If you love working with children, you’ll likely be drawn to the many childcare jobs available. These positions are ideal for anyone who wants to make a difference in the lives of young people and help them grow into productive members of society.
Childcare is a rewarding career path, but it can also be challenging. While the number of job openings continues to rise, the industry has remained far behind the national trend of job gains. In the three years since the onset of the flu pandemic, employment for the sector has grown 3.9%, but that rate is still 5.4% below what it was before the crisis.
There are a few things you can do to increase your chances of landing a job as a childcare professional. One of the most important is to ensure you have relevant experience on your resume.
You can get volunteer work that will give you a taste of the type of care you would provide in a daycare setting. This could include babysitting, tutoring or volunteering at an after-school program or summer camp.
Another way to boost your childcare credentials is to earn a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE). This will allow you to pursue more options for childcare careers, including teaching or becoming a child care center director.
A bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, or even a master’s, can open the door to other education-related careers. For instance, you may be able to teach at a high school or college.
The ECE degree will also show employers that you’re serious about your education, which is a critical factor in landing a childcare job. It can also set you apart from other graduates and give you the chance to advance faster, says Rasmussen College Assistant Professor of Education Joyce Monfort.
Getting some experience with childcare will help you decide whether this is the right job for you. A good way to do this is to offer to babysit your friends or family. This will allow you to see how well you interact with younger and older kids, which can help you determine your ideal age group.
You can also find daycare and preschool jobs by signing up on a website that connects people with childcare services in their area. The website Sittercity is particularly popular and offers a safe place for parents to look for reliable nannies and babysitters.
Other ways to find a job as a childcare professional are through family, friends, churches and community organizations. For example, you can join a local children’s ministry or Sunday school program to tutor or lead kids in sports.
In some states, you can become a licensed childcare professional through a state-run agency. This can require a certification, an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, and a background check.
Some states, municipalities, and districts have stringent licensing requirements for childcare professionals. It’s always best to check with the licensing agency in your area for more information about these laws.