If you’re contemplating a career in childcare, the best way to know whether the job suits you is to get an insight into the traits they need to perform their job competently. We know that childcare is a challenging field to work in. A childcare worker needs to possess or hone a special concoction of skills and strengths, along with a positive attitude and a firm resolve to provide the finest care and training possible for children and to thrive in this field.
Children are very sensitive when it comes to judging character, and thereby respond accordingly. Hence, childcare workers must be highly skilled at their job. Wondering what competencies are needed to work successfully in childcare? Let’s note.
Be a good communicator
Educators interact with young children and must be able to eloquently communicate with parents and supervisors. A blend of strong written, verbal, and nonverbal communication skills is a big asset for a childcare worker to understand when a child needs help and thereby provide the best learning experiences for them.
Planning
A childcare worker’s responsibility involves much more than monitoring children. Their task is to create and deliver lesson plans and classroom activities that promote the cognitive and physical development of kids.
Creative thinking
Creativity is a core competency to keep children engaged and entertained and to ignite curiosity in the classroom. Childcare workers think outside the box- planning fun activities and educational games, organising outings for children; and keeping them motivated is a major part of the job.
Decision-making
A critical skill to master! Childcare workers may have to use sound judgment and take quick decisions during a typical workday to respond to emergencies or conflicts in the classroom.
Problem-solving
The childcare environment can be unpredictable. This makes learning problem-solving skills a priority. Childcare workers may need to come up with creative solutions to daily problems, and find unique solutions to learning barriers thereby striving for the safety and well-being of the children in their care.
Compassion, patience, and empathy
Childcare workers are role models for children. Working with differently-aged children requires loads of empathy, patience, and compassion. Children have unique needs as they move on to different stages of learning. Showering compassion and demonstrating patience with children and their families is key to their educational and emotional development.
Organisational skills
Childcare workers need to be well-organised, especially in environments where they serve as the sole caretaker or instructors. Learning this skill will help you multitask, manage your administrative duties and promote a positive and smooth learning environment
Leadership skills
You need to master good leadership attributes to delegate, direct and manage the daily responsibilities as a childcare worker and to hold meetings with parents and other staff members.
Physical stamina
Keeping up with children of all ages is a physically demanding affair. Working with vibrant little ones needs you to be energetic, despite the environment- monitoring a classroom, taking little ones to a playground, or working with large groups of children may need you to be active on your feet.
Critical thinking
Skills in observation, reasoning, logic, and reflection can help childcare workers manage different relationships at work.
Monitoring skills
Children learn at their own pace. To be a competent childcare worker, you need to spot whether children are enthusiastic about their activities or if they need any assistance.
Being enthusiastic
No two days in childcare are the same. You have to be brimming with enthusiasm to encourage children to complete their activities. This skill will help the children stay positive about learning and enjoy their time with you. Learning through fun, play and laughter can often help children grasp activities faster.
Be a passionate educator
Children respond well to someone who is passionate about teaching and helping them learn. Strong commitment and dedication to your work will bring out productive learning outcomes for children.
Do these traits sound like you?
Qualifications
Many of these aforementioned virtues might come naturally to you, while others can be learned through practice. Qualifications provide the requisite knowledge and skills you need to become an adept childcare worker. Many institutes in Australia offer childcare courses that can get you off to a promising start. You can choose to study from a spread of popular nationally recognised childcare courses like Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121), Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121), Certificate IV in School Age Education and Care (CHC40113) and Diploma of School Age Education and Care (CHC50221).
Study with KAL Training
KAL Training’s Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care will help you get a foot into the childcare industry in an entry-level job. You’ll be able to plan leisure and play activities that are age-appropriate and help children achieve their developmental outcomes.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care will empower you with the fundamentals of early childhood education, and nurture children’s development, equipping you with the knowledge and professional competencies that employers look for. Acquire specialised childcare skills in the classroom and through work placements with us.
Armed with a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, you can work in preschools, kindergartens, and child care centres across Australia as a Childhood Educator Assistant, Outside School Hours Aide, and Preschool Assistant.
Do you now think you’ve got the right profile to thrive in the booming childcare field? Develop job-ready skills, gain hands-on experience, and contribute to the development of children into competent and confident learners.
