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If you are searching for a cushy career then swerve steadily away from childcare because this is one career that involves a lot of work and responsibilities as well as the ability to nurture various relationships and roles. A safe and effective day care environment depends upon the intricate role of the day care worker and all the complex relationships inherent in same.

The worker and child relationship is the generally the most obvious one. A worker should never be content to simply be a caregiver but should see their function as encompassing the enrichment of the child's experience through facilitating the creative, learning and play environment. Needless to say children should be cared for in a warm and understanding manner so the day care worker will need an extremely caring temperament.

Many and varied are the necessary skills of the day care worker. These include an eagle eye on a safe environment, the ability to facilitate the learning of the independent child, giving that child the necessary support to participate in learning activities, encouraging individuality and self confidence, recognizing that each child develops at their own pace, encouraging caring personalities in the classroom and buckets of patience.

It is vital that all workers in a day care environment work well together. The needs of the children are paramount and as such effective teamwork is essential. Communication, cooperation, understanding and respect are key elements of the workers' relationship. Chaos and confusion can ensue should one person misunderstand or disrespect the objectives and focus of the day care service.

Planning and reviewing sessions will encourage positive interaction and communication between staff which will include positive criticism and ideas for improvement. Daily communication can mean passing information verbally or via a comment book. Of course regular evaluation of staff by management is needed to monitor progress and ensure continuing standards.

Appropriate qualifications are a given in a childcare environment and management should have available, and encourage participation in ongoing training. This brings us to the incredibly important area of support and supervision of staff. In order to do their job effectively day care workers require this support which can take the form of supervision by a senior member of staff, an emotionally and physically healthy working environment, adequate pay and an easily accessible supervisor should the need arise.

Finally, a very important, yet often overlooked relationship is that of worker and parent. Open communication with the parents is vital for the best interests of the child. Both parties should be on the same page when it comes to the development of the child. Parents should have easy access to all policies and procedures associated with the day care which should be clear and concise. Encourage and welcome all parental involvement and input.

These are just some of the skills required to work with children successfully and meaningfully so if you are not ticking all the boxes you might want to consider another career. There is a lot to think about when considering a career in childcare however, for the right personality this can be a very rewarding and satisfying profession.