Child care services managers plan, direct, coordinate and evaluate the provision of care for children in before-school, after-school, vacation and day care centres and services.
Tasks include –
Developing and implementing programmes to enhance the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of young children;
Etablishing and monitoring budgets and determining allocation of funds for staff, supplies, materials, equipment and maintenance;
Overseeing and coordinating the provision of care for children in before-school, after-school, day and vacation care centres;
Directing and supervising child carers in providing care and supervision for young children;
Managing physical facilities and making sure all buildings and equipment are maintained to ensure the centre is a safe area for children, staff and visitors;
Reviewing and interpreting government codes, and developing procedures to meet codes (e.g. concerning safety and security);
Monitoring children’s progress and conferring with parents or guardians;
Preparing and maintaining records and accounts for a child care centre;
Recruiting and evaluating staff and coordinating their professional development.
Early childhood educators promote the social, physical, and intellectual development of children below primary school age through the provision of educational and play activities.
Tasks include –
Planning and organizing individual and group activities designed to facilitate the development of children’s motor, cooperative and social skills, confidence and understanding;
Promoting language development through storytelling, role play, songs, rhymes and informal conversations and discussions;
Leading children in activities that provide opportunities for creative expression through the media of art, dramatic play, music and physical fitness;
Observing children in order to evaluate progress and to detect signs of developmental, emotional or health-related problems;
Observing and assessing nutritional health, welfare and safety needs of students and identifying factors which may impede students’ progress;
Supervising children’s activities to ensure safety and resolve conflicts;
Guiding and assisting children in the development of proper eating, dressing and toilet habits;
Discussing progress or problems of children with parents and other staff members and identifying appropriate actions and referrals to other services;
Establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with other service providers working with young children.