What it Takes to Become a Certified Childcare Professional?

Children below the age of 5 and older children before or after school, are often cared for by childcare professionals. Childcare workers can work in licensed day care centers; run their own in-house day cares or work as nannies. When choosing this as a profession, it’s ideal to find out what are the regulations in place in your state.

Certification

Many states insist that providers are certified and the two certifications that childcare workers opt for are either Child Development Associate (CDA) or Child Care Professional (CCP). The CDA is a national accreditation and is offered by the Council for Professional Recognition. CCP is offered by the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation and is valid in most states. Most accreditation needs to be renewed every 3 years.

Education and Career Skills

Day care providers should have a minimum of a high school diploma or an equivalent. Employers often insist on workers having completed post-secondary classes in early childhood education when they are looking after young children who have started school. This is because they help the children with their homework. Nannies and baby sitters are often not regulated and it depends on the employer and what they want. It is also recommended and many states insist that child care providers are certified in CPR and first aid.

Licensing

Different state governments have different regulations and licenses needed for operating a childcare service. If planning to open an in-home day care, make sure you know the exact regulations required in your state. The requisites would also change depending on the number of children you intend to take care of. You will have to pass a home inspection and an orientation. Safety requirements and cleanliness will be the priority in the home inspection.

Special Requirements

Many states require daycare providers to have a background check and a record of their immunization. If a swimming pool is accessible then it would be necessary to get water safety certifications as well.

Personal Skills

Working with infants, toddlers and early school goers, require a lot of patience, a calm personality and the ability to handle stressful situations. It requires a lot of energy to cope up with active little children. Childcare workers need good verbal and communication skills to work with children and explain lessons to children with limited language skills as well as interact with their parents.