| A childcare qualification indicates to employers and to | | | | And the management of children's behaviour is, of |
| parents that you have the knowledge and skills to take | | | | course, an important aspect. |
| good care of children. It can distinguish you from others | | | | Education topics are likely to be covered although you |
| applying for the best jobs. A variety of childcare | | | | will not, of course, become a fully qualified teacher. |
| courses are available, with many providing opportunities | | | | Emotional, social, health and personal development |
| to study online. | | | | education is likely to feature along with basic aspects |
| Training courses for work with children should lead to | | | | of communication skills, problem solving, reasoning and |
| qualifications approved by the government's National | | | | physical and creative development. |
| Qualifications Framework, and should be accredited in | | | | Learning is intended to be provided alongside effective, |
| relevant ways by childcare organisations. | | | | worthwhile and enjoyable play activities. |
| When considering the choices available, check these | | | | Nutrition, diet and exercise are important aspects |
| aspects carefully with the course provider and also | | | | affecting health that are included in many childcare |
| consider the expectations of potential future | | | | courses. |
| employers. | | | | Working with disabled children is a rather more |
| Some of the qualifications on offer require you to | | | | specialised type of study topic. Featuring in this kind of |
| undertake work experience with children, in conjunction | | | | course unit are ways to provide suitable activities for |
| with certain courses of study. | | | | disabled children and how to include them in activities |
| If you already work with children, better qualifications | | | | with other children. |
| can help you make progress in your career. Taking | | | | Some childcare courses address children's rights |
| courses to learn more skills can also increase the | | | | issues, anti-discrimination procedures and successful |
| enjoyment and satisfaction to be gained from this type | | | | communication with parents, social services and |
| of work. | | | | schools. |
| Childcare courses corresponding with the various age | | | | When you look at the various courses available, you |
| groups are available. And when researching particular | | | | will find that many are provided as distance learning |
| options online you will find there are many units included | | | | courses. |
| in each course. Some typical examples are given | | | | The number of hours of study needed to gain the |
| below. | | | | childcare qualification should be made clear on the |
| The study of child development from birth through to | | | | relevant website along with the features of the course. |
| later ages prepares you for what to expect at each | | | | Methods for study might include email, telephone and |
| stage and how to deal with situations that arise if | | | | postal communication with tutors. |
| development is delayed or abnormal. | | | | Online discussions and videos may be available to |
| Child safety is a major component. This includes | | | | childcare students along with a library of content from |
| safety in all environments including the home, garden, | | | | a variety of sources including tutors and others |
| nursery or school and when travelling. Hygiene | | | | studying the subject. |
| procedures may be included under this heading or as a | | | | Finally, check whether the assessment involved in |
| separate unit. | | | | each case is by examination or by coursework, which, |
| A unit of study on child protection will include identifying | | | | of course, has to reach the required standard. If |
| and caring for children who have suffered abuse or | | | | examinations are involved you need to establish where |
| other problems at home or elsewhere. This is likely to | | | | and when they take place. |
| include the question of how to deal with bullying issues. | | | | |