Introduction
This WebQuest is designed to help students explore possible career options in the Child Care Industry. It will help students prepare for entering this industry field.
Are you ready for this? Young people who enter the field of Early Childhood Education and Care often find themselves confronted with the prospect that they can't cope with pressures of the industry and job demands. You need to become an investigator and find out if this is the career for you!
Task
By the end of this WebQuest you will have
- explored the Child Care Industry;
- found out about some of the key requirements of the industry;
- organized and attended a Child Care placement;
- and, observed and participated in the daily activities of a Child Care Facility.
You will need to complete the necessary paperwork and ensure that all task requirements have been completed and submitted.
Process
What are the Pros and Cons of the Child Care Industry?
Before you go to work in a Child Care Center carefully consider your motives for getting into the industry. Center directors are often concerned by young people who are joining the industry because they “like to play all day with children”, or because they “are really good babysitters”, or the “love little children and babies”. Working all day with children takes a lot of patience, care and concern for safety plus a whole lot more! Before you go to an interview for a Child Care Placement consider the advantages, disadvantages, and Interesting aspects of the Child Care Industry.
Complete Worksheet 1 to gather ideas and to articulate a more meaningful reason why this industry is for you. Note: Try interviewing a few different employees of the Child Care industry – call a center and ask to schedule an appointment to speak to some staff members about their reasons for being in the industry.
What are the Industry Standards?
Having a knowledge of the industry requirements is a great way to show a prospective employer that you are interested in working and learning on the job. Find out what industry skills are essential for the Child Care Industry – plus what employability skills you possess.
Complete Worksheet 2 – Workplace Standards.
What do you need to do next? Read Worksheet 3 - Child Care Certificate III Information Sheet. Think about whether this is what you want to do or not. If it is your next step is to contact your teacher for an interview about how to begin the Child Care course and to get in contact with employers to organize a Structured Work-placement for one week.
Structured Workplace Learning (SWL)
Participating in structured workplace learning requires the ability to:
- Demonstrate responsible work practices in areas of
- workplace health and safety
- working hours arrangements
- personal presentation standards
- Follow instructions to complete tasks to workplace standard
- Apply communication protocols, courtesies, and skills to interact effectively with people in the workplace
- And work cooperatively with relevant people.
The Student Log Book forms a permanent record of the student’s efforts in preparing for on-the-job training.
Evaluation
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Conclusion
The primary focus of the early childhood field of study and the childcare industry is to promote the wellbeing of young children and a greater awareness of the importance of quality childcare practices in the wider community.
It is hoped that from your Structured Work placement you have learned about some of the demands of the Child Care Industry.
Through the courses, students develop a background knowledge and understanding in human development, the needs and rights of children, the value of play, concepts of childhood, the role of parents, the importance of families, behaviour management, special needs, workplace health and safety, industry practice and expectations, and legislation and ethical issues. This provides a framework for students’ observations of, interactions with, and reasoning about young children.
Your task is to now consult with your teachers and the school about how to undertake further study. Good luck with your future Child Care/Education Career and learning in this field.
For those who found that you did not like your Structured Workplace Experience you should now consult with the Career Counselors, Teachers and Guidance Officers in your school to find the career path for you. Best of Luck!