Child Care Courses

About Childcare

Generally, those working in Childcare are expected to keep children safe and engaged and cater to any developmental or specialist needs. Childcare roles focus on supervising young children. However, some childcare jobs can also include looking after older children as well. Those working in Childcare may work in a nursery or school or may offer Childcare services in people’s homes or specialist settings. 

Careers in Childcare

Childcare workers can be employed in many different services that involve children. Some basic tasks that childcare workers may be required to do include: preparation of food, safety monitoring, and accident prevention procedures, parental communication if a problem occurs with a child, educating and supporting children in learning activities, monitoring and implementing hygiene procedures, and more. Sometimes, Childcare workers may be placed within a school learning environment and work with teachers, caregivers, and sometimes behavioural psychologists.

If you have studied psychology at a higher education level, you may find that this can come in handy when looking after children, especially when helping children during early learning and care stages, where specific considerations will be made regarding a child’s ability to reason and interact properly with other children.

Childcare workers typically work within school hours or hours when parents will be at work. For independent Childcare workers, hours may vary depending on the needs and commitments of the parents or guardians they are taking over from. This can be done full-time or part-time, and independent Childcare workers may work within a client’s home or in crèches.

There are specific entry requirements and qualifications needed to begin a career in Childcare. To find work in the Childcare sector in Ireland, learners must hold a Level 5 major award in early childhood care and education of the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) or a qualification that the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has deemed to be equivalent.

You will need to go through a Garda Vetting process before you can be considered for a role in Childcare. It is important to understand what may disqualify you from being allowed to look after children before you study. Generally, you do not have to be qualified at a degree level to work in Childcare. 

What Skills Do You Need in Childcare?

Childcare courses can equip you with the skills you need to succeed. Taking on courses that include modules that explain how to care for early years children properly will give you an insight into early childhood care and education. 

You can access additional courses and further education if you want to get a better understanding of this area and can explore online courses, blended learning, distance learning courses, or pursue in-person courses.

If you’re considering a career in Childcare, it’s a good idea to think about the skills you might need to succeed in this area. Common skills that are needed in Childcare are patience, adaptability, attention to detail, and being able to remain calm under pressure is a key attribute. You may also need to have a deeper understanding of child development and child psychology if you practise Childcare as a special needs assistant.

Those working in a Childcare setting should have a good understanding of child wellbeing and healthcare, education practices, and have some understanding of healthcare risks for children. Having a good overview of childhood social skills and being able to adapt to children with additional needs is key as well.

For those considering taking on an education course and becoming qualified in this area, volunteering to look after children, gaining work experience, or looking after friends’ or relatives’ children can be a good way to find out what skills you already have. When it comes to looking after children as a career, being qualified is vitally important to ensure that you can keep children safe and resolve any issues that may arise.