If you are searching for a cushy career then swerve steadily away from childcare because this is one career that involves a lot of work and responsibilities as well as the ability to nurture various relationships and roles. But what exactly is the role of the day care worker and what are the significant relationships that must be nurtured in order for a harmonious, safe and effective environment to exist?
The worker and child relationship is the generally the most obvious one. A worker should never be content to simply be a caregiver but should see their function as encompassing the enrichment of the child’s experience through facilitating the creative, learning and play environment. Needless to say children should be cared for in a warm and understanding manner so the day care worker will need an extremely caring temperament.
The skills of the caregiver encompass a wide and varied range. Lots of patience tops the list followed by the ability to encourage independent learning, provision of a safe and hygienic environment, encouraging self confidence and individuality, supporting children to take part in the learning process, an awareness that developmentally all children are different and the cultivation of a caring ethos in the classroom.
It is vital that all workers in a day care environment work well together. Compatibility within the team is essential in order to meet the needs of the children. Communication, cooperation, understanding and respect are key elements of the workers’ relationship. All it takes is for one person to disrespect or misunderstand the aims and objectives of the service and you have a serious hammer in the works.
Planning and reviewing sessions will encourage positive interaction and communication between staff which will include positive criticism and ideas for improvement. A comment book coupled with frequent verbal updates can provide effective daily communication. Of course regular evaluation of staff by management is needed to monitor progress and ensure continuing standards.
Management should encourage, and make accessible, ongoing and relevant childcare training for all staff (who will already be suitably qualified from the outset). Thus support and supervision of staff at all times is a given. A senior member of staff should be available in a mentor/supervisor role, a healthy working place both physically and emotionally should exist, management should be approachable and pay adequate - all this leads to the environment necessary for workers to perform their duties effectively.
Finally, a very important, yet often overlooked relationship is that of worker and parent. The best interests of the child depend upon successful and open communication between workers and parents. Both parties should be on the same page when it comes to the development of the child. Clear and concise day care policies and procedures should be readily available for parents so there are no gray areas. Encourage and welcome all parental involvement and input.
Possessing the above qualities and abilities are essential if you wish to work in the day care setting and if you have any doubts about your suitability then you may need to seriously consider an alternate profession. There is a lot to think about when considering a career in childcare however, for the right personality this can be a very rewarding and satisfying profession.
To discover more about starting a daycare, visit Child Care Only where you will find this an much more, including information on childcare courses.
- Fiona Lohrenz
Highlights 
November 25th, 2008 