Training for childcare providers

Training for childcare providers

If you are considering a career change, are bored of office politics, the 9-5 rat race and dealing with adults who behave more like children, then you may consider a career in child care. Working with children can be a challenging, but rewarding experience. Job satisfaction comes from the knowledge you are expanding children`s horizons, teaching them new skills and filling their heads with valuable knowledge. A career in childcare is also an idea vocation for those with school children themselves, allowing them to take advantage of term time positions and enjoy school holidays with their own children.

Whilst a career in childcare is suited to those who have a general aptitude for working with children, patience and an ability to effectively communicate – proper training and education is essential. Being a professionally trained childcare provider protects you and your employer. You are afforded more vocational mobility, both within your job and when trying for new positions. You are also more likely to awarded a higher pay scale than someone who is not formally trained and you are, most importantly, able to be better at your job and deliver a higher standard of care.

From the perspective of potential employers (and current employers) knowing their staff are highly trained will increase their confidence in that person. It also allows employers to know their staff will provide an excellent standard of care and education, allowing them to work within health and safety parameters and to meet their legal obligations (such as OFSTED standards and CRB checks, etc.).

There are many ways to become a qualified childcare provider. Some childcare employers may take on staff in a junior capacity and train them up, allowing them day release to college or to undertake part time study in the evenings, along with the vocational experience they are gaining. Many people interested in a career in childcare will go straight to the education system to seek their qualification. Attending college or university, full or part time, to receive NVQ`s Levels 2, 3 and 4 in Early Years Care and Education and Play Work.

If you are interested in teacher training and you already have a degree, then there are many PGCE courses available, some which take a purely vocational route, some which combine vocational placements with study. There are also forms of funding available to those undertaking Graduate Teacher Training (contact your local authority or university for full details).

You can also take childcare courses from home and study in your own time. Distance learning course, either with the Open University, or with accredited providers, can be obtained in many areas. These include Child Psychology, Teachers Assistant, Child Day Care and Child Learning and Development. You can also take these courses at a foundation level which can lead to placement on a Social Work or Teaching Degree. These courses may require you to occasionally attend a college for exams/lectures/meetings. Prices vary, with bursary`s/funding available within certain sectors. These courses are usually very popular and you should apply early.

Whichever of the Child Care Courses that you choose, it is of the utmost importance to make sure that the course is properly accredited and will give you sufficient qualifications for your intended desired vocation. Look for courses that are provided and recognised by professional academic standards and providers. Courses which are C&G, CACHE, EDEXCEL and Open University accredited are nationally recognised qualifications. If you are in doubt contact your local Education Authority to check the validity of the course of study you are about to embark upon.