Is a Career in Child Care Right for Me?

Babysitting is just the beginning. Step up your career as a professional provider.

What to Expect

Advancing your career in child care means stepping into a world filled with growth, learning, and endless possibilities. Legitimizing your work in child care comes with many benefits: higher pay, opportunities to expand, and the chance to serve many more Oregon families in need of your support.

As a child care provider in Oregon, you'll be entrusted with the crucial task of nurturing young minds and hearts. Every day will present opportunities to make a difference, whether it's through play and creativity, teaching basic skills, or simply being a comforting presence.

With the support of your local Child Care Resource and Referral, you won't be on this journey alone. CCR&R’s offer a wealth of resources, including financial support to help you get started and a vast network of like-minded providers, ensuring you're equipped with the latest tools and knowledge to provide the best care possible.

a teacher paints at a table with children

Personal Qualifications

Do you find joy in caring for and supporting children? Are you the go-to babysitter for local families? The most successful child care providers possess a mix of patience, empathy, and creativity—and you wouldn’t be considering this path if those words don’t describe you! Strong communication skills will help you connect not only with the children but also with their families, ensuring a supportive environment for all.

In addition, all child care providers, directors, staff, substitutes, volunteers, residents of the home for family child care, and frequent visitors 18 years or older must be enrolled in the Central Background Registry.

Local Child Care Resource and Referrals can help connect you with a community of like-minded professionals offering opportunities for collaboration and shared learning.

Degree / Higher Education Options

While passion and dedication are at the core of child care, having the right educational background can give you a boost in attracting more clients and elevating your pay. Many of Oregon’s colleges offer various degree and certification programs tailored for aspiring child care providers. Whether you're considering an associate's degree in early childhood education or specialized certifications, there's a path to help you enhance your skills and knowledge. Furthermore, through Child Care Resource and Referrals, you can access financial support and scholarships, making higher education more accessible and affordable.

Reasons To Become a Provider

Why choose a career in child care? Beyond the joy of witnessing a child's first steps or hearing their first words, you play a pivotal role in shaping the future. By providing a safe and nurturing environment, you're laying the foundation for a child's lifelong love for learning—and vastly increasing their odds of a successful future. Plus, the bonds you'll form and the impact you'll make are rewards in themselves. Oregon is a child care desert, meaning it lacks enough providers to offer care to every family in need. By becoming a provider, you’ll help working parents return to their jobs, relieving stress and offering peace of mind to families.

With the backing of Child Care Resource and Referrals, you'll always have a support system, ensuring you're updated with best practices and have access to resources that can aid in your professional journey.

Choosing a career in child care is more than just a job—it's a calling. Many providers in Oregon are drawn to the tangible benefits, such as job stability and the potential for career advancement. But beyond that, there's the profound satisfaction of knowing you're making a difference. By guiding, teaching and supporting kids, you're not just shaping individual lives—you're contributing to a brighter future for everyone in Oregon.