Feature -- by Mark Sproxton

Bursting through the door oozing energy and happiness, the youngster knows play time is here. The child care worker at the receiving end, whether in a daycare centre, or in a day home setting, has to be prepared to match that vigor head on.

While that level of energy can be draining at times, daycare worker Tanya Szarko, and Pam Guilloux, who runs a private family day home, admit it's also one of the most rewarding parts of the work. "I like the enthusiasm you get from the kids, (along with) the way the kids interact with us," said Szarko. Guilloux added: "Most kids are wonderful. I have really good kids all the time. I luck out."

Working at a daycare centre, or a day home, requires similar skills. All working in either setting must have a genuine love of children. There are differences in the environments, however. In a daycare, typically more children require care, and their ages can range from a few months to five years old. This means activities, snacks, and meals require co-ordinating planning with others working at the centre. It also means a louder environment, and more demands on your time and energy.

At Guilloux's family day home, there are six children, including two of her own, ranging from two-and-a-half to five years old. All activity and meal planning, as well as communication with parents, falls into her lap. Daily, she's also responsible to ensure the kids in pre-school and kindergarten are taken where they need to go, and are picked up, on time. "It's really busy," she explained. "You have to be organized. You have to know a week ahead what's going on."

Certification for working in these settings also differs. At daycare centres, workers classified into three levels are hired as staff. Those at level one are people who have taken an introductory early childhood care course. Those at level two have either a one-year early childhood care certificate, or a two-year diploma. Those at level three usually have a two-year diploma or a degree. Day home workers who work through a day home provider organization are required to meet standards, such as having current CPR certification, set by that company. Each day home company may have differing requirements. Private family day home operators face restrictions on the number of "outside" children they are allowed to care for in their home depending on the number of kids already living there. For example, someone with two kids of her own, is restricted to having a maximum of four other children use the dwelling as a family day home.

Regardless of where child care workers are employed, their basic motivations are often the same. "I've worked with children since I was quite young," explained Szarko, of the Bow Valley Child Care Centre. "I educated myself in early childhood care because I knew I liked working with children." Sometimes practical motivations enter the picture as well. Guilloux shares the enjoyment of working with children, just in a different environment. "I get to be home with my own children and see them grow up," she said. "And I can take care of things a person working out of the house would put off."

A person's level of training, plus experience, will determine their pay scale at daycares, Szarko said. And regardless of their status, those working in daycares typically work Monday to Friday, but the start and end times of their shifts may vary. Guilloux said she sets her own hours and rates.

Anyone considering work in a daycare should phone and offer to volunteer and gain an inside look at the work, Szarko said. "A few days of observing in a centre would give you a good idea." And for those considering working from their home as a day home operator, Guilloux suggests finding a nearby backup provider in case of illness or emergencies. "You might want to take in a child or two for a week or two, and see what you think of it," she added.

Those looking to get into early childhood care should check out this month's Jump Start. Those wanting to start a day home should consult organizations listed in the Yellow Pages, or call the Social Care Facilities Licensing Unit, Alberta Family and Social Services, which provides information on setting up day homes at 297-6100.