Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers

1. Chapter 1:Early Childhood Careers Child Care Today,Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers • There is a high demand for qualified professionals to work in early childhood careers. These jobs require specific • characteristics. • skills. • education. • training. • responsibilities.

2. Chapter 1:Early Childhood Careers • child care • trend • nanny • au pair • entrepreneur • Child Development Associate (CDA) • mandated • comply • initiative Child Care Today,Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers

3. Chapter 1:Early Childhood Careers Demand for Early Childhood Professionals • The demand for high-quality child care continues to grow. • Americans rely on early childhood professionals to care for their young children. • Students who receive quality education before age five have been shown to have better academic scores and fewer behavior issues. Child Care Today,Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers

4. Chapter 1:Early Childhood Careers Demand for Early Childhood Professionals Parents who work outside the home during the early years of their child’s development find that choosing goodchild careis one of the most important decisions they can make for their child. Child Care Today,Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers child care The broad term that describes any situation in which children are provided with supervision, support, and education by individuals outside the child’s immediate family.

5. Chapter 1:Early Childhood Careers Demand for Early Childhood Professionals A growingtrend over the last several decades indicates that almost two-thirds of all children under age five spend some time in someone’s care other than their parents’. Child Care Today,Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers trend The overall direction in which a society moves within a given time frame.

6. Chapter 1:Early Childhood Careers Early Care and Education Programs • Today’s child care programs focus on meeting children’s overall developmental needs such as Child Care Today,Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers • secure attachments. • positive self-esteem. • nurturing children’s emerging skills and abilities.

7. Chapter 1:Early Childhood Careers Early Care and Education Programs Child Care Centers Child Care Today,Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers • foster a family-friendly environment. • encourage parent participation. • refer families to services such as family counseling.

8. Chapter 1:Early Childhood Careers Early Care and Education Programs Family Child Care Homes Child Care Today,Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers • A provider cares for children in his or her home • Requires a license or certification • Often less expensive than child care centers • Usually has fewer children than child care centers

9. Chapter 1:Early Childhood Careers Early Care and Education Programs Anannymay be hired to provide full- or part-time child care in a family’s home. Child Care Today,Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers nanny An in-home care provider who may or may not live with the family and usually works for one family at a time.

10. Chapter 1:Early Childhood Careers Early Care and Education Programs When a family hires anau pair, both thefamily and the au pair can benefit from new cultural experiences. Child Care Today,Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers au pair A person from another country who lives with a family and cares for the children to receive exposure to American culture as part of his or her employment.

11. Chapter 1:Early Childhood Careers Early Care and Education Programs In-Home Care Child Care Today,Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers • A caregiver, such as a nanny or au pair, provides care in the family’s home. • Caregiver may or may not live with the family. • Some caregivers offer their services on an emergency or on-call basis.

12. Chapter 1:Early Childhood Careers Inclusive and Diverse Environments Early childhood programs and centers mustcomplywith Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Child Care Today,Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers comply To obey or conform to something such as a rule, law, regulation, or wish.

13. Chapter 1:Early Childhood Careers Inclusive and Diverse Environments Child Care Today,Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers • Child care programs and centers cannot discriminate against people with disabilities, including children, parents, and guardians. • Child care professionals understand and accommodate the needs of children with disabilities and their families. • Child care professionals respect children and families of all racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.

14. Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers YourRole in Child Care • Success depends on a combination of your personal traits, attitudes, skills, and abilities. • Understand the characteristics that help a child care provider become successful. • Education and training can help prepare you for a career. Child Care Today,Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers

15. Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers Careers in Early Childhood Child Care Today,Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers Training in the field of early childhood care opens many career opportunities, including • owning or managing a child care center. • working with children and parents as a social worker or other human services professional. • teaching other adults about children.

16. Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers Working with Children Early childhood programs are available at a variety of settings. Child Care Today,Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers • Boys and Girls Clubs • agencies and professional organizations • hospitals, hospices, shelters • libraries • zoos, gardens, nature centers • cruise ships, malls, fitness centers • before- and after-school care • intergenerational care centers • preschools and kindergartens • children’s museums • summer camps and recreation programs • school health center • state education boards • U.S. military bases

17. Chapter 1:Early Childhood Careers Choosing a Career Path Child Care Today,Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers • Setting educational and career goals is the first step in planning your career. • Education, training, and experience vary by specific job and location. • Each state sets its own standards, so find out about your state’s requirements. • Look for intern or volunteer experiences to find out if this career is right for you.

18. Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers Entrepreneurship Opportunities If you would like to be your own boss and take on the risks and challenges involved in building a quality, profitable child care business, you may become a successful entrepreneur. Child Care Today,Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers entrepreneur A person who owns and operates a business.

19. Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers Provider Certification The Child Development Associate credential is offered in four areas: infant/toddler caregivers in center-based programs, preschool caregivers in center-based programs, family child care providers, and in-home home care. Child Care Today,Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers Child Development Associate (CDA) A nationally recognized credential program for early childhood professionals.

20. Chapter 1:Early Childhood Careers Provider Certification Child Care Today,Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers • Federal, state, and county or city government agencies have created certification and credentialing programs. • The board of education in each state determines certification requirements. • Many states require the CDA credential or similar training and education.

21. Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers Legal Responsibilities Anyone can report a case of child abuse or neglect; however, early childhood professionals are mandated to report suspected cases of abuse or neglect. Child Care Today,Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers mandated Required by law.

22. Chapter 1:Early Childhood Careers Criminal Background Checks • Many states require criminal background checks before being employed in child care. • If a background check reveals criminal activity involving children, state law requires that the employer reject the candidate or dismiss him or her if already hired. Child Care Today,Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers

23. Chapter 1:Early Childhood Careers Privacy and Confidentiality • It is your professional responsibility to maintain confidentiality. • The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of personal and educational records. Child Care Today,Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers

24. Chapter 1:Early Childhood Careers Mandated Reporting Child Care Today,Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers • Early childhood professionals are required by law to report suspected case of abuse or neglect. • Licensing laws may require that staff members receive training in recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect.