chapter 1: early childhood careers

Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers

Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers

There is a high demand for qualified professionals to work in early childhood careers. These jobs require specific• characteristics.• skills.• education.• training.• responsibilities.

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• comply• initiative

• child care• trend• nanny• au pair• entrepreneur•Child Development Associate

(CDA)•mandated

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Demand for Early Childhood Professionals


• The demand for high-quality child care continues to grow.

• Americans rely on early childhood professionals to care for their young children.

• Students who receive quality education before age five have been shown to have better academic scores and fewer behavior issues.

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child careThe broad term that describes any situation in which children are provided with supervision, support, and education by individuals outside the child’s immediate family.

Parents who work outside the home during the early years of their child’s development find that choosing good child care is one of the most important decisions they can make for their child.

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trendThe overall direction in which a society moves within a given time frame.

A growing trend over the last several decades indicates that almost two-thirds of all children under age five spend some time in someone’s care other than their parents’.

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Early Care and Education Programs


Today’s child care programs focus on meeting children’s overall developmental needs such as• secure attachments.• positive self-esteem.• nurturing children’s

emerging skills and abilities.

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• foster a family-friendly environment.

• encourage parent participation.

• refer families to services such as family counseling.

Child Care Centers

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• A provider cares for children in his or her home• Requires a license or certification• Often less expensive than child care centers• Usually has fewer children than child care centers

Family Child Care Homes

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nannyAn in-home care provider who may or may not live with the family and usually works for one family at a time.

A nanny may be hired to provide full- or part-time child care in a family’s home.


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au pairA person from another country who lives with a family and cares for the children to receive exposure to American culture as part of his or her employment.

When a family hires an au pair, both the family and the au pair can benefit from new cultural experiences.


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• A caregiver, such as a nanny or au pair, provides care in the family’s home.

• Caregiver may or may not live with the family.• Some caregivers offer their services on an emergency or on-call

basis.

In-Home Care

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complyTo obey or conform to something such as a rule, law, regulation, or wish.

Early childhood programs and centers must comply with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Inclusive and Diverse Environments

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Inclusive and Diverse Environments


• Child care programs and centers cannot discriminate against people with disabilities, including children, parents, and guardians.

• Child care professionals understand and accommodate the needs of children with disabilities and their families.

• Child care professionals respect children and families of all racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.

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Your Role in Child Care


• Success depends on a combination of your personal traits, attitudes, skills, and abilities.

• Understand the characteristics that help a child care provider become successful.

• Education and training can help prepare you for a career.

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Careers in Early Childhood


Training in the field of early childhood care opens many career opportunities, including• owning or managing a child care center.• working with children and parents as a social worker or

other human services professional.• teaching other adults about children.

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Working with Children


Early childhood programs are available at a variety of settings.• Boys and Girls Clubs• agencies and professional

organizations• hospitals, hospices, shelters• libraries• zoos, gardens, nature centers• cruise ships, malls, fitness

centers• before- and after-school care

• intergenerational care centers• preschools and

kindergartens• children’s museums• summer camps and

recreation programs• school health center • state education boards• U.S. military bases

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Choosing a Career Path


• Setting educational and career goals is the first step in planning your career.

• Education, training, and experience vary by specific job and location.

• Each state sets its own standards, so find out about your state’s requirements.

• Look for intern or volunteer experiences to find out if this career is right for you.

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entrepreneurA person who owns and operates a business.

If you would like to be your own boss and take on the risks and challenges involved in building a quality, profitable child care business, you may become a successful entrepreneur.

Entrepreneurship Opportunities

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Child Development Associate (CDA)A nationally recognized credential program for early childhood professionals.

The Child Development Associate credential is offered in four areas: infant/toddler caregivers in center-based programs, preschool caregivers in center-based programs, family child care providers, and in-home home care.

Provider Certification

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Provider Certification


• Federal, state, and county or city government agencies have created certification and credentialing programs.

• The board of education in each state determines certification requirements.

• Many states require the CDA credential or similar training and education.

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Legal Responsibilities


mandatedRequired by law.

Anyone can report a case of child abuse or neglect; however, early childhood professionals are mandated to report suspected cases of abuse or neglect.

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• Many states require criminal background checks before being employed in child care.

• If a background check reveals criminal activity involving children, state law requires that the employer reject the candidate or dismiss him or her if already hired.

Criminal Background Checks

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• It is your professional responsibility to maintain confidentiality.

• The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of personal and educational records.

Privacy and Confidentiality

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• Early childhood professionals are required by law to report suspected case of abuse or neglect.

• Licensing laws may require that staff members receive training in recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect.

Mandated Reporting

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chapter 1: early childhood careers

Documents

early childhood careerschapter

early childhood careersdemand

early childhood careersfoster

early childhood careersthere

child care centers7

parttime child care

good child care

early years