Childcare Jobs in Nevada: How To Get Started
in an Early Childhood Education Career

What Jobs Are There in Childcare?

Jobs involving childcare might fit under the same umbrella, but within these roles, there are different expectations and day-to-day duties. The childcare job that you decide to pursue will depend on your interests, your level of experience or training, and the type of educational setting you want to work in.

Types of Childcare Jobs

All childcare-related job roles bring with them their own set of challenges and benefits. Understanding these different roles will help you get a better grasp of the type of childcare career you might want to pursue and which would be the best fit for you. Let’s take a closer look at what these roles are and the typical job duties you can expect within these roles.

Daycare Provider

Daycares are one of the most common Early Childhood support services parents turn to. It’s important to recognize that daycare providers are not the same as Early Childhood educators. For example, daycare providers don’t need to undergo such rigorous training to provide services to the communities they serve.

In Nevada, daycare providers can work both in their homes or at a facility. The minimum requirements to fulfill the obligations to be a daycare provider in Nevada include:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have completed or enrolled in a child development course approved by the state
• CPR certification
• Must have a license to operate

Lead Teachers

Lead teachers are who you probably think of when you imagine a classroom of students. A lead teacher is responsible for all aspects of the classroom, including a child’s academic and social goals.

Lead teachers should have a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field. This is where they learn best practices and teaching techniques. Additionally, they usually work within a school system or organization that recognizes a curriculum.

Lead teachers play a critical role in a child’s development. These experienced and highly qualified professionals will help evaluate and assess, along with tracking their progress as they move through the Early Childhood education setting. They also create lesson plans and often work alongside other professionals like speech pathologists, behavioral specialists, and other Early Childhood education professionals.

Paraprofessionals

Paraprofessionals are undoubtedly the unsung heroes of the classroom. They undergo teacher education training, but usually not to the extent that a lead teacher would undergo. Fortunately, however, many paraprofessionals do hold the credentials to become lead teachers but often choose not to because of the unique job duties that come with this role.

Administrative Roles

Administrative roles are not the first type of childcare jobs that come to mind when you think about Early Childhood education. In an Early Childhood education setting, administrative roles are critical. While these roles still allow you to work directly with children, a bulk of your job duties revolve around the administrative aspect of Early Childhood education.

For example, you may be tasked with helping establish the curriculum, applying for funding, creating schedules, parent communication, and other administrative duties you’d expect in the childhood education setting.

Why Choose Childcare Jobs in Nevada?

Childcare jobs are extremely rewarding. You’ll get the chance to work with young children who are on the journey of learning, growth, and development. In an Early Childhood education role, you’ll get to work one-on-one with students and help them fulfill different academic and social goals, among other things.

It’s also important to recognize that childcare jobs expose you to a range of children who have different learning needs. Through this exposure, you’ll learn about the unique needs different children bring to the table, and you’ll be able to help these children develop the skills they need for success. It’s this element and one-on-one interaction with the children that makes this career path one of the most rewarding paths to pursue.

There’s also stable growth in this field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Early Childhood education jobs in Nevada are set to grow about 4%, as fast as average when compared to all other job roles.

How Do I Find a Childcare Job as a Career Switcher?

If you are thinking about pursuing a career in education but have a degree in an entirely different field, there are plenty of avenues you can take to become an Early Childhood educator.

All Early Childhood education roles welcome career switchers. If you have a degree in a different field but haven’t taken steps to earn the credentials to become an educator, you can start working through childhood education locations through internship programs.

Look for the Job Training

Depending on the childcare role you want to pursue, you can also qualify for on-the-job training programs that will allow you to begin your new career without having completed an education program. This type of training is generally offered through lower-level childcare roles like teacher assistants or building administration. Through on-the-job training, you can find answers to common childhood education frequently asked questions.

Take Advantage of Professional Development Opportunities

One of the best elements of working in Early Childhood education is that you’ll always find opportunities for professional development and growth. When you start working in the field, you can build the skills and credentials while working, and you can leverage this to move into other roles in childcare that you want to pursue.

How To Become an Early Childhood Educator in Nevada

To become an Early Childhood educator in Nevada, you must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Depending on the type of educator you want to become, you’ll also need to pass required exams, such as the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam. You can learn more about qualifications and license requirements when you explore the Nevada Department of Education FAQ page for Early Childhood educators.

Start Your Career at Sunrise Children’s Foundation

At Sunrise Children’s Foundation, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue various childhood education roles that fit your career ambitions. As a quality childcare education provider, our organization can help you find a role that fits your experience and career goals. You’ll also have access to opportunities that will allow you to explore different job roles and get a first-hand glimpse of more specialized avenues in childcare you may want to pursue. Ready to learn more? Explore our resources for Early Childhood education.