Child Care Workers
| Description |
OES Code: 68038 |
Child Care Workers attend to children at child care centers, schools, businesses, and institutions. Perform variety of tasks such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.
Wages, California
| Entry-Level Hourly Wage |
$6.54 |
| 25th Percentile |
$7.09 |
| 50th Percentile |
$8.53 |
| 75th Percentile |
$10.80 |
Wages, San Joaquin County
| Entry-Level Hourly Wage |
minimum |
| 25th Percentile |
$6.72 |
| 50th Percentile |
$7.80 |
| 75th Percentile |
$8.74 |
Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey
Hours & Benefits
Most of the work is part time, usually from two to six hours a day. There are centers, however, that require full time workers. Fringe benefits also vary widely. Most employers provide few benefits.
Employment Trends, California
| Employment 1998 |
37,700 |
| Projected Employment 2008 |
50,600 |
| Percent Change 1998-2008 |
34.2% |
| Separations 1998-2008 |
4,300 |
Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
| Employment 1999 |
670 |
| Projected Employment 2006 |
840 |
| Percent Change 1999-2006 |
25.4% |
| Separations 1999-2006 |
50 |
Employment Trends by California County
Working Conditions
Child care centers range from large well-equipped buildings with large inside and outside play areas to small private homes. Working with children involves extensive physical activity, mental alertness, and enthusiasm. Good general health, physical stamina and emotional stability are essential. The work is never routine, with each day marked by new activities and challenges. Child care requires bending, stooping, and lifting as workers attend to each child’s interest and problems. The environment is often noisy and workers occasionally have to contend with unpleasant odors.
Advancement
In child care centers, the aide position is usually the entry job. With additional education and work experience, aides can be promoted to teacher, head teacher, and finally director.
Child care workers can receive a Children's Center Instructional Permit, issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, after they complete 24 hours of early childhood education courses and 16 hours toward a BA Degree. Emergency instructional permits can be granted to aides who have completed 12 hours of early childhood education courses, and have a minimum of two years children's center experience, when critical teacher shortages occur.
Getting the Job & Other Information
Child care center aides should apply directly to nursery schools, preschools and local public schools. The California Child Care Resource and Referral Network is represented by an agency in practically every county and is a source of job openings information. The local resource and referral agency telephone number is located in the yellow pages under the heading of Child Care Centers.
For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.
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Aides in infant centers (children under two years of age) must be high school graduates, or be enrolled in a course leading to completion of high school or have demonstrated through experience a capability for learning the job.
Some experience in caring for children is also necessary. For those aides who work with children over two years of age, the regulations require the applicant to be at least 18 years of age, or if the applicant is not 18, then high school graduation or enrollment in an occupational training program is needed.
Skills & Other Requirements
All aides must be in good health and have criminal record clearance, including fingerprinting. Child care center directors usually look for knowledge of early childhood development, knowledge of child guidance principles and practices and ability to work harmoniously with children, parents and staff members.
Employers generally require the ability to interact well with others and an indication of a good work record. Many require bilingual skills (usually English/Spanish) and the ability to work well under pressure. Health screening, including a chest x-ray, is required.
References
California Occupational Guide: #505
Related Occupations: Preschool Teachers, Teachers Aides
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