What are the essential skills for working in a nursery?

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The field of Early Childhood requires a set of specific skills and qualities to guarantee the well-being, safety and development of little ones. Whether you aspire to become an educator of young children, a nursery assistant or to take up other professions linked to the Early Childhood sector, it is essential to understand the skills necessary to work in a nursery.

The skills and qualities required

Being empathetic

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the emotions of children and their families. It creates a warm and reassuring environment, thus promoting the emotional development of little ones.

Listening and sense of observation

Active listening and observation are crucial to identifying the different needs of each child. A daycare professional must be attentive to children's verbal and non-verbal signals, in order to provide them with the necessary care and understand when something is wrong.

To be patient

Patience is an essential quality in working in a nursery. Young children can be demanding and sometimes need time to develop their independence. It is important to be patient in your interactions with children, to listen to them and to support them in their development.

Gentleness and kindness

These two qualities are essential for establishing bonds of trust with toddlers, but also with their families. Early Childhood professionals must be caring, attentive and capable of creating an emotional bond with the children for whom they are responsible. This helps create a safe environment where they feel comfortable to explore and learn.

Be tactful and discreet

Daycare professionals are in regular contact with parents and know personal things about the families they work with. Discretion is therefore essential to respect the privacy of families and maintain a relationship of trust.

Creativity

Creativity is necessary to design stimulating and age-appropriate activities for children. It promotes the awakening and cognitive development of toddlers.

Have authority

Caring authority is required to establish boundaries and rules, allowing children to feel safe while learning to respect others.

Be a good communicator

Having good interpersonal skills is crucial to interact effectively with other members of the teaching team, children and their parents. The ability to build positive relationships is fundamental.

Team working

Working in a nursery also means being part of a multidisciplinary team. Collaboration with colleagues is essential to ensure the well-being of children and for the structure to function as best as possible. Daycare professionals must be able to work in harmony with their colleagues to ensure continuity of care and education of children. Open communication and the ability to resolve conflicts constructively are therefore essential.

Have a sense of responsibility

Daycare professionals have a heavy responsibility to ensure the safety, well-being and development of children. A keen sense of responsibility is essential.

Technical skills to have

In addition to skills and personal qualities, there is a set of technical skills essential for working in a nursery.

Hygiene and safety

In a nursery environment, hygiene and safety are top priorities. Professionals must have a solid knowledge of cleaning techniques and hygiene standards, as young children are more vulnerable to infections. Keeping the premises clean and toys disinfected is essential for their well-being.

Additionally, child safety is a major responsibility. Professionals must be vigilant to prevent accidents. This includes constantly supervising children during their activities, having safety measures in place and being able to intervene quickly when necessary.

Have knowledge of Early Childhood

One of the fundamental skills for working in childcare is a solid foundation of technical and teaching skills. Early Childhood professionals must be able to prepare and supervise activities adapted to the age and development of children in line with the pedagogy advocated by the structure. These activities play a crucial role in the cognitive, social and emotional development of toddlers.

This is why each Early Childhood professional must follow specific training to perform a particular position.

Here are the most common diplomas to work in a nursery:

  • The CAP Early Childhood: it allows access to the profession of educational assistant.
  • The DEAP: this is the state diploma allowing you to work as a childcare assistant. The main mission of PAs is to care for infants and babies.
  • The DEEJE: this state diploma opens the doors to the profession of educator. This is a position with greater responsibility where you develop the educational project for the nursery and manage all activities and games. ECEs must have the ability to create a stimulating and secure learning environment.

Meal preparation

For those responsible for preparing meals in a nursery, nutrition and cooking skills are required to provide a balanced and healthy diet for all children.

Working in a daycare center is a demanding profession that requires both personal qualities and specific technical skills. Whether you are already in the Early Childhood sector or are considering entering it, the development of these skills and qualities will allow you to exercise your profession successfully and contribute positively to the awareness and growth of all -small ones.

 

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