A Career in Child Care and Early Years

Child care and early years workers provide specialist care and are involved in planning and supervising activities and for monitoring the development of children in their care. They can work with children aged 0-14, although the majority work with babies and younger children up school age. They work with parents, nursery and infant teachers, health visitors, social workers and other professionals. Working in child care and early years can be in a school or centre, the child’s home, or the worker’s home. 

High quality child care and early years provision can help children achieve their potential, and can support parents and families. This requires a well-trained, well-supported and highly motivated workforce. It also requires a range of people with differing skills, experiences and qualifications to work collaboratively for the benefit of children and young people. The are lots of job opportunities in this growing sector. Almost every three and four-year-old in Northern Ireland receives some sort of preschool education and, with a growing number of parents working, there is an increasing demand for high quality child care that looks set to continue. 

Child care and early years workers must:

• be patient and caring
• enjoy working in a team
• be responsible and mature in outlook
• get experience working with children
• have an early years qualification (depending on job role)
• have excellent communication skills.

Throughout their career, child care and early years workers can continue to undertake work-based, vocational and professional qualifications and can go on to do part time or full time degrees. Workers can become supervisors, managers; or open their own business.

Downloadable Document
A Career in Childcare and Early Years