Why work in a Daycare

Working in Daycare Centres Daycare centres in New Zealand range in size from the very small (15 children) to the large (150 children). Children who attend daycare are aged mainly from 3mths to 5yrs. The centres are often split into rooms: the Baby Room normally takes children aged 3mths to 18mths, the Toddler Room takes children aged 18mths to 2.5yrs, then the Preschool Room takes children aged 2.5yrs to 5yrs. The layout of the daycare centre varies enormously depending upon the size, and how it is organised. A manager and assistant manager run the centre, and each Room normally has a Team Leader, who is in charge of that room. Early Childhood Workers Staff in a daycare centre work within a team, caring for the children, playing with the children and concentrating on child development and learning. With the babies, they are required to provide a stimulating and safe environment, change their nappies, feed them, keep them clean, and follow their sleep routines. With toddlers upwards, staff will be required to do all sorts of activities with them, of a fun nature as well as an educational nature. They will contribute to the planning and organisation of those activities. They will be required to keep them safe, clean and happy. They will be required to communicate with the parents and prepare reports. Why work in a Centre? There are a number of reasons why a job in a daycare centre could be the right job for you Newly Qualified: For many carers coming straight out of study, a position in a daycare helps them to build up their childcare experience, and give them the confidence to go on to other careers in childcare. Working in a team: Often staff in a centre have chosen to work there because they enjoy the environment – they prefer to work with people rather than on their own. You have colleagues at the centre to give you support and help, and with whom you can make new friends. Diversity: you may not know what age of children you prefer to work with. By working in a centre, you will have the option of working with a wide range of children. Set hours: centres have set hours, and therefore you are not going to be asked to stay late (as can often happen when working as a nanny). If you want to work extra hours, then you can often find work through the parents of the children at the centre as a babysitter. Non-driver: if you do not have a driving licence, it can be very difficult getting a nanny position, particularly if you live in more rural areas. Therefore a centre may be a better option for you. Career options: working in a centre exposes you to different career options, such as managerial roles, childcare course assessors, teaching positions etc. Contact your Tinies office for more information on centre work currently available on 09 5801226 or email info@tinies.co.nz