Child Care Assistants/Workers
By:Tamia Buchanan
The Job
Job Description
Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and child care institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.
Peek a boo
high five
This is a child care worker and her assistant reading to the children
This is what a childcare worker/Assistant makes
$19,430 per year
According to May 2011 information from the BLS, childcare workers who were not self-employed earned an annual average wage of $21,320, or $10.25 per hour. The middle 50 percent of childcare workers earned between $17,530 and $23,950 per year, and the median salary was$19,430 per year
Job Duties
1) Observe and monitor children's play activities.
2) Keep records on individual children, including daily observations and information about activities, meals served, and medications administered.
3) Instruct children in health and personal habits such as eating, resting, and toilet habits.
4) Read to children, and teach them simple painting, drawing, handicrafts, and songs.
5) Organize and participate in recreational activities, such as games.
6) Assist in preparing food for children and serve meals and refreshments to children and regulate rest periods.
Education and Training
Many childcare worker positions require a minimum of a high school diploma. Some childcare centers require workers have training in early childhood education. States may require childcare workers to complete formal training in child development to work in a licensed facility. Preschool programs may require workers to complete a degree program in early childhood education or child development.
Skills
Childcare workers should have good verbal communication and interpersonal skills to work with children and parents. Preschool teachers also may prepare written reports, which require good written communication skills. Childcare workers may instruct children, which requires teaching skills. Workers must have the physical stamina to care for energetic young children. Childcare workers may be lifting, bending and running after children during their workday.