Home Child Care Providers
(NOC 4411)
in All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community ServicesHome child care providers care for children on an ongoing or short-term basis. They care for the well-being and physical and social development of children, assist parents with child care and may assist with household duties. They provide care primarily in their own homes or in the children's homes, where they may also reside. They are employed by private households and child-care agencies, or they may be self-employed.
Job Outlook
Limited
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Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “limited”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is below average when compared with other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. However, jobseekers may face some competition for those positions. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline significantly over the next few years, which will limit the number of new opportunities available. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Home Child Care Providers most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common.
The median employment income for 41% of Home Child Care Providers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $11,635. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$11.55
Minimum$12.50
Median$17.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$1,529
Minimum$7,694
Median$27,327
MaximumCompared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Hourly Pay
$14.00
Minimum$26.88
Median$46.15
MaximumAnnual Pay
$5,616
Minimum$44,335
Median$92,599
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Home child care providers care for children on an ongoing or short-term basis. They care for the well-being and physical and social development of children, assist parents with child care and may assist with household duties. They provide care primarily in their own homes or in the children's homes, where they may also reside. They are employed by private households and child-care agencies, or they may be self-employed.
Job duties
Home child care providers perform some or all of the following duties:
- Supervise and care for children in employer's or own residence.
- Bathe, dress and feed infants and children.
- Prepare formulas and change diapers for infants.
- Plan, prepare and serve meals for children and may perform other housekeeping duties.
- Oversee children's activities, such as meals and rest periods, as instructed by employer.
- Maintain a safe and healthy environment in the home.
- Instruct children in personal hygiene.
- Tend to the emotional well-being of children and support their social development.
- Discipline children according to the methods requested by the parents.
- Organize and participate in activities such as games, crafts, reading and outings.
- Take children to and from school and appointments.
- May be required to keep records of daily activities and health information regarding each child.
Foster parents perform some or all of the following duties:
- Care for foster children, usually on an emergency or temporary basis, as a primary guardian under general direction of foster parent agency.
- Consult foster parent agency supervisors for advice and when problems arise.
- Administer foster care programs for foster children, as directed by foster parent agency social workers.
Sample job titles
- au pair
- babysitter
- child care provider - private home
- family child care provider
- foster parent
- home child care provider
- live-in caregiver, child care
- live-in nanny
- nanny
- parent's helper
Skills
To work in this field, you must be patient, understanding, and emotionally supportive along with good interpersonal skills and a desire to help others. The ability to handle stressful situations may be needed. You should be sensitive and able to respond in a positive and caring way. The ability to follow directions and work under supervision is also important. Dependability and good judgement are also essential. Good health and physical strength may be necessary for some positions.
Job requirements
- Completion of high school may be required.
- Home child care providers, parent's helpers and foster parents may require completion of a training program in child care or a related field.
- First aid certification and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training may be required.
Other considerations
Most workers in these jobs do not work full-time for the entire year, and jobs tend to be seasonal. Demonstrated ability to perform work is usually required. Child care or household management experience may be required. There is mobility among jobs in this group.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Health Care and Social Assistance
Other Services
Accommodation and Food Services
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
55-64
25-34
45-54
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
35-44
45-54
55-64
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
High school
$12,032 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$22,103 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$17,726 median annual incomeLess than high school
$8,978 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$24,060 median annual incomeCompared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Bachelor's degree
$43,533 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$28,183 median annual incomeMaster's degree
$35,978 median annual incomeHigh school
$25,801 median annual incomeDoctorate
$60,991 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile