1. 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.
Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers

2. Demand for Early Childhood Professionals
Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers
Demand for Early Childhood Professionals
WILL keep growing.
Dual Income homes.
QUALITY education before age five leads to better academic scores and fewer behavior issues.
Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers

3. Demand for Early Childhood Professionals
Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers
Demand for Early Childhood Professionals
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.
Child Care:
Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers

4. Demand for Early Childhood Professionals
Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers
Demand for Early Childhood Professionals
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’.
Trend:
Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers

5. Early Care and Education Programs
Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers
Early Care and Education Programs
Child care programs focus on overall developmental needs such as
secure attachments.
positive self-esteem.
nurturing children’s emerging skills and abilities.
Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers

6. Early Care and Education Programs
Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers
Early Care and Education Programs
Child Care Centers
foster a family-friendly environment.
encourage parent participation.
refer families to services such as family counseling.
Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers

7. Early Care and Education Programs
Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers
Early Care and Education Programs
Family Child Care Homes
A provider cares for children in the provider’s home
Requires a license or certification
Often less expensive than child care centers
Usually has fewer children than child care centers
Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers

8. Early Care and Education Programs
Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers
Early Care and Education Programs
A nanny may be hired to provide full- or part-time child care in a family’s home.
Nanny:
Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers

9. Early Care and Education Programs
Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers
Early Care and Education Programs
When a family hires an au pair, both the family and the au pair can benefit from new cultural experiences.
Au Pair:
Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers

10. Early Care and Education Programs
Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers
Early Care and Education Programs
In-Home Care
Nannies and Au Pair
May not live with the family.
Some caregivers offer their services on an emergency or on-call basis: Who are these people?
Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers

11. Inclusive and Diverse Environments
Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers
Inclusive and Diverse Environments
Programs and centers should n not discriminate against people with disabilities.
Centers need to accommodate the needs of children with disabilities and their families.
Professionals respect children and families of all racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers

12. Your Role in Child Care Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers
YOUR success depends on a combination of your personal traits, attitudes, skills, and abilities.
YOU SHOULD POSSESS characteristics that help a child care provider become successful.
Education and training WILL help prepare you for a career.
Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers

13. Careers in Early Childhood
Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers
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.
Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers

14. Working with Children Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers
Early childhood programs are available at a variety of settings.
How many ways can you think of where interact or work with children?
Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers

15. Choosing a Career Path Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers
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.
Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers

16. Provider Certification
Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers
Provider Certification
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.
Child Development Associate (CDA):
Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers

17. Provider Certification
Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers
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.
Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers

18. Criminal Background Checks
Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers
Criminal Background Checks
ND requires criminal background checks before being employed in child care.
What happens if there is criminal activity?
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.
Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers

19. Privacy and Confidentiality
Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers
Privacy and Confidentiality
It is YOUR responsibility to maintain confidentiality. How do we do this?
Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers

20. Review Key Concepts Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers
Name five places you can work with children.
Any five:
Boys and Girls Clubs; resource and referral agencies; hospitals or hospices; libraries; zoos, gardens, nature centers; cruise ships, shopping malls, fitness centers; shelters; professional organizations; before- and after-school care; family education agencies; high school or university child care centers; intergenerational care centers; kindergartens; mental health agencies; children’s museums; parks and recreation programs; prisons with in-house child visitation; public or private preschool programs; school health center; state education boards; summer camps and sports clinics; U.S. military bases
Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers