Child Day Care Management
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Each day, multitudes of parents entrust the safety and well-being of their young children to day care services. More than just providing coloring books and snacks, day care managers play an influential role in the lives of children and families. Their professional training, caring attitudes, and propensity for providing a fun and educational environment make them an important part of child's development.
Day care managers can work for large centers or even run day care facilities from their home. Hours vary, but long days are often the norm. Most services are open up to 12 hours per day or longer, and workers cannot leave until every child has been picked up by their parent or guardian. Workers must be attuned to the smallest details and be able to maintain a positive attitude in a hectic environment.
Jobs in day care are expected to increase moderately, and self-employment opportunities in this industry are some of the highest in the United States. Earnings depend on a number of factors, including education, experience, and number of hours worked. Wages of self-employed day care managers depend on the number of clients served and the rates charged.
Individuals interested in a career in day care management should pursue an education in business management and early childhood development. In addition to that, each state has license and certification requirements that must be met. The requirements vary according to job duty, with the strictest requirements being placed on those in a management position.
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Career Specializations
- Preschool Teachers are a large part of the day care industry. They prepare children to enter school by teaching them basic social, cognitive, and physical skills.
- Child Care Workers drive the day care industry. This group includes self-employed individuals who provide child care services out of their homes. They may also work for day care centers. Regardless of their work setting, these individuals are the primary caregivers for the children being served. They attend to basic needs like diapering and feeding, as well as coordinating activities for older children.
- Day Care Managers oversee the entire workings of the day care center. They approve activities, make hiring decisions, develop educational programs, and control marketing efforts.
Degree Levels
- Certificate: 1 year
- Associate Degree: 2 years
- Bachelor's Degree: 4 years
- Master's Degree: 1.5 to 2 years
Education & Certification Requirements
The amount of training and education required for a day care professional varies widely depending on how many children they care for, the setting in which services are provided, the state in which they work, and employer preferences. Day care workers caring for a few children in their home are often not subject to state regulations. Public day care centers, on the other hand, are required to ensure that each employee meets licensure, certification, and credentialing requirements, along with completing necessary education and training hours. (BLS)
Anyone interested in pursuing a career as a day care manager should complete a degree program in early childhood education. Classes in this track will include training on basic child care, psychology, communications, and business. This degree will prepare workers to enter a variety of job situations, including day care management, preschool teaching, and counseling.
Depending on the number of children being cared for, most states require all day care workers to be licensed. Many day care workers must also be able to pass a criminal background check. Health concerns must also be addressed, and verification of regular immunizations must be given.
There are two credentials that are highly preferred in the day care industry. One is the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential offered by the Council for Professional Recognition. The steps taken to earn the CDA credential differ depending on setting. The Council for Professional Recognition identifies the different settings as: preschool, infant/toddler, family child care, and home visitor. For example, the infant/toddler track entails demonstrating skills in an actual child care setting, in addition to submitting specific documentation.
The other credential, offered by the National Child Care Association, is the Child Care Professional (CCP) designation. The CCP affords a way for professionals with degrees in other areas to transfer their skills into the child care setting. The National Child Care Association also offers several other certification and training opportunities, including the National Administrator Credential, health and safety training, and professional development hours.
Salary Information
Salaries for child care professionals depend upon several factors. These include education, training, experience, setting, and specific job function. Among the lowest paid are child care workers, who earn an estimated $10.56 per hour at better facilities. Of course, the more training and experience are gained, the more opportunities for advancement and higher pay. Day care managers have the potential to earn much more than child care workers. Administrators, in both the day care and preschool settings, are on the higher end of the spectrum, earning approximately $32,270 per year. (BLS)
Job Outlook
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the day care industry to grow by about 15 percent between 2008 and 2018. The growth is considered moderate and will primarily result from the need to replace workers who have advanced into other fields. Because wages can be relatively low, the industry does experience a high turnover rate, meaning that employment opportunities will be plentiful for those seeking to begin a career in child care. (BLS)
Related Careers
Early childhood education is a popular field for anyone interested in caring for and aiding in the development of children. Workers in this field include day care workers, preschool teachers, teacher assistants, and kindergarten teachers.
For those interested in working with older children, elementary education is the perfect choice. Educators in this arena focus on the needs of children in the first through fifth grade. They may teach specific subjects or focus on the broader development of basic skills.
Students with mental and physical disabilities look to professionals in special education to gain the skills they need. These professionals offer a caring approach while building basic life skills and provide social and psychological support.
Child psychologists focus on the development of mental and social aspects in young children. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, camps, churches, and community centers. They deal with important issues facing families, such as substance abuse and emotional disorders.
