4 answers
mallorie
Student
Clifton Springs, New York
1
Question
Asked
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what degree do I need to start a daycare?
I love working with children and I have done research on it and I can't find much like what colleges I should go to how to gain experience and where I should start.
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4 answers
Tiarra Hill
Teacher
43
Answers
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Updated
Tiarra’s Answer
Hi mallorie, a degree is generally not required to operate a daycare. A high school diploma or GED is generally what you need in addition to any state licensure, which is required to ensure that children are in a safe environment with responsible caretakers or teachers. Based on my research on the National Database of Child Care Licensing Regulations website, there are different licenses based on the age group and daycare facility type, whether the facility is in a home or if it is its own center. Here is a link to the National Database of Child Care Licensing Regulations website, which breaks down state requires for each state: https://licensingregulations.acf.hhs.gov/
While a high school diploma and a license may be all you need, obtaining a degree in Early Childhood education is also a plus, not just a certificate but an actual degree, which can be obtained from a community college. To gain experience, see if you can intern at local daycares and even see if you can get a part time job as a teaching assistant or clerical job. Even if a clerical job is not directly working with kids, it gets you a job in a facility and helps you gain experience and a relationship in a daycare facility. Many daycares want workers to be 18 or older because they want you to have that license but you can call local daycares to see if they need any teaching assistants or clerical assistants. Explain that you are a teenager and that you have intentions of establishing roots in early education. Even if you can work for a few hours a week, it's experience and then you always have school breaks.
I'm not sure if this still exists because the pandemic may have changed things, but local libraries used to have reading programs where older kids would participate and help younger kids read and complete different activities alongside a librarian. You could look into that by emailing, calling, or visiting a local library. I know calling and visiting may be daunting even at the different daycare centers, but always look online for an email or phone number if you are uncomfortable or unable to physically visit these different places. Also, churches are a good way to gain experience because many churches have daycare services during church services and some churches may have daycarss during the daytime too. Even if you just do this on Sundays for a while, it is something on your resume.
Here is another website that discusses a 16 year olds chances of gaining employment or even volunteering at a daycare: https://jobsforteenshq.com/can-a-16-year-old-work-at-a-daycare/ and https://jobsforteenshq.com/can-teenagers-work-daycare/
Good luck! Everything will work out fine!
While a high school diploma and a license may be all you need, obtaining a degree in Early Childhood education is also a plus, not just a certificate but an actual degree, which can be obtained from a community college. To gain experience, see if you can intern at local daycares and even see if you can get a part time job as a teaching assistant or clerical job. Even if a clerical job is not directly working with kids, it gets you a job in a facility and helps you gain experience and a relationship in a daycare facility. Many daycares want workers to be 18 or older because they want you to have that license but you can call local daycares to see if they need any teaching assistants or clerical assistants. Explain that you are a teenager and that you have intentions of establishing roots in early education. Even if you can work for a few hours a week, it's experience and then you always have school breaks.
I'm not sure if this still exists because the pandemic may have changed things, but local libraries used to have reading programs where older kids would participate and help younger kids read and complete different activities alongside a librarian. You could look into that by emailing, calling, or visiting a local library. I know calling and visiting may be daunting even at the different daycare centers, but always look online for an email or phone number if you are uncomfortable or unable to physically visit these different places. Also, churches are a good way to gain experience because many churches have daycare services during church services and some churches may have daycarss during the daytime too. Even if you just do this on Sundays for a while, it is something on your resume.
Here is another website that discusses a 16 year olds chances of gaining employment or even volunteering at a daycare: https://jobsforteenshq.com/can-a-16-year-old-work-at-a-daycare/ and https://jobsforteenshq.com/can-teenagers-work-daycare/
Good luck! Everything will work out fine!
Cindy McAllister
retired Guidance Counselor
12
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
Cindy’s Answer
There are two different issues here. We'll start with the children aspect first. While you're in school, find out if your school has a program where you can go to to the elementary school and work in one of the classrooms during a study hall. Babysit. Check with nursery schools/daycare centers and see if you can volunteer there during your vacations. Interview some of the Daycare directors to see what their background is. When you go to college you might want to get your degree in childhood education with a minor in business. The business minor is to help you run your own business.
Hope this helps. Good luck
Hope this helps. Good luck
Cheryl Falzone
School Counseling
3
Answers
Saint Petersburg, Florida
Updated
Cheryl’s Answer
Hello Mallorie,
I started my journey being a owner of a home early learning program by taking my states certification programs. That program highlights everything it takes to get you through the process of ownership and what it takes to be a certified director/ owner, and teacher. I personally continued my education in early childhood education, plus earned my directors creditial. I went on to gain a bachelor degree in educational leadership. After teaching and managing for a time. I became intrested in advocating for other needs my students displayed in their behaviors. I then furthered my education in children counseling earning a masters in child psychology.
There are so many opportunities in this career choice. Please continue to learn and enjoy. I hope this helped.
I started my journey being a owner of a home early learning program by taking my states certification programs. That program highlights everything it takes to get you through the process of ownership and what it takes to be a certified director/ owner, and teacher. I personally continued my education in early childhood education, plus earned my directors creditial. I went on to gain a bachelor degree in educational leadership. After teaching and managing for a time. I became intrested in advocating for other needs my students displayed in their behaviors. I then furthered my education in children counseling earning a masters in child psychology.
There are so many opportunities in this career choice. Please continue to learn and enjoy. I hope this helped.
Ghulam Mustafa
Student
4
Answers
Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan
Updated
Ghulam’s Answer
Embarking on a journey to start a daycare can be a fulfilling career choice, especially if you have a passion for nurturing children. Although there's no mandatory degree to set up a daycare, possessing certain skills and qualifications can greatly aid in creating and managing a prosperous childcare venture. This path can be an exciting opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of children, and with the right tools and dedication, your daycare can thrive!