3 answers
Ella
Student
1
Question
Updated
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How do I work with kids with not a lot of school and alright pay?
I'm not smart and still want to work with children.
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3 answers
Karen Kitchel
Community Volunteer
355
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Working with kids is a wonderful ambition! You probably know more than you think you do because you have experience being a kid.
To gain more experience and skills, I suggest you volunteer for something like a kids camp or offer to help a 5 or 6 year-old learn to read and write. Doing some childcare (even babysitting for a few hours) will also give you more time and knowledge of kids.
Whatever you do, enjoy it, and you will be giving the children a gift by your presence and the positive words you use.
With every good wish.
To gain more experience and skills, I suggest you volunteer for something like a kids camp or offer to help a 5 or 6 year-old learn to read and write. Doing some childcare (even babysitting for a few hours) will also give you more time and knowledge of kids.
Whatever you do, enjoy it, and you will be giving the children a gift by your presence and the positive words you use.
With every good wish.
Violaine Gonzalez
Senior Associate
176
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Violaine’s Answer
Hi Ella, I am sure you are smart, but hope this helps Working with children can be a fulfilling career choice, even if you don't have a lot of formal education. Here are some options that may offer opportunities to work with children, along with average pay ranges:
1. Childcare worker: Childcare centers, preschools, and after-school programs often hire childcare workers. While formal education may not be required, some states may require certification or training. The average pay for childcare workers varies, but it can range from minimum wage to around $15 per hour, depending on location and experience.
2. Teacher's aide or paraprofessional: Teacher's aides provide support to teachers in classrooms, helping with tasks like supervising students, preparing materials, and providing individualized attention. Requirements vary, but many positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. The average pay for teacher's aides can range from around $10 to $20 per hour.
3. Youth counselor or mentor: Working as a youth counselor or mentor allows you to provide guidance and support to children and teenagers in various settings, such as community centers, non-profit organizations, or residential facilities. Some positions may require a high school diploma or equivalent, while others may require a bachelor's degree. Average salaries can range from around $30,000 to $45,000 per year, depending on the specific role and organization.
4. Recreation leader: Recreation leaders organize and lead activities for children in settings like community centers, summer camps, or parks. While formal education requirements may be minimal, experience and relevant skills are often valued. Pay can vary, but it may range from minimum wage to around $15 per hour.
5. Nanny or babysitter: Providing care for children in their homes as a nanny or babysitter can be a flexible option. While no formal education is typically required, having experience and references can be beneficial. Pay rates for nannies and babysitters vary widely depending on factors like location, responsibilities, and the number of children cared for.
Remember, these are average pay ranges, and actual salaries can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and qualifications. Additionally, gaining relevant experience, pursuing certifications or training programs, and continuously seeking professional development opportunities can help improve job prospects and potential earnings.
1. Childcare worker: Childcare centers, preschools, and after-school programs often hire childcare workers. While formal education may not be required, some states may require certification or training. The average pay for childcare workers varies, but it can range from minimum wage to around $15 per hour, depending on location and experience.
2. Teacher's aide or paraprofessional: Teacher's aides provide support to teachers in classrooms, helping with tasks like supervising students, preparing materials, and providing individualized attention. Requirements vary, but many positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. The average pay for teacher's aides can range from around $10 to $20 per hour.
3. Youth counselor or mentor: Working as a youth counselor or mentor allows you to provide guidance and support to children and teenagers in various settings, such as community centers, non-profit organizations, or residential facilities. Some positions may require a high school diploma or equivalent, while others may require a bachelor's degree. Average salaries can range from around $30,000 to $45,000 per year, depending on the specific role and organization.
4. Recreation leader: Recreation leaders organize and lead activities for children in settings like community centers, summer camps, or parks. While formal education requirements may be minimal, experience and relevant skills are often valued. Pay can vary, but it may range from minimum wage to around $15 per hour.
5. Nanny or babysitter: Providing care for children in their homes as a nanny or babysitter can be a flexible option. While no formal education is typically required, having experience and references can be beneficial. Pay rates for nannies and babysitters vary widely depending on factors like location, responsibilities, and the number of children cared for.
Remember, these are average pay ranges, and actual salaries can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and qualifications. Additionally, gaining relevant experience, pursuing certifications or training programs, and continuously seeking professional development opportunities can help improve job prospects and potential earnings.
Kimberly Charbneau
Photographer
27
Answers
Ohio, Ohio
Updated
Kimberly’s Answer
Many questions come to mind. Are you looking to go to college for childhood education? Open your own daycare? Or just try and see? I would first think about the time you want to invest in it. If it’s for long term and a passion, I would start out applying to teach at a day care center. The pay at most day care facilities is between $14 - $18 starting and some require a degree depending on location, but most will train for certification once you are hired. Teacher to student ratio depends on the age you are looking to teach. Another idea is to do research and see what classes are included in a degree and see decide if you would still want to persue or is it the idea of lifestyle you’re interested in. If childcare is something you enjoy, but not a life long dream, just start small. Baby sitting is another option, but the pay can be at both ends of the spectrum and without insurance. Another thing to consider are the hours you’re available and how many hours you are looking to work. There are many options to look for on job boards such as Indeed or simply type in “preschool teacher or babysitting jobs near me” and many sites will come up. These are just starting points, but the landscape of early childhood education has changed over the years and teachers will always be needed.