They must communicate effectively with the children and their parents, as well as other teachers and child-care workers. Workers should be mature, patient, understanding, and articulate, and have energy and physical stamina. Skills in music, art, drama, and storytelling are also important. Those who work for themselves must have business sense and management abilities. Working hours vary widely.
Employment can be full or part time with staggered shifts to cover the entire day.
Upon completion of the Early Childhood Care and Development program, students should have the skills necessary to obtain an entry-level position in a day care center or preschool, as a nanny in long term individual child care, or as a teacher s aide in an elementary or special education classroom. Often these positions require additional training such as a bachelor s degree.