Are you passionate about nurturing little ones and helping them thrive? Are you ready to turn your passion into a career? Our Child Care Courses are the perfect fit for you to build the foundation for a rewarding career in Childcare!
What Is A Child Care Course?
A Child Care Course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to make sure that kids thrive under your care. You will learn to:
- Care for children’s well-being
- Create a stimulating and fun learning environment
- Communicate effectively with children and parents
- Handle emergencies
Is this something that catches your interest? Keep reading because we are going to unpack everything you need to know to help you choose the course that matches your career goals.
Which Course Is Best For Child Care?
There are many courses you can take to start your career in Child Care. It all depends on what direction you want to take. Not sure which type of Child Care you would like to specialise in? We offer a range of Child Care Courses for you to explore!
| Course Category | What You Will Learn |
|---|---|
| Child Day Care Courses | Perfect for someone who is looking to provide effective care for children while making their well-being and development a priority. |
| Crèche Management Courses | Suited for someone who wants to learn what it takes to step into the managerial role of running or owning a crèche. |
| First Aid Courses | Learn how to handle emergencies calmly and provide basic assistance in the case of an injured or sick child. This course will help you stand out from the rest! Consider doing this course in conjunction with one of our other Child Care Courses. |
| Child Psychology Courses | You will gain insight into child development and the psychology behind how kids learn. |
Ready to kickstart your career in no time? Once you complete your course, you will receive a certificate of completion to add to your CV. Whether you are just starting out in childcare, or you already have a few years of experience, our courses will help you take your career to the next level!
Let us dive deeper into the different courses you can choose from in the above-mentioned categories.
| Category | Courses | Entry Requirements | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Day Care Courses | Comprehensive Certificate Course | None | 12 Months |
| Certificate Course | None | 8 Months | |
| Short Course | None | 4 Months | |
| Crèche Management Courses | Comprehensive Certificate Course | None | 12 Months |
| Certificate Course | None | 8 Months | |
| Short Course | None | 4 Months | |
| First Aid Courses | First Aid Course | None | 3 Months |
| First Aid Short Course | None | 2 Months | |
| Child Psychology Courses | Comprehensive Certificate Course | None | 12 Months |
| Certificate Course | None | 8 Months | |
| Short Course | None | 4 Months |
Not sure if our courses will suit your schedule? One of the biggest benefits of studying with Skills Academy is that you get to complete your course at your own pace, from the comfort of your home! Even if you have a lot on your plate, distance learning is a convenient and affordable way to achieve your goals.
What Skills Do You Need To Work With Children?
Kids can be a handful, especially if you are taking care of multiple at a time. Here are 6 important skills you will need to learn before you decide to jump into Child Care.
- Multitasking
- Communication Skills
- Organisational Skills
- Flexible Mindset
- Listening Skills
- Creativity
We are called Skills Academy for a reason. We ensure that once you complete your course, you walk away with the right skills to get started in the career of your dreams. Our Child Care Courses cover all the essential skills you need and more!
Have a look at this in-depth breakdown of what you will learn depending on which course you choose:
| Child Day Care Courses | Subjects | Skills You Will Learn |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive Certificate Course | Educare Didactics; Management in Early Childhood Development 101; First Aid Concepts; Day Care Personnel Development Early Childhood Development 102 Entrepreneurship | Learn key skills in nurturing children, including communication, child development, first aid, and conflict resolution, plus basic entrepreneurship. |
| Certificate Course | Educare Didactics; Management in Early Childhood Development 101; First Aid Concepts; Day Care Personnel Development | Learn essential skills in nurturing children, including communication, first aid, and conflict resolution. |
| Short Course | Educare Didactics; Management in Early Childhood Development 101 | Learn how to nurture kids and communicate effectively at different developmental stages. |
| Crèche Management Courses | Subjects | Skills You Will Learn |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive Certificate Course | Introduction to Business English; Face-to-Face Communication; The Field of Crèche Management and Human Resources; Customer Satisfaction; First-Aid Concepts; Time Management; Quality Child Care and Starting Your Own Crèche | Learn essential communication, management, and time management skills, along with first aid and child care techniques for customer satisfaction. |
| Certificate Course | Introduction to Business English; Face-to-Face Communication; The Field of Crèche Management and Human Resources; Customer Satisfaction; First-Aid Concepts | Learn key communication and management skills, along with first aid and techniques for customer satisfaction. |
| Short Course | Educare Didactics; Daycare Personnel Development | Develop management skills and learn how to train and develop daycare staff effectively. |
| Child Psychology Courses | Subjects | Skills You Will Learn |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive Certificate Course | Introduction to Business English; Communicating with Children; Learning Psychology; Child Development; First Aid Concepts; Telephone Courtesy and Customer Service; Time Management | Learn communication, first aid, and time management skills, along with strategies to foster child development. |
| Certificate Course | Introduction to Business English; Communicating with Children; Learning Psychology; Child Development; First Aid Concepts; | Learn communication skills, first aid, and techniques to foster child development. |
| Short Course | Introduction to Business English; Communicating with Children; Learning Psychology | Learn essential communication skills for working with children. |
The course you choose will depend on your career goals and the timeframe in which you want to complete your studies. If you are having a tough time deciding which course to choose, you can contact our friendly course experts.
How Much Is The Child Care Course?
At Skills Academy, we make sure all our courses are accessible and affordable. We ensure you receive tutor support whenever you need it, plus all your study materials get delivered straight to you. All these amazing perks are included at no extra cost!
If you would like to get a breakdown of the course costs, do not hesitate to contact our course experts today.
Can I Do An ECD Course Online?
Yes, you can do an ECD Course online. Online courses are convenient because you get to study when and where it suits you. Skills Academy offers online courses as well as distance learning courses. You can find out more about our online courses by contacting a course expert.
How Do I Become A Childcare Worker In South Africa?
If you are thinking about making Child Care your full-time career, you have made a great choice. Child Care is something that will always be in-demand. You can do research to find out if any Child Care facilities are hiring in your area, and reach out to them. Here are a few things you may need before you qualify:
- Child Care Certificate
- ID
- Clearance Certificate from the police
Another way to become a Childcare worker is to start out as a volunteer. You will be able to gain experience by assisting the crèche teachers. This is a good opportunity to gain the expertise you need by asking questions and taking initiative. Consider choosing a school in your area, this will make it travelling convenient for you.
Can I Study Child Care Without Matric?
Yes, you can study a Child Care course without matric. These courses are considered provider programmes. They give you the skills you need to look after and nurture children.
However, if you would like to start a career in teaching, you will need a matric certificate in order to study. If you have not achieved your matric certificate yet, it is never too late! Check out our Matric Courses.
If you are passionate about children, and you are ready to dive into a child care course, you can enrol today.
Can I Teach Grade R Without Matric?
No, you cannot become a Grade R teacher without a matric certificate. In order to teach Grade R you will need your:
- Matric Certificate
- Diploma or ECD level 4 certificate
- Full academic record
If you do not have your matric, but you are looking for ways to study further, check out our courses you can study without matric.
What Is A Person Called Who Works At A Daycare?
Someone who works at a Daycare is called a daycare worker or childcare worker. Daycare workers are creative and young at heart. They create stimulating and safe environments for children to learn and grow.
What Qualifications Are Required To Open A Crèche In South Africa?
If you plan on caring for more than 6 children at a time, you will need to open an ECD facility or a crèche. For this, you will need a childcare expertise. It will be beneficial to have a childcare qualification.
- Child Day Care Courses
- Crèche Management Courses
- Child Psychology Courses
Our Child Day Care Certificate Course includes subjects like, Entrepreneurship, which will help you manage the business aspects of opening a crèche. This course is perfect for you if you are someone who is interested in childcare but want to learn how to run your own business as well.
Besides having a child care qualification, there are other requirements you will have to fulfil if you want to open a safe and legally compliant crèche.
What Qualifications Are Required to Become a Crèche Teacher?
Teaching is different to simply looking after children, and for this you will require a tertiary education. There are a couple of options available if you want to become a crèche teacher.
- NQF Level 4 Certificate in Further Education and Training
- NQF Level 4 Early Childhood Development Practitioner
- Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education NQF Level 6
- Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Development
- Bachelor’s Degree in Foundation Phase
If you are not able to get a tertiary qualification immediately, but you want to get started, you could complete one of our Child Care Courses and start out as a Crèche teacher’s assistant. Once you are employed, you will have a means to pay for your tertiary education, and you can opt for a distance learning programme that will allow you to work and study at the same time.
This will set you up for success because you will gain valuable work experience while you obtain your tertiary qualification. Remember, it is better to start small than not to start at all.
How To Write A Resume For A Child Care Worker?
Ready to start applying for Child Care jobs? Here are 4 helpful tips so that your resume will stand out from the rest.
- Summarize your skills, education and experience
- Include information about yourself
- Include one or two references
- Include any certificates or achievements
With these tips in hand, you’ll be ready to create a stand-out resume that showcases your qualifications and lands you that Child Care job you’ve been dreaming of.
What Is The Best Paid Job In Childcare?
The best paying jobs in childcare come with years of experience, but it is never too late to get started. Here are a few of the best paying jobs in Childcare:
- Au Pair
- Nanny
- Child And Youth Care Worker
Au Pair
An Au pair salary will vary depending on who you are working for and the amount of experience you have. If you manage to join an agency, they will be able to get you in contact with families seeking au pair services, which will make your job hunt much easier. The only downside is that you may have to give a percentage of your earning to the agency every month.
Au pairs with relevant experience and knowledge of how to care for children with special needs can earn around R11 000 – R15 000 per month. Most Au Pairs are expected to have a driving license and preferably their own vehicle too.
Nanny
According to indeed, Nannies earn around R8872 per month. As previously mentioned, this amount will differ depending on your experience. Consider becoming
Child And Youth Care Worker
According to Glassdoor, a child and youth care worker can earn between, R14000 – R21 000 per month.
These salaries are just estimations, but with the right experience and qualifications, you could secure one of the highest paying roles in Childcare and build a rewarding career.
How Much Does A Crèche Worker Get Paid In South Africa?
According to Indeed, someone who works as a child care provider, whether they work at a crèche or in a day care, will earn roughly, R5428. As you gain experience in Child Care, you will be paid more.
Having the right information about the different child care positions and their average salaries can help you choose the direction you want to take. But, if you start this career path you will find it rewarding regardless of how much you earn, because you will get to make a huge difference in children’s lives.
What Responsibilities Do You Have When Working With Children?
One of the most important things you need to consider is safety. Children need to feel safe when they are in your care. They also need to feel like they can trust you. This is why it is important to build a good relationship with the kids you look after.
Top 5 Responsibilities of a Child Care Provider
Here are some more responsibilities you will have when you work with children:
- Creating Routines
- Supporting Their Development
- Making Provision For Meal Time
- Making Sure Hygiene Is Maintained
- Teaching Them Basic Concepts
Creating Routines
When you become a child care provider, you will have to plan each day ahead of time. This will help you make sure there are enough activities planned to keep the children busy throughout the day.
Routines are also important for children’s wellbeing, for example if they do their educational activities, eat lunch, have play time and story time, all at specific times everyday they will feel more secure and at ease.
Supporting Their Development
Children are like sponges, and it is important that you use this to your advantage. You can make a big impact by teaching them about important values, teaching them lessons by reading stories and encouraging them to make friends. All of this will help their social and brain development.
Making Provision For Meal Time
Kid’s cannot learn anything if they are hungry. It is important to set aside time for a lunch break and for snack time every day.
Making Sure Hygiene Is Maintained
It will be your responsibility to make sure you teach the children about the importance of hygiene. They do not know how easily sicknesses can spread, or the importance of washing your hands before you eat. It will be your responsibility to teach them.
Teaching Them Basic Concepts
One of the reasons why Child Care is such a rewarding career is because you get to make a huge impact in kids’ lives. You will lay the foundation for their education by helping them reach certain milestones regarding social skills, motor skills and a basic of understanding numeracy and literacy.
By fulfilling these responsibilities, you’ll play a key role in shaping children’s development, ensuring their safety, and helping them build a strong foundation for their future.
What Qualities Do I Need For Childcare?
Since we have covered the responsibilities you will have as a child care worker, let us have a look at some of the qualities you should possess. This involves what kind of personality traits you have.
- Patience
- Creativity
- Compassion
- Empathy
- Enthusiasm
Possessing these qualities will help you succeed as a child care worker. They will enable you to create a positive and nurturing environment where children can thrive.
What Do You Gain From Working With Children?
If you already have a passion for working with kids, it will not feel like you are working at all! Here are a few perks of working with kids:
- Childcare is always in demand
- Looking after kids keeps you young
- Working with kids is rewarding and fun
Working with children not only offers valuable career opportunities but also brings joy, fulfilment, and a sense of purpose to your everyday life.
What Is The Biggest Challenge For Childcare Staff?
Childcare workers face many challenges, and it’s important to be aware of these challenges so that you can overcome them in the future. Let us take a look at some of the challenges that childcare workers face:
| Challenges | How To Overcome It |
|---|---|
| Attending To Every Individual Child’s Needs | Divide your class into smaller groups to ensure you can give attention to each child more effectively. |
| Handling Tantrums And Behavioural Problems | Use different strategies based on each child’s personality and temperament, while maintaining consistency in discipline. |
| Time Management | Plan your activities and tasks ahead of time to stay organized and ensure a balanced schedule. |
| Heavy Workload | Prioritize tasks and tackle them according to urgency, helping to manage your workload more efficiently. |
| Communicating With Parents | Regularly update parents on their child’s progress and address any behavioural issues promptly to maintain open and transparent communication. |
By being proactive and developing effective strategies, you can successfully navigate these challenges. This will help you create a positive and supportive environment for both the children and their families.
What Is The Greatest Challenge Of Caring For A Child?
Kids should be kept stimulated through, games and educational activities. But, all of these physical activities can turn out to be quite exhausting. Especially when you are taking care of multiple children at once. You may experience fatigue and exhaustion in this type of work.
How Do You Handle A Child With Challenging Behaviour?
Something that you will have to get used to is dealing with children that misbehave. If you don’t like the sound of this, do not worry because there are a few key strategies you can use to handle misbehaviour.
- Create rules for children to follow
- Set a good example for your learners
- Teach Children how to correct their misbehaviour
- Praise children when they are well-behaved
Caring for children can be physically and mentally demanding, but with the right strategies and patience, you can effectively manage challenging behaviour and create a positive, nurturing environment for their growth.
People Also Ask
Our creche management comprehensive course covers all you need to know to successfully work in a childcare setting. You will understand how to effectively run the business as well as understand the most basic tasks required in a creche.
A daycare is more focused on the education of children, a creche is more focused on the social aspects of a child’s development. Our institution offers you both creche management and daycare management courses. The subjects in our creche management course focus more on effective communication and interactions with the people you interact with. Our daycare management courses pay more attention to education.
