Frequently Asked Questions

I want to help children and families, but I’m not sure if I want to work directly with children. What kinds of careers and jobs might find?

There are many career options that don’t involve working directly with children on a daily basis. You might pursue a career in writing children’s books, training adults about how children learn, or develop public policies that protect children’s rights.

I want to work with young children. What are my job options?

There are three major forms of child care: child care centers, family child care homes and in-home child care.

Do I need to get a college degree or certificate to work in the field of early childhood education? Will it help me get a better job?

Due to the introduction of the Child Development Permit requirements to the public funded programs, private programs have been increasingly requiring more education from their employees. In order to teach in public funded programs, teaching staff is required to hold a Permit in one of the levels of Child Development Permit Matrix (included in the packet). Also, to move up the career ladder in a publicly funded program, you need to acquire more units over time. Recently colleges have started aligning their certificates to the Matrix. The nature of certificates and the number of the units awarded varies widely from one college to another and they are not directly tied to job requirements.

If I want to get an elementary teaching credential, should I take classes in early childhood education first?

Not necessarily. Most elementary teaching credential programs have a full course that is completed during one to two years of study in the program.

If English is my second language is this a good career for me?

In California, one out of three children comes from a home in which language other English is spoken. Children need to have providers who speak their home language and all children benefit from exposure to multiple languages.

Should men work in child care?

Yes! Young children need men as caregivers and role models. Parents need to see men in care giving positions; fathers need role models and support from their teachers of their own gender. This is a job that appeals to people who are nurturing and enthusiastic, regardless of gender.

If I take more classes and continue my education, will I make more money?

There is no simple answer to this question. In the broadest sense, the more training you have , the more jobs you have available to you, and the more likely you are to be offered jobs with more responsibility that pay more.

Can I be a substitute in a child care center?

Yes, most centers need substitutes to full in for staff on an intermittent basis. Being a substitute gives you the opportunity to see if you like working with children in a group setting, what age group you enjoy most, and whether you like a particular center.

Can people with disabilities work in child care?

Yes, People with disabilities can be a great asset to a child care environment and are protected from discrimination by the Americans with Disabilities act and other Laws.

I have heard about a new child development permit. Have the requirements for teachers changed recently?

Yes, there is a new Child Development Permit and requirements have changed for people who work in publicly funded child care centers. People who already had a children’s center permit will not be required to get a new permit, but new people entering the field will.

I think I want to open a family care program in my home. What are the specific courses I need to take?

Licensing requires you to take 15 hours of health training in CPR, First Aid and prevention of infectious disease. Research shows that providers who have some training in early childhood education/child development provide higher quality care, so you might want to consider taking some of the core courses before you embark on a career with children. Community colleges offer courses and/or certificates targeted at family child care providers, which would also improve your possibility to market yourself more successfully.

I am a high school student. Can I work in child care?

If you are under 18, you must be currently participating in an occupational program conducted by an accredited high school or college, such as a Regional Occupational Program (ROP), to work in a child care center. You may work as a supervised assistant in a Family Child care home if you are over 14.

I just want to do child care. Why do I need training in early childhood development?

Working with young children can be extremely rewarding and satisfying work, it can be the most valuable and important job that a person can do. Caring for children can also be very challenging. Research has shown that the more training and knowledge in child development you have, the more effective you will be as a professional working in the field of early care and education. It is important to have some knowledge in child development in order to be more effective, resourceful, and skillful when relating to children and families.