What will you do?
You welcome the children, observe their behaviour and development and stimulate them through play and daily routines. You offer social and emotional support, guide them during meals and drinks, provide care and keep an eye on the safety facilities. Whether you work as a childcare assistant in a daycare centre, a registered childminder or a carer for sick children at home, the wellbeing, interests and needs of every child come first.
- Welcome children and observe their behaviour and development
- Stimulate the development of babies and toddlers
- Guide children during daily routines and play activities
- Provide care and supervise meal and drink moments
- Offer social and emotional support
- Support the cooperation with parents and communicate within the team
- Check the safety facilities
Skills to develop
- A recognised qualification in childcare is usually required
- Warm, patient and attentive to the needs of every child
- Clear communication with parents and colleagues
- Physically fit for lifting, carrying and playing at child height
- Accurate in observing and reporting on development
Your foundation for this occupation
Professional infant and toddler care requires an appropriate qualification. For Flemish childcare, check with Opgroeien that the diploma or pathway is accepted; not every course certificate qualifies. For services under another authority, check that framework. Seek practice in observation, care and working with parents.
From preparation to your first day
Develop the practical skills
Practise a day rhythm responsive to individual cues rather than imposing one pace. Prepare play materials suited to development and interest. Follow care, meals, rest and handover procedures. Escalate health or safety concerns through the childcare service's agreed process.
Check your work
Describe observations concretely: what happened, when and in what situation. Discuss them respectfully without making diagnoses. Verify attendance and handovers during transitions. Warm relationships and reliable organisation are both necessary.
How can you grow?
Experience can expand across ages, colleague support and further pedagogical education. Leadership may require additional qualifications. Ask about coaching, breaks, meetings and support in difficult situations.
Frequently asked questions
Is raising my own children enough to start professionally?
It is valuable experience but does not replace required qualifications and professional practice. Group care also requires tracking several children, records and cooperation with diverse families. Check recognised training or experience-assessment routes.