I want to work at a daycare, what do I need to do?

Question

I'm almost sixteen, in august, and it has been my goal to help around a daycare when i do turn sixteen. I have taken Early Childhood Education for a whole year, with my school, and I just got back from a leadership camp, which dealt with taking care of younger children. At the camp I recieved an award for Most Responsible, so I know i'm responsible, etc.

Anyways, I was wondering if there were any certain qualifications I needed to help around at a daycare?

Any input would be great!

*Plus I already know the daycare I would apply at, and I went there as a child, and know the director (but not toooo well!)

Answer 1

Your best bet is to start with that day care you do have contacts in.  Not all day cares hire high school students, but many do.  It is a great opportunity for everyone involved - the teachers, the students, and the high school student so I hope you can find a job.

If that school does not work out for whatever reason, open the yellow pages and start calling.  Be sure to really decide if you like the school you are applying at.  Don't just take a day care job because it is offered.  A day care job at a poorly run day care is more stress than anyone needs.  A day care job at a well run day care is hard work, but rewarding.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Well congratulations on your career choice, education and child care are very satisfying. But, to answer your question, as everyone else had said, it really depends on your state .Yo ucan go to your state's department of job and family services website and go into the child care link to find the state specific requirements. You should also think about which age group of children you would like to work with. It is very different working in an infant classroom versus working in a toddler or preschool classroom. At each age level, there are different developmentally appropriate indicators which you will ahve to know to be the most effective teacher you can be. Pick the age which suites you best, then learn more about their development. Good luck!

Answer 3

It really depends on the state you live in. Here in NC, I too took the ECE classes in high school, and during summer I would intern at a daycare. I of course didn't get paid for it, because I didn't have any real education at the time, you will not be able to get paid for it either.

To get hired at a daycare, as a teacher, or assistant teacher, you must have AT LEAST an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. The more education you have, the farther you will go in this field.

You need to check with the director of the program or center, and find out if you can get hired there as maybe a cook or something like that. There is no way you can get hired as a teacher, until you have your associates degree.

Answer 4

In addition to all of this advice, I'd like to add some ideas. Not all states require you to be 18. We had a 17 year old work for us. You also do not, in the state of Georgia at least, need to have an associates degree in anything, nor do you need training prior to being hired. I was trained after I was hired and I did not have an associates degree at the time. I have one now, but it is in History, not any education program. You only need to be state certified in some states for a Pre-kindergarten program, which you have to be 21 or older to enter anyway.

Do you know what age group you are aiming for? Different age groups require different things. I started out in the toddler room, which I think is great. I learned a lot of patience. I now teach pre-k, which is my favorite class to teach.

Most likely, the other teachers will fill you in on how this daycare is run. I work at a daycare that focuses on teaching art and music from infants up to pre-k. Some daycares don't provide lesson plans at all. Don't be afraid to ask the director questions. The more you ask, the better.

Answer 5

it depends on the state you live in.  some states you have to be 18 and have a high school diploma or ged.  check out this site for the requirements in your state:

http://nrc.uchsc.edu/STATES/states.htm

Answer 6

dress nice with resume in hand, walk in and ask.

Answer 7

It's great to see a teenager with goals and especially one that is doing their best to meet the goal.  Great job!

I agree with Matt...start with the one in which you have  connections.  You definately have experience at a young age that many people your age do not have and so that will be a plus on your side.  Unfortunately, most child care centers state that the staff must be 18 years or older.  I don't know where you live but this is the caregiver licensing requirement for a center for Michigan.  

(c) "Caregiver" means an adult who provides  direct  care,    supervision, and guidance of children. A 17-year-old shall qualify as a caregiver if he or she meets 1 of the following:

  (i)   Has   satisfactorily   completed   at   least    1    year    of    a vocational-occupational child care aide training program approved   by    the department  of  labor  and economic growth.

  (ii) Has completed 1 year  of  apprenticeship  in  a    recognized  child care apprenticeship program sponsored by the U.S. department of labor.

I know there are many who love volunteers. If you don't need the money...consider volunteering at the center that you wish to work at.  If your state's licensing requirements are the same as ours (17years) I would bring this licensing rule up when you turn 17 and ask for an interview.  :-)  You should be able to get your state's day care center licensing rules online.

Another thought... In Michigan, an assistant caregiver for home or group home child care must be 14 years or older.  However you will always work under the supervision of the caregiver until you are 18. But it is an idea for you to ponder.

You'll need cpr/first aid training within 90 days of hire for home day cares.  I'm not how long you have for day care centers.  Most day care centers will provide this training for you.

Good luck!

Answer 8

hey i love little kids and i work in daycares to the best place to go is volunteering at your church theres kids of all ages its alot of fun