Child care providers typically care for and nurture children who are not yet ready to enter kindergarten. Whether they work in the family home, a private facility or a public child care center, these professionals play a vital role in a child’s development and well-being through structured games, exercises and activities.
The path to a career as a child care provider can begin with enrolling in the online Associate of Arts (AA) in Applied Psychology program from Florida Institute of Technology. Plus, with this degree and experience in a child care role, professionals can advance their career and further their education in a dynamic and rewarding field.
Job Outlook for Child Care Providers
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of child care workers will decrease by 1% between 2023 and 2033. This slight decline is due to lower birth rates and the increasing cost of child care.
However, despite this decrease in total employment, BLS estimates there will be roughly 162,500 job openings for child care workers each year. The trend toward wider acceptance of formal education before kindergarten could also increase the number of private preschool programs and child care provider jobs.
Child Care Provider Job Description and Duties
Daily tasks of child care providers vary, depending on the employer and the age of the children. Duties may include the following:
- Supervising independent play
- Instructing children in games
- Developing schedules and routines to ensure children have an appropriate balance of physical activity, rest and play
- Watching for signs of emotional or developmental problems and communicating any issues with the parents
- Teaching skills such as drawing, counting and reading
- Sterilizing bottles, preparing formulas and changing diapers when caring for infants
- Accompanying older children on outings or to and from school
Some child care workers focus on individual children, while others are in charge of small groups. Teaching and basic care are the mainstays of the child care provider’s day, although they may be responsible for modifying behavior and teaching good habits, such as cleaning up and sharing toys. Other important aspects of a child care provider’s job are building self-esteem, fostering independence, developing individual talents, and attending to children’s physical, emotional, social and intellectual growth.
Additional duties include preparing nutritious meals and snacks, reading to children, telling stories and meeting with parents. Close monitoring of the children in their care often allows these professionals to identify emotional or behavioral issues, illnesses and injuries.
Child care providers may also supervise older children before and after school when parents or guardians are working or otherwise unavailable. By collaborating with administrators, peers and parents, child care providers help children learn skills they’ll need in school and encourage them to reach their potential.
Child care providers may be on the job full-time or part-time, working day, evening or weekend hours. Some work in a self-employed capacity, while others work for private employers or for private or public child care centers.
For example, some child care providers work with preschool teachers and teacher assistants in Head Start and Early Head Start programs. These child care center workers focus on teaching children through a structured curriculum, preparing daily and long-term activity schedules, and monitoring and recording children’s progress.
Essential Skills for Child Care Providers
Physical activity is a requirement, including lifting children, standing and kneeling. Child care providers also must have patience and empathy to interact and deal with children constructively.
Additionally, child care providers must have superior communication and interpersonal skills in order to discuss a child’s progress with parents and colleagues. Strong decision-making skills and good judgment are essential because child care providers may need to respond to emergencies and difficult situations.
Potential Child Care Provider Salary
BLS reports that the median hourly wage for child care workers was $15.41 in May 2024, equaling a median annual salary of $32,053. The top 10% of earners in this profession received more than $44,553 per year.
BLS also notes that median pay for child care workers tends to vary according to work setting and education level. Specifically, child care providers with higher levels of education who work in formal child care settings earn the most. Prospective students should conduct independent research as several factors can affect salary potential and employment opportunities, including regional market conditions and a candidate’s work experience and educational qualifications.
Education and Training for Child Care Providers
Training, education and licensing requirements for child care provider positions vary by state and employer. Employers may show preference to candidates with at least an associate’s degree. In addition, BLS notes that a degree in education or psychology may be helpful, and some states and employers require job applicants hold Child Development Associate (CDA) certification — a credential that requires both coursework and experience.
The road to becoming a child care provider — as well as many other critical roles in the psychology and mental health fields — can begin with earning a relevant degree, such as Florida Tech’s 100% online AA in Applied Psychology. Graduates of an associate’s degree in applied psychology program should be able to do the following:
- Understand how to solve problems through critical thinking
- Demonstrate psychological principles of human behavior
- Recognize the value of sociocultural diversity
- Exhibit testing and measuring skills
Some employers offer opportunities for continuing education. It may be possible to enter the field with an associate’s degree and use a tuition assistance program to pay for a bachelor’s degree program.
Who Would Be a Good Fit for a Child Care Provider Career?
A career as a child care provider can be an ideal fit for mature, patient individuals who are enthusiastic about interacting with children and enjoy teaching new skills. The job role requires candidates with strong communication skills, the ability to work on a team, and an understanding of child development and human behavior.
Florida Tech’s AA in Applied Psychology online program prepares students to excel in child care provider roles. This degree also readies students for further education and roles with higher levels of responsibility and pay in areas like preschool administration and child advocacy.
Learn more about Florida Tech’s online AA in Applied Psychology program.