Day Care Centre Manager/Owner
OFO No:
What is a Day Care Centre?
A day care centre usually operates during the week and is a place where parents can leave their small children while they are at work.
Sometimes the day care centre will open after school and during school holidays as well.
The day care centre is responsible for the care and safety of the children during this time.
What is a Day Care Manager?
A Day Care Centre Manager is responsible for co-ordinating all aspects of running a Day Care Centre.
What does a Day Care Manager do?
- makes sure the day care centre is legal by registering the business with local authorities
- makes sure the children are safe at all times
- is calm through emergences (for example: child breaks an arm)
- makes sure the staff are doing their jobs well
- manages the budgets, salaries and expenses
- makes sure the building and all equipment, toys etc are clean and safe
- keeps the parents informed about their children
- contacts parents if there is an emergency
What does a Day Care Staff Member do?
- entertains the children (singing, dancing, games, puzzles etc)
- helps the children at meal times
- makes sure the children are safe
- assists with first aid if child gets injured
- makes sure the children are dressed appropriately for hot and cold weather
- changes nappies or assisting with toilet duties
- cleans up after the children
- teaches the children skills
- teaches the children manners and discipline
Are you … ?
- a caring person?
- good with children?
- patient?
- funny and entertaining?
- young at heart?
- willing to play games with toddlers?
- capable of handling groups of children?
How do I become a Day Care Manager?
A background in teaching would be extremely advantageous but not necessary, for example if you trained as a Early Childhood Development Practitioner or Pre-Primary School Teacher, this may give your day care centre a very good name.
Parents are always looking for the best for their children. If you can offer more than the next day care centre – you may be very successful.
There are many courses in Child Day Care which can be done at various colleges around South Africa. Check with your local institution whether they do.
TRAINING:
- CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
- Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
- To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education.
- CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
- BOLAND COLLEGE
Offers a 3 year National Diploma in Educare which covers many subjects that would prepare you for work in a day care centre. It also covers Small Business Management & Entrepreneurship which would be beneficial to those thinking of opening their own day care centre.
To actually run a day care centre as a business, courses or a background in business would be extremely advantageous.
See under Office Manager for some ideas too.
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: B&B Manager/Owner … or … Foundation Phase School Teacher
Is becoming a Day Care Centre Manager or Owner the right career choice for me?
