I want to work at a day care what do i need to do so??

Question

i'm not out of high school but this is what i want to do i live in Kentucky

Answer 1

well..i know that here..in pennsylvania you need to have clearances..but since you are under age..you may be clear of that...just ask the manager of th ehead start what all the steps are to obtain a job...she'he will know the answer

Answer 2

Good for you!  I started working in childcare in high school and consider it both my "calling" and my lifelong career.  It is a great job in many ways and I am proud to have worked my way up into an excellent school that I am proud to work at and excited to have my own children attend!  

Since you are still young, it would be good to build up some background experience and knowlege before looking for a paying job.  This could include private babysitting, sitting at a church or community group daycare, taking a CPR/1st Aid class, taking a course in child development if your school offers it, or volunteering to help with a scout troop or youth group.

When you begin looking for a job, you can start with the phone book or follow leads from people you know, as with any job.  If you have the opportunity to tour the center or school, take it, it is important that you have a good feelling about what you see there.  Be prepared to fill out job application paperwork, but you may also have to include phone numbers or letters of reference, as well as proof of a physical exam.  In Illinois you need to be tested for TB, as well as having your background checked, but I don't know about KY.

Entry level jobs in child care programs are not glamorous!  You will probably be paid close to minimum wage and will have a lot of cleaning duties.  However, you will be learning from the ground up, and what you will learn won't be wasted, as a teacher has to know how to run all aspects of their classrooom.  

Finally, be prepared to continue learning.  High school or community college courses in Early Childhood or Human Development, psychology, nutrition, music, art, and PE can all be applied in Child Care work.   You may plan to get a Bachelors degree or higher, but at the very minimum, consider a 2-year degree with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education.  You should also plan on attending workshops and seminars (from professional organizations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children - NAEYC) whenever possible throughout your career.

Good luck!