Do you have a passion for working with young children and want to turn it into a career? Working in a nursery is an excellent way to do that, but there are certain skills required to be successful.
If you’re considering applying for a job in childcare, here is what you need to know about the essential skills you’ll need to work in a nursery.
Essential skills needed to work in a nursery
Patience and Compassion
One of the most important traits you must have when working in a nursery school is patience, especially since you will be working with children who won’t always understand or follow instructions. You must remain calm at all times, even if there is chaos around you, and believe me, there will be!
As a nursery school teacher or teaching assistant, it’s your job to provide safety, comfort, and guidance to the children in your care. This means being able to foster an environment of understanding and compassion while still holding children accountable for their behaviour.
Organizational ability and flexibility
In addition to having patience and compassion, it’s essential that you can stay organized while managing multiple tasks at once. When you’re working with young children, things can change quickly, from one minute to the next!
You need to be able to plan and prepare materials for activities on short notice while also reacting quickly when changes occur. Being organized and prepared will make it easier for you to handle any situation that comes your way without feeling overwhelmed or stressed out.
Good communication skills
When you work with children, it’s important to have strong communication skills. As a nursery school teacher or teaching assistant, you will need to be able to clearly explain instructions and expectations while also listening attentively to their needs and concerns. Having clear communication helps foster a better understanding between you and the children in your care.
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Creativity and imagination
When working with young children, creativity and imagination are key! You want to make sure that activities are fun but also educational, it’s a great opportunity for young minds to grow and develop.
This means thinking outside the box when it comes to lesson plans as well as finding creative ways to engage kids in learning activities such as art projects or physical playtime games.
Being creative will help keep kids engaged and excited about learning which makes it easier for them (and you) to have fun while they learn something new.
A good understanding of child development
When working with children, it’s important to have an understanding of how they develop physically, emotionally and socially. Developing an understanding of child development is key in order to plan activities that are appropriate for their age level.
Whether you’re planning art projects or physical playtime games, having a good grasp on child development will help you create fun and engaging activities.
See Also: Interview questions for EYFS teaching assistant
Basic first-aid knowledge
Working in a nursery school also requires you to be familiar with basic first aid procedures in case of an emergency. It’s important that you know how to properly assess any injuries or illnesses and take the appropriate steps to provide treatment.
Being up-to-date with basic first aid will not only help you keep the children in your care safe, but it will also give parents peace of mind knowing that their kids are in good hands when they’re away from home.
Good teamwork skills
Working at a nursery also requires working with other people. You may find yourself collaborating with teachers, administrators, and parents daily. Having the ability to work well with others is an essential skill when working in a nursery, as it allows you to have better relationships and achieve common goals.
In addition to having strong teamwork skills, you must be able to take direction from your colleagues and be open to feedback about your work performance. Being willing to learn new things and grow is also essential for any successful childcare worker.
Wrapping up
Being a nursery school teacher or teaching assistant requires many skills and abilities. Having patience, good communication skills, organizational ability, creativity and imagination, and the ability to work as part of a team are all essential in order to provide quality care for children.
Working with young kids can be exhausting but also rewarding! If you have what it takes, being a nursery school teacher or teaching assistant may be the perfect career for you.
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