Related Career Categories

• Assistant Teacher
• Child Care Provider
• Coach
• College Administrator
• College Librarian
• College Professor
• Curriculum Developer
• Elementary Teacher
• High School Teacher
• Independent Teacher
• Kindergarten Teacher
• Librarian
• Library Assistant
• Middle-School Teacher
• Preschool Administrator
• Preschool Teacher
• Principal
• Program Administrator
• School Administrator
• School Counselor
• School Librarian
• Special Education Teacher

Best & Worst Things About This Career

"The best part of my job is knowing I'm making a difference in the growth and nurture of small children. Seeing the delight on children's faces when they show their parents their art work and the matching delight on the parents' faces is so gratifying. I've also developed a wonderful relationship with some of the families and actually assist in child care on a personal level. The worst part is dealing with parents who feel obliged to go to work even when their children are feeling unwell. It's difficult to understand why their jobs are more important than their offspring."

"The best part of my job is definitely the time I get to spend with the children. Every day there is something they do that makes me smile or makes me happy. It is very satisfying to know that these children come into my home knowing they will be safe and will enjoy their time away from their mom or dad. The worst part of my job is sometimes dealing with parents who don't seem to have their children as a priority. (I do usually have a great group of parents, so this is not very often.)"

"Most of the time I love my job. Sometimes the tasks I have to perform are repetitive and tedious, and other times I don't have enough to do and so I am bored. I would love to work in a classroom or group setting with more children. The boy I look after is kind of wild at times and doesn't always listen, so that can be challenging. The kids do give me a lot of love which makes up for any hard situations, however!"

"I love my job because the kids and I get to decide what we do each day. We can stay home and chill out and make popcorn and watch movies, or we can go outside and run around the backyard or go to the local park. It is my chance to act like a little kid again and I love it. The only bad part about my job is that it sometimes gets a little boring with only two kids to look after. I would love to have a few more children to watch."

"The best part of my job is watching the kids grow up. I primarily watch pre-school children. Once these children enter the school environment, it is amazing how quickly they learn. After school when they come to me, it's like watching a sponge. They change every day and the questions they ask are amazing and thoughtful, most of the time. The worst part of the job is definitely discipline. What works for one child doesn't for another so I'm always trying to figure out what works with a child. Once I know what I need to do to discipline, then consistency is key and though it's pretty straightforward, it is not always easy."

Tips for Succeeding in This Career

"Working with children is so gratifying. But be prepared to exercise patience and affection. Children love attention, hugs and praise. A background in early childhood development is always helpful to day care providers, but in a private day care center may not necessarily be crucial."

"I guess I would say that the basic requirement for my job would be a love of children. If someone wanted to pursue a career in home day care, I would suggest: 1. Work in a pre-school or daycare for a while. It is not an easy job. It takes a lot of patience and energy. 2. Take some classes in early childhood education. 3. Find out the rules and regulations for your area. Check to make sure your home would be suitable for this business."

"I would definitely pursue a qualification in education before becoming a nanny. It would open many more doors for you, and you could also move into teaching or tutoring later. A qualification in CPR is often essential for any childcare position. A good driving record is also usually required. Lots of love and infinite patience is also very important! Finally, registering with an agency, either a bricks-and-mortar or online agency, would also give you the best chance of securing the right position for you."

"I would recommend that you are qualified in CPR and also take either early childhood education or child development courses. A lot of parents require these qualifications in a nanny. Being flexible in the hours that you work is also important. It is also vital that you are honest and trustworthy. A good nanny is worth his or her weight in gold to parents. Remember that your salary and benefits will raise as you gain more experience so don't be discouraged with low pay when you first start out."

"A student who's considering a career in childcare should know that it requires patience and consistency. I would recommend volunteering with children or working as a camp counselor in the summer. It is important to find out if you enjoy being around children before you start a career in childcare so that you can be successful. Find a mentor. Someone you know who does the type of job you want. Ask them the pros and cons of their job. Try to gather as much information as you can so that you can make an informed decision on a career path."