5 Certifications You Need if You Work with Kids

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In any job, having certain certifications allows you to qualify for promotions and maybe even increases in income. But when you work with children, having certain certifications helps you to provide a safer and better environment for the kids you teach. If you’re a dedicated teacher or employee who’s around children, then having extra certifications on top of your previous experience can show just how dedicated you are. But what kind of certifications should you get? Here are a few to look over.

1. CPR and First Aid

The most important certification you can have as a teacher is the First Aid and CPR, or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, certification. It’s usually a standard requirement for daycares or houses where you’ll be working as a nanny. And even if it isn’t a standard requirement, then you should still receive training for the certification. The training you’ll take for a First Aid and CPR certification ultimately teaches you basic first aid rules as well as the basic CPR response that’s required in emergencies. You can take the classes for the certification either online or in person, and you’ll receive the certification after you complete the class. Once you complete the class, the certificate is good for two years, so you’ll have to get an online CPR renewal. You can find an excellent business that provides these highly-trusted services.

2. CDA

CDA, or Child Development Associate, certifications require that you become comfortable with the development of younger children. Different from the ECE, CDA training involves focusing on training you to become aware of the ways in which young children develop emotionally and physically. Even more, it also requires that you become aware of their social and intellectual developments as well. To receive this certification, you’ll need to complete at least 480 hours of experience with younger children in addition to formally educating them for at least 120 hours. You’ll need to complete this all within a span of five years, and you can submit your application for verification to the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

3. Water Safety

If you’re a nanny for a family that travels to beaches, lakes or pools often, then you’ll benefit from a water safety certification. Some daycares even have swimming pool areas that require this certification upon working. So if you plan on being with children around any areas of water, you’ll want to receive water safety training. Children aren’t experienced with water and they don’t understand how dangerous it can be. They also wander off, making it especially dangerous if they’re around water. That being said, you’ll need to take a lifeguarding course at any American Red Cross, aquatic program or community center near you. To complete the training, you’ll need to be present for an in-person class as well as complete a physical test.

4. ECE

Unlike the CDA, an Early Childhood Education certification focuses on training individuals that don’t have much experience with children yet. If you’re just getting started in the daycare scene, then this certification is perfect for you. It involves training you to become more comfortable with the education of young children. You can complete this certificate through an ECE program and have it finished within a year with the proper training.

5. Nanny Basic Skills

Lastly, if you’re not planning on working in a daycare and are more so interested in offering services in a private setting, then a Nanny Basic Skills certification might be beneficial for you. Without a degree, this certification can help you to show the dedication and knowledge that you’re willing to put into your nanny work. You’ll have to become knowledgeable about topics like child development, health, safety and even nutrition. You can access the certification training through the International Nanny Association, and it requires the completion of a workshop, an exam and a number of hours for the experience.

Conclusion

Working with children isn’t as easy as it seems, and those that work with kids can vouch for that. But with the right experience, knowledge and certifications, the job can be well worth it at the end of the day. To better both yourself as well as the children you’re around at school, daycare or some other environment, consider getting certified in these areas.