What is Advanced Childcare?
Childcare is the supervision and care of a child provided by a trained professional within an organized child care center or an environment where a child needs care from someone other than their parent or guardian.
Although it’s a tough and sometimes testing role, childcare is an incredibly rewarding and fast-growing industry that’s perfect for anyone with a love of children and a good ability to multitask
What courses are available?
Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in the following subject areas:
- Advanced Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education – The study of the professional and social aspects of childcare.
- Child Development – The study of child development needs in early childhood.
- Early Childhood Curriculum – The study of the learning approaches for children under 6 years.
- Childhood Social Legal & Health Studies – The study of the protection of children and staff and the procedures for
- Personal & Professional Development – The study of the personal qualities and skills needed for effective participation in registered early years workplace.
- Supervision in Early Childhood Care – The study of supervisory skills to supervise staff in an ECCE setting.
- Equality and Diversity in Childcare – The study of the diverse nature of the early years’ environment and understanding children with different cultural and ethnic backgrounds, different families, unique traditions, and values.
- Special Needs Assisting – The study of childcare and assistance for children with special needs.
Studying Advanced Childcare in college
Advanced Childcare courses generally cover all aspects of childcare from first aid basics and the protection of children to early childhood development and skill-building.
Depending on the type, of course, you choose you can expect to study full-time, part-time, online, or through night courses. Courses typically run anywhere from 1 full day to 3-4 years for more comprehensive programs and qualifications. Assessments are largely written and based on theoretical work with assignments, projects, and examinations being the main source of assessment.
Your course may offer work placements or work shadowing opportunities and you should make the most of these to build up your knowledge, gain practical experience and make useful contacts.
There are many ways to get the relevant experience of working with children. You could try local youth and sports clubs, Scouts groups, summer camps, and Sunday schools. Private tutoring or mentoring is also a possibility, particularly if you have a useful skill such as an additional language or degree.
Career options
After completing a course in Advanced Childcare you will have the skills and abilities needed to work across a wide range of childcare service provision areas – you may consider setting up your childcare facility or applying for a position in a local childcare service.
The childcare industry is a regulated and monitored service in Ireland with several regulations and government schemes that have been introduced to the industry. Childcare professionals are required to provide an excellent standard of care to any children under their supervision and they must be able to cater to each child’s individual needs.
With the introduction of the Early Years (Pre-school) Regulations the Department of Children and Youth Affairs has identified the minimum education requirements for those working in childcare. The new regulations (when they come into force) will require that all staff working in an Early Years Setting will have at a minimum a Level 5 Major Award in Early Years Education. Any person who is planning to work with children will be required to have Garda Clearance. This is usually applied-for, by the childcare organization on behalf of the employee.
With the number of working families in Ireland, the demand for high-quality childcare services is at an all-time high and the industry is fast becoming a popular career choice for many people.
Related jobs include:
- Nanny
- Childminder
- Day Care Owner
- Nursery Teacher
- Early Childhood teacher
- Education consultant
- Family support worker
- Health play specialist
- Learning mentor
- Play therapist
- Primary school teacher
- Special educational needs coordinator (SENCO)
- Special educational needs teacher
- Social worker
- Teaching assistant
- Youth worker
Further study
After completing a course in Advanced Childcare you may choose to pursue further study in a related field to further your reach and increase the number of opportunities that are available to you.
If you’re considering a career in teaching or social work, you may need to study further in these fields to achieve the relevant qualifications needed. If you wish to go into social work, some experience of working with the local community will be helpful. Classroom experience can be gained by arranging visits to schools to observe and talk to teachers.
You may be interested in working with children in a healthcare environment such as therapy or nursing and could study further in these fields.
FAQ
Interview questions you can expect when applying to work in Childcare
Interviews are an important way for the interviewers to determine whether or not the candidate is suitable for the specific position being offered.
Usually, interviewers will question candidates on various aspects of their personal, professional, and academic life. When interviewing for a position in childcare, likely, you will also be asked questions relating to your experience working with children and why you want to work with children.
You may be asked which age groups you prefer to work with and what experience you have with various age groups and also what your thoughts are on discipline and how you would handle various situations.
Questions you should ask when applying for a position in Childcare
When applying for a position you should never be too shy to ask questions about the position during the interview so that both you and the interviewer are on the same page about what is expected right from the start.
For example, you may want to know what hours you be required to work, or how many children will you be responsible for? In some instances, you may be required to sign a contractual agreement if you are offered the position. In such a scenario take some time to read the contract and seek clarification on any term or clause you do not understand.
Where can I study Advanced Childcare?
Explore your options here
Did You Know?
· An estimated 6 million children under age 3 are in non-parental/guardian care.
· According to Family Science Specialists, kids form attachments during their first two to three years of life. Children need stimulating, but not stressful environments, and those with secure attachment styles will be more open to exploration and learning.
· Playtime is a way for kids to unwind and is also an excellent way for them to learn the things that aren’t taught in classrooms. The United Nations High Commission for Human Rights even recognizes play as a right that every human child deserves. It’s essential for mental development as well as social development, and adults can’t always design the “perfect” playtime scenario.
· The quality of child care ultimately boils down to the relationship between the child care provider and the child; skilled and stable providers promote positive development. Caregivers and teachers should have specialized knowledge and skill in early childhood development, with a focus on infants and toddlers.
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