How to become a caregiver/babysitter for a child?

Although it often happens that the role of nannies and carers — although the profession is definitely dominated by women — is performed by people without formal qualifications, e.g. taking up casual work or doing it in retirement in order to become a professional or professional in this profession, it is possible to undergo appropriate training and obtain a diploma confirming their qualifications.

In accordance with the programme basis set out in Regulation of the Minister of National Education of 16 May 2019 on the curricular bases of training in vocational education professions and additional professional skills in the field of selected vocational education professions (Journal of Laws of 2019, item 991) after passing the professional examination, a certificate of professional qualification is issued by the district examination committee.

Today, many parents are much more insightful about choosing the person who will take care of their child. In the media, there is more and more talk about the dangers of improper care, as well as about the attitude towards children incompatible with the principles of modern psychology. So parents want to have more control over who they let into their home and to whom they entrust the care of the child. The qualifications obtained can help to confirm your competence, as well as increase your value in the labor market. In the case of wanting to work in institutions such as a private or public nursery, it is necessary to have the powers specified in the law. These can be the qualifications of a childminder, a kindergarten teacher, a teacher of early childhood education or a care-upbringing educator, as well as a diploma of a nurse or midwife.

How do I qualify as a caregiver or babysitter?

To obtain a diploma confirming professional qualifications, it is necessary to proceed to validation. As we read on the site Gov.pl, this can be done by completing a first-cycle vocational school in a given profession, having a basic vocational education and completing the required vocational qualification course or having at least a basic vocational education and at least two years of training or working in the profession in which the qualification in question is distinguished according to the classification of vocational training professions of course.

Fields of study that entitle you to the profession: nurses,

• midwife,
• Babysitter/Child Custodian,
• teacher of preschool education,
• teacher of early childhood education,
• care and educational pedagogue,
• social-educational pedagogue,
• pedagogue of early education,
• pedagogical therapist,
• completed studies or postgraduate studies in the majority/specialty: early development support, support for the development of children within the framework of psychological and pedagogical assistance in kindergartens and kindergartens, pro-development education, pedagogy of young children, child psychology, psychology of supporting development and education, educational psychology.

If you do not have the above qualifications, but not earlier than 2 years before employment as a caregiver you have completed training in the provision of first aid to a child, you can take a job if you have a higher education in any field, the program of which includes issues related to the care of a young child or his development, and you have completed 80 hours of training to complement and teach Updating knowledge and skills. The possibility of employment also applies to people with a secondary or secondary vocational education who have at least one year of experience working with children up to 3 years of age or have completed 280 hours of training, of which at least 80 hours must be in practical form and consist of childcare under the guidance of a guardian.

What does the capital offer? Free course to become a caregiver or babysitter

The City of Warsaw co-organizes trainings for people who have the appropriate education, but have not completed the required course. The offer includes a free 280-hour training to prepare you to work as a caregiver for children up to 3 years old.

This is a great option for people who want to take a new job and at the same time cannot afford to devote themselves completely to new studies or courses that occupy a significant part of the week. Training takes place on a daily or weekend basis. The first edition started on May 25, and the next ones will be launched successively in the following months.

According to information published by the city of Warsaw, it is planned to train about 130 people, who will then be able to take care of about 1000 children. As the city informs, people who complete a specialized course will be employed in the Nurseries of the City of Warsaw on an employment contract or they will be able to set up their own business and open a nursery, daycare point or children's club.

Caregiver or babysitter — responsibilities

When parents give their children to the nursery, the primary tasks of the caregiver include carrying out many activities that parents also do on a daily basis. It is crucial to take care of the baby's hygiene, including swaddling and washing, as well as providing him with adequate nutrition, including giving breast milk. Caregivers also keep children entertained, organize games and activities, and ensure safe conditions for their development. However, tasks not directly related to childcare include, among others, taking care of the room, organizing additional activities or preparing simple decorations.

Although the childcare profession has been strongly feminized over the years, today we can increasingly find men working as childminders as well. The requirements for the exercise of this profession are the same regardless of gender, as are the remuneration rules. Gender should not be a reason for discrimination in access to the profession or affect the amount of remuneration for the same work.

Earnings of a caregiver or babysitter

A person starting a job as a babysitter, immediately after completing the course, can usually count on a salary of the minimum wage or slightly higher, depending on the type and place of employment. With the acquisition of work experience, the chances of higher earnings also increase. An asset on the job market are additional skills and qualifications that go beyond the basic requirements, such as conducting classes in foreign languages, rhythmics, art therapy or fairy tale therapy.

summary

The job of a nanny or childcare provider requires appropriate qualifications, which can be acquired through school, a vocational course or selected fields of study, among others. People with appropriate education can also take advantage of 280-hour training, and free courses are available in Warsaw to prepare for working with children up to 3 years old. Together with experience and additional competences, such as knowledge of foreign languages, rhythmics or art therapy, you can increase your professional opportunities and chances of getting a higher salary.

Sources:

1.https://wsparcie.um.warszawa.pl/-/jak-zostac-opiekunem -

2. https://www.gov.pl/web/rodzina/zawod-opiekunka-dziecieca

3. https://niania.pro/zlobek/blog/opiekun-dzieciecy-wymagania/

4. https://www.collegium.com.pl/blog/kwalifikacje-opiekunka-dla-dzieci