prepare food, and help keep them entertained.  See if you can assist the parents with some basic duties, such as preparing kid friendly foods or perhaps keeping children distracted for an hour to allow parents to accomplish much-needed tasks.

Spending time in a casual environment with children connected to your social circle accomplishes two things.  First, it allows you to get to know children in a natural, low pressure environment.  Second, it allows you to do so without taking on responsibilities: you’re not letting anyone down if you decide it’s not right for you.

2. Get some babysitting or nannying experience:  If you enjoy spending time with the children, or already know you do, it’s important to get experience watching children other than those related to you. 

In addition to wanting to gain experience in a variety of settings, babysitting and nannying allows you to build confidence in your ability to take responsibility.  It also allows some practical things, such as making money, building your resume, and getting excellent references.

3. Take a part-time position at a nearby daycare center, school, or family based childcare facility:  Depending upon what time of environment you want to work in or what’s available in your area, explore part-time or full-time positions as a childcare worker or teacher’s assistant. 

These positions will allow you to work with multiple children in a professional setting.  While these positions may be more pressure, you will gain valuable experience and it will help you decide if a career in childcare is truly for you.