Industry Profile -- by Mark Sproxton

Child care services rank as one of the most essential parts of any community. Thankfully, there are thousands of people eager to look after the well-being and development of children. These people offer direct child care in and outside of your home, counselling to children with emotional problems, instruction to those with learning difficulties, support to kids who simply need a pat on the back that day, and on and on.

While many of the people employed in the child care services industry work for private businesses, many also work for government, or government-funded agencies. That, of course, means funding for those positions rests partially on the strength of the economy. Employees with private businesses are also affected by economic fluctuations. But with a trend toward moving government services to private enterprise, new opportunities may arise that currently aren't available outside the government institution.

Luckily, for the foreseeable future in Canada, and Calgary in particular, the economic forecast looks bright. The jobs examined here are all expected to see average growth, unless otherwise stated, in the next few years, according to predictions from the provincial and federal governments. Here's a look at some of the main careers in child care services:

Child care workers are seemingly in constant demand. The need for trained, qualified day care workers is so great, some day care centres are prepared to help cover the costs for employees to upgrade their education, according to a local day care supervisor. (Those operating private family day homes can set their own rates and standards for child care.)

• salaries range from minimum wage to as high as $34,000 a year, but usually fall into the $26,000 range, putting them below average for those occupations with similar skill levels
• education requirements range from a one year certificate, a two year diploma, to a social science degree

Working as a nanny is also an option for some, however, a nanny training program recently offered through the Calgary Board of Education has been discontinued.

• pay rates for nannies are not covered by minimum wage legislation and salaries vary, but may reach $1,950 a month for experienced live-out nannies who have related education
• salaries for live-in, foreign nannies are controlled by federal government legislation ranging from a monthly wage of $1,080 to $1,400

A child psychologist requires considerably more education than most positions in the industry, and thus, receives a much higher rate of remuneration. While Alberta is one of the few districts in North America allowing people to become Chartered Psychologists without a PhD, one local doctor said that legislation may change. Typically, this field isn't as susceptible to seasonal, or general economic conditions, as other positions in the industry.

• salary will depend on experience, but a starting psychologist can expect to earn $30,000 to $50,000 a year
• educational requirements include a minimum of a Master's degree

Social workers are employed in a multitude of child care positions. While the opportunities for work in private agencies have increased recently, opportunities with the provincial government may be changing. As society ages, changes to government departments may see moves with more emphasis on meeting older adult requirements. Provincial legislation is soon changing, meaning only those who are registered with the Alberta social work association can legally call themselves social workers.

• a new social worker can expect to earn between $25,000 and $35,000 a year, but will vary
• a minimum of a Bachelor of Social Work is required

Those looking to work with children may also consider becoming an elementary school teacher. While Alberta has many qualified teachers, those with specialized skills, such as in music or French, may find employment more easily. Retirement packages being offered to veteran teachers may also open the doors for those looking to begin their careers. Some are predicting part-time positions may become more common in schools.

• salaries will vary from school board to school board, but will usually fall in the $30,000 to $37,000 range for starting teachers
• education requirements include a four-year Bachelor of Education degree, or for those who have another bachelor degree, such as a Bachelor of Science, a two-year Bachelor of Education after-degree is required