Center Based Care
Child care centers typically provide care to children from birth until kindergarten and may also include before- and after-school care and summer care for school age children. In most cases, educators work with a specific age group on a daily basis. Children in their care undergo rapid development and reach exciting milestones including first steps, first words, and first friendships.
Child care centers are typically operated by nonprofit agencies, private owners, or corporations. They are regulated by the State of Michigan to ensure that each facility provides high quality care that is developmentally appropriate with the highest standards of health and safety. Parents pay fees or tuition set by the center’s administration for their child’s care. These fees support the business and impact the compensation of staff.
Depending on the organization or individual operating the center, different teaching philosophies and strategies may be incorporated into the curriculum.
Working with small children means no two days are exactly the same. However, all child care center staff contribute their unique experiences and training to provide cohesive, safe, and educational care to the children in their program.
Anyone working with children should be trained in CPR and first aid. They should also pass a background check. Depending on additional training and education, they may be more or less qualified for certain roles. In fact, roles in child care centers are found at all levels of the MiRegistry Career Pathway.
Those just beginning their careers may be in a role like Assistant Teacher. They provide direct care for children, guided by a lead teacher in implementing daily activities. An Assistant Teacher may find themselves facilitating activities, supervising independent and group play, and nurturing interpersonal relationships.
More information about specific qualifications for Assistant Teacher roles can be found by exploring Foundational Levels 1 and 2 on the MiRegistry Career Pathway.
Early Childhood Special Education Teachers work directly with children ages 3-5, who qualify under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). They provide special instruction and related services to ensure children achieve their full potential.
More information about specific qualifications Early Childhood Special Education Teacher roles can be found by exploring Professional Level 3 on the MiRegistry Career Pathway.
Lead Teachers also work directly with children, but additionally supervise newer, less experienced teachers. Lead Teachers take on more responsibility for planning activities and ensuring educational goals are met. They may also take on administrative functions.
More information about specific qualifications for Lead Teacher roles can be found by exploring Professional Level 1 on the MiRegistry Career Pathway.
In child care centers, Program Directors/Administrators provide oversight for the entire center. They ensure that teachers offer developmentally appropriate care, support families’ needs, and provide administrative and fiscal management. Program Directors/Administrators wear multiple metaphorical hats and must be able to ensure the program and center is in compliance with all local, state, and federal laws while also ensuring the needs of children, staff, and families are met. This is an incredible responsibility, especially since some Program Directors/Administrators oversee multiple sites. Depending on the size of the agency, they may have an assistant to help ensure smooth operation.
More information about specific qualifications for School Age Program Director roles can be found by exploring Foundational Level 3 on the MiRegistry Career Pathway.
More information about specific qualifications for Child Care Center Program Director/Administrator roles can be found by exploring Professional Level 3 on the MiRegistry Career Pathway.
More information about specific qualifications for School Age Multi-Site Director roles can be found by exploring Professional Level 3 on the MiRegistry Career Pathway.
Depending on the center and agency itself, educators may encounter endless variety. Just like any other career, the agency operating the program can influence things like compensation, career advancement opportunities, environment, hours, funding, and quality of service provided.