Receiving a high school diploma or general education diploma is a requirement to become a child care provider because you must possess basic skills and knowledge in order to teach and care for children. While in high school, it would help to take the following courses: Child Care, Health or Child Development. If you have not already received a high school diploma, adult education courses are available locally and online.
Most states and companies will require you to receive a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid certification to become a child care provider. Receiving the certification will confirm that you are able to apply CPR or first aid in case it is ever needed to be performed on a child. CPR courses are often available in three forms: infant, child and adult; each course must be completed. Most hospitals or community colleges have this course available. There are some online courses available, as well.
Receiving a college degree is not required in every state to become a child care provider. Even so, earning a college degree is a good idea because it will give you a great advantage when searching for a job or starting your own child care business. An Early Childhood Development associate degree is one of the most beneficial degrees you can get. Early childhood development courses are available at most universities, community colleges and continuing education programs.
At some facilities, it is required that you are certified as a child care provider before you can become an employee. If you plan to start your own child care business, most parents will feel most comfortable enrolling their child in your program if you are certified. Prior to obtaining your certification you must have your shot record, be up-to-date on immunizations, pass a health check, and be certified in CPR and first aid. You can become certified as a child care provider through two credentials: Child Development Associate (CDA) and Certified Child Care Professional (CCP). To become certified through the CDA credentials, you must possess a high school diploma, 480 hours of relative work experience and 120 hours of relative education, all of which must have been received in the past five years. To become certified through the CCP credentials, you must be a state-certified teacher.