What child care workers do

Child care workers care for children at day care or child care centers, group homes, preschools, churches, business offices or other workplaces, and at private homes. They keep children safe and entertained while parents are away. They read to children and organize games, teach sharing and other good behavior, control bad behavior, prepare and serve meals, clean and care for toys and play equipment, and more! Most of the children are under six, but some places offer after-school programs for older children.

Preparing for the job

If you would like to work with children, you should study child growth and development, nutrition, health and safety, activities for children, and how to run a child care facility. High school students can study for a child care career by taking classes in child and family studies or health occupations. Students can find early work in this field as aides.

State governments require different amounts of training and licenses for people who work with children. A college degree in child development prepares you to teach children who are between age three and the third grade. Community colleges offer associate degrees or certificates. You can also study for a Child Development Associate (CDA), which is a national credential for working with children. To become a program director, public school teacher, or college professor, you would need to study for a graduate degree.

The future

The number of child care jobs that are available is expected to grow. Working parents need safe and nurturing environments for their children.