RECRUITMENT GUIDE
How To Hire A Childcare Worker
A childcare worker is responsible for the supervision of children of a variety of ages, usually in a childcare centre. They are required to care for the children, and create activities and programs for them that are not only entertaining but also often educational.
Childcare workers often have to liaise with the children’s parents and keep an open line of communication in order to provide the best care possible to the child. It is essential that childcare workers maintain a high level of hygiene for both themselves and the children. This is to minimise the risk of germs being spread and children and carers acquiring any infections, especially as childcare workers are required to provide food to the children and change their diapers.
As childcare workers often work as part of a wider team, it is important that they are able to record any changes to any one of the children’s behaviour or needs, so that all workers are able to keep up to date with any updates, and provide the same level of care.
Day-to-day tasks of this role:
- Monitor the safety of children.
- Organise activities for the children.
- Prepare and serve food.
- Record children’s progress, behaviour changes, or any issues.
- Spend time creating programs and schedules for children.
Recruitment Process
UNDERSTAND THE ROLE
Skills profile for a Childcare Worker
A childcare worker will require a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education/Care, as well as a working with children licence. It is also favourable that a childcare worker has obtained a first aid certificate, including CPR training, and training is Asthma and Anaphylaxis.
A childcare worker must have excellent interpersonal skills. They must be able to easily interact with children and adults alike, and in doing so also build strong positive relationships. They must be able to work with others well regardless of age, and also be confident interacting with people from culturally diverse backgrounds.
A childcare worker must most importantly have a passion for working with children. They must be willing to always put the safety and welfare of the children first, and be genuinely devoted to providing the children education and care.
It is also essential that a childcare worker is patient. They must be able to remain cool and calm in frustrating and difficult circumstances when children misbehave or do not listen. Childcare workers must also be able to diffuse tense situations between children without getting visibly angry, raising their voice or getting worked up.
Once you’ve determined the skills required for the role, you can write the job description to advertise for your position.
SOURCE APPLICANTS
Childcare Worker Job Description
Summary:
- Why is this role being filled?
- How does this role fit into the organization and the team?
- What makes your company unique?
- What would it be like to work for you?
Requirements:
- What technical skills are needed for this role?
- Which soft skills are applicable?
- What are the nice-to-have experiences of your ideal candidate?
- Include availability preferences in this section
Responsibilities:
- What are the key deliverables for this role?
- What does the day-to-day of this role look like?
Benefits:
- Compensation & bonuses
- Employee benefits & perks
- Ongoing training benefits
PRO TIP #1
Being a childcare worker can be very physically demanding, as the successful candidate will have to spend long days on their feet, and running around after children. It is important to outline this in the application process, to ensure those that apply for the position are capable of the physical demands of the role.
PRO TIP #2
Ensure to include in the job description what it is like to work for your company, what your company values and what your expectations are for the successful candidate. This will ensure you identify the right person for your company.
Sample skills assessment
Question 1
Childcare Worker
Question Type: Document
What is a group activity you would implement in a childcare centre? Please outline all relevant information and design the program on this document.
Question 2
Passion for working with children
Question Type: Text
What is one of your most proud moments from working in child care?
Question 3
Interpersonal
Question Type: Video
How do you build rapport and trust with shy children?
INTERVIEW
Interview guide for a Childcare Worker
Once your Vervoe skills assessment has surfaced the most qualified people for your open role, you can focus on interviewing these candidates. The PDF interview guide contains structured questions against each of the competencies for this role.
This interview guide is intended to be used in conjunction with the Vervoe skills assessment. Where a candidate has scored Low – Medium on a skill, focus on asking more questions from that skill to gain deeper insight into their level of competency.
PDF INTERVIEW GUIDE
Get your copy of the interview guide to complete the hiring process. Includes questions against each of the skill competencies for the role.