39-9011.00 - Childcare Workers

Updated 2017

Summary Report for:
39-9011.00 - Childcare Workers

Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.

Sample of reported job titles: Before and After School Daycare Worker, Child Care Provider, Child Care Teacher, Child Care Worker, Child Caregiver, Childcare Worker, Infant and Toddler Teacher, Infant Teacher, Teacher Assistant, Toddler Teacher

Also see: Nannies

View report: Summary Details Custom

Tasks

Maintain a safe play environment.
Dress children and change diapers.
Observe and monitor children's play activities.
Communicate with children's parents or guardians about daily activities, behaviors, and related issues.
Sanitize toys and play equipment.
Keep records on individual children, including daily observations and information about activities, meals served, and medications administered.
Support children's emotional and social development, encouraging understanding of others and positive self-concepts.
Identify signs of emotional or developmental problems in children and bring them to parents' or guardians' attention.
Assist in preparing food and serving meals and refreshments to children.
Instruct children in health and personal habits, such as eating, resting, and toilet habits.
Create developmentally appropriate lesson plans.
Read to children and teach them simple painting, drawing, handicrafts, and songs.
Discipline children and recommend or initiate other measures to control behavior, such as caring for own clothing and picking up toys and books.
Regulate children's rest periods.
Perform general administrative tasks, such as taking attendance, editing internal paperwork, and making phone calls.
Perform housekeeping duties, such as laundry, cleaning, dish washing, and changing of linens.
Organize and store toys and materials to ensure order in activity areas.
Organize and participate in recreational activities and outings, such as games and field trips.
Provide care for mentally disturbed, delinquent, or handicapped children.
Care for children in institutional setting, such as group homes, nursery schools, private businesses, or schools for the handicapped.
Operate in-house day-care centers within businesses.
Perform general personnel functions, such as supervision, training, and scheduling.
Help children with homework and school work.
Sterilize bottles and prepare formulas.
Accompany children to and from school, on outings, and to medical appointments.
Place or hoist children into baths or pools.

Find occupations related to multiple tasks

Technology Skills

Calendar and scheduling software — Scheduling software
Computer based training software — Educational software
Internet browser software — Web browser software
Word processing software — Microsoft Word

Tools Used

Alarm systems — Alarms
Automobiles or cars — Passenger cars
Balance or gross motor equipment — Climbing structures
Building blocks — Toy block sets
Car seats — Child car safety seats
Carriages or perambulators or strollers — Strollers
Cognitive toys — Educational toys
Desktop computers
Domestic clothes washers — Washing machines
Domestic microwave ovens — Microwave ovens
Domestic ranges — Kitchen stoves
Domestic tumble dryers — Dryers
Emergency medical services first aid kits — Emergency first aid kits
Feeding bottles or accessories — Baby bottles
Fire extinguishers — Fire extingushers
Mobile phones — Mobile telephones
Notebook computers — Laptop computers
Oral liquid medication syringes — Medicine dosing syringes
Personal computers
Photocopiers — Photocopying equipment
Sand or water tables or activity centers — Water tables
Vacuum cleaners
Wet mops

Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Psychology — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Skills

Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people.
Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Instructing — Teaching others how to do something.
Persuasion — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

Abilities

Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Fluency of Ideas — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Originality — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

Work Activities

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Detailed Work Activities

Arrange childcare or educational settings to ensure physical safety of children.
Clean tools or equipment.
Discuss child development and behavior with parents or guardians.
Maintain client information or service records.
Assist individuals with special needs.
Care for patients with mental illnesses.
Provide counsel, comfort, or encouragement to individuals or families.
Monitor health or behavior of people or animals.
Prepare foods or meals.
Teach health or hygiene practices.
Assign duties or work schedules to employees.
Perform human resources activities.
Train service staff.
Develop educational or training programs.
Teach daily living skills or behaviors.
Develop daily schedules for children or families.
Perform administrative or clerical tasks.
Perform housekeeping duties.
Arrange items for use or display.
Organize recreational activities or events.
Accompany individuals or groups to activities.

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Work Context

Work With Work Group or Team — 85% responded “Extremely important.”
Contact With Others — 78% responded “Constant contact with others.”
Face-to-Face Discussions — 80% responded “Every day.”
Physical Proximity — 68% responded “Very close (near touching).”
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 81% responded “Every day.”
Freedom to Make Decisions — 45% responded “A lot of freedom.”
Telephone — 46% responded “Every day.”
Coordinate or Lead Others — 36% responded “Extremely important.”
Structured versus Unstructured Work — 42% responded “Some freedom.”
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety — 48% responded “Very high responsibility.”
Letters and Memos — 34% responded “Every day.”
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — 44% responded “Every day.”
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather — 39% responded “Every day.”
Consequence of Error — 49% responded “Extremely serious.”
Frequency of Decision Making — 39% responded “Every day.”
Exposed to Disease or Infections — 49% responded “Every day.”
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 43% responded “Important.”
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 33% responded “Important results.”
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — 49% responded “Moderate responsibility.”
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body — 35% responded “Less than half the time.”
Spend Time Standing — 48% responded “More than half the time.”
Spend Time Walking and Running — 42% responded “Less than half the time.”
Frequency of Conflict Situations — 31% responded “Every day.”

Job Zone

Title	Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education	These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Related Experience	Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Job Training	Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Job Zone Examples	These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, forest firefighters, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers.
SVP Range	(4.0 to < 6.0)

Education

Percentage of Respondents	Education Level Required
52	High school diploma or equivalent
13	Associate's degree
13	Bachelor's degree

Credentials

Interests

Interest code: SA

Social — Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Artistic — Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Work Styles

Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Self Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Independence — Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Work Values

Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Related Occupations

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31-1013.00	Psychiatric Aides
31-2012.00	Occupational Therapy Aides
31-2022.00	Physical Therapist Aides
33-9092.00	Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
39-9021.00	Personal Care Aides
43-4081.00	Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks

Wages & Employment Trends

Median wages (2016)	$10.18 hourly, $21,170 annual
State wages

Employment (2014)	1,261,000 employees
Projected growth (2014-2024)	Average (5% to 8%)
Projected job openings (2014-2024)	441,300
State trends

Top industries (2014)	Health Care and Social Assistance Other Services (Except Public Administration)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2016 wage data and 2014-2024 employment projections . "Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2014-2024). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.

Job Openings on the Web

Sources of Additional Information

Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

Childcare workers . Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition.

Summary Report for: 39-9011.00 - Childcare Workers