Child Care Workers Description OES Code: 680380 Child Care Workers attend to children at child care centers, schools, businesses, and institutions. Perform variety of tasks such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play. CA Wages/hour median range New, no experience: minimum minimum – $9.14 New, experienced: $6.25 minimum – $10.00 3 yrs+ experience: $7.50 minimum – $12.54 Local Wages • CCOIS Survey • OES Survey Hours & Benefits Most of the work is part time, usually from two to six hours a day. There are centers, however, that require full time workers. Fringe benefits also vary widely. Most employers provide few benefits. Employment Trends Employment 1996 22,580 Projected Employment 2006 32,460 Growth Rate 1996-2006 43.8% Openings due to Separations 3,060 Employment Trends by California County Recent public awareness of the shortage of child care facilities has stimulated proposals for increased private, as well as public, funded programs. Generally there is a large pool of applicants, but many lack the necessary commitment required by the job. Advancement In child care centers, the aide position is usually the entry job. With additional education and work experience, aides can be promoted to teacher, head teacher, and finally director. Child care workers can receive a Children's Center Instructional Permit, issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, after they complete 24 hours of early childhood education courses and 16 hours toward a BA Degree. Emergency instructional permits can be granted to aides who have completed 12 hours of early childhood education courses, and have a minimum of two years children's center experience, when critical teacher shortages occur. Getting the Job & Other Information Child care center aides should apply directly to nursery schools, preschools and local public schools. The California Child Care Resource and Referral Network is represented by an agency in practically every county and is a source of job openings information. The local resource and referral agency telephone number is located in the yellow pages under the heading of Child Care Centers. For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Click arrow at bottom left of image to begin. Requires QuickTime Education and Training Many employers prefer that applicants possess an early childhood education certificate. Child care centers are subject to the California Department of Social Services licensing regulations. Aides in infant centers (children under two years of age) must be high school graduates, or be enrolled in a course leading to completion of high school or have demonstrated through experience a capability for learning the job. Some experience in caring for children is also necessary. For those aides who work with children over two years of age, the regulations require the applicant to be at least 18 years of age, or if the applicant is not 18, then high school graduation or enrollment in an occupational training program is needed. Skills & Other Requirements All aides must be in good health and have criminal record clearance, including fingerprinting. Child care center directors usually look for knowledge of early childhood development, knowledge of child guidance principles and practices and ability to work harmoniously with children, parents and staff members. Employers generally require the ability to interact well with others and an indication of a good work record. Many require bilingual skills (usually English/Spanish) and the ability to work well under pressure. Health screening, including a chest x-ray, is required. References Note: The references below (and/or on other parts of this page) will link to pages on the internet outside the Career Video system. California Occupational Guide: Child Care Workers (Aides) #505 Related Occupations: Teachers, Preschool #275, Teachers Aides #502 Training: California State Training Inventory   © State of California EDD/LMID, US Department of Labor Unless indicated otherwise, wage data is based on Statewide aggregated CCOIS survey responses between 1995 and 1997. Questions or Comments? Contact us.