Page 401 - JobsPlus - Occupational Handbook

Child Care Worker
Occupation Code: 5311
Alternative titles: Child Carer, Child Care Practitioner
Work environment
Job description and duties
Child Care Workers provide care and supervision for children and attend to their basic needs. A Child Care Worker is typically expected to:
• Assist children with everyday activities such as eating and using the bathroom
• Change nappies and prepare bottles for babies
• Accompany children outdoors for recreation or on trips
• Keep area clean and tidy
• Decorate the child care facilities to create a
warm, friendly and safe environment
• Interact with children in a creative way
• Manage children’s behaviour and
development
• Observe and monitor children’s play
activities
• Be aware of the health condition of the child
and observe mood swings and behaviour changes
Child Care Workers may be employed in child care centres and schools in the private and public sector. They may also be self-employed and operate their own child care centre.
Child Care Workers may work full or part-time and may work on shift basis. Working as a Child Care Worker normally involves lifting, carrying and various other physical activities.
Occupation data
Entry level education / special licences / warrants
To work as a Child Care Worker, a qualification at MQF Level 4 is required. Training programmes include:
• Advanced Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning and Development (MCAST) (MQF Level 4)
Short courses include:
• VET Award in Child Care (0-3 years) (Jobsplus) (MQF Level 4)
Additionally, Child Care Workers require: • A clean Police Conduct Certificate
Number of employees (2017)
1,050
Share of foreigners (2017)
9%
Job Outlook (2018 - 2022)
+18%
Median Pay (per annum)
€12,000
Occupational Handbook 2018
401