Working with infants (baby room)

[mezzyboo]

Hi,
I was hoping for some insight into working with infants in an ECE setting.
I am currently studying a BSc Human Biology, but really want to work with babies and am torn between nursing as a path to neonatal or midwifery or ECE.
I know these are very different fields and this isn't a whim for me, I am a Mum of 2 who are upper primary aged and I truly think that babies are where my knowledge/passion lies.
I expect the work to be long and tiring, but I really don't think I would mind a group of crying baby's to deal with as I'm quick thinking and can manage this stuff.

What I really want to know is the nitty gritty of the baby room. What paperwork is expected, what sort of educational activities do you plan and most importantly, do people specialise in the 0-12 age group specifically or do you have no say in where you get placed once working in a centre? Lay it on... I want best and worst cases and know what I'm really in for before requesting a degree transfer!

Many thanks

[Lorina]

When working in childcare and you are specifically wanting to work with the babies you can just do the Bachelor Of Early Childhood (0 - 5 years) rather than the the degree required for 0 - 8 years old. They are both very similar the only difference is with 0 -8 years you will need to do extra units so you can work in schools as well - this adds a year or two extra on the degree compared to the 0 - 5 years. However, if any time in the future you want to work in a primary school, you can as you had completed the (0-8 year olds) degree.

While working with the babies you will be required to mainly follow the routine of the families - especially because you will be dealing with the younger ones. The parents will outline their routine and you will follow this throughout the day for the babies in your care. Along with following routines, you will also need to create a program of activities for the babies to participate in while they play. For babies, it's usually is getting them to develop milestones and extend on milestones already developed. So, if a baby has started standing for example, you will provide them with equipment to enable them to develop their standing skills, until they begin walking. As I mentioned before the activities you provide will need to detailed on a program - which is usually done each week. You will also be writing observations which is required to observe the child's stage of development and achievement of learning against the EYLF outcomes. The outcomes are based on the Early Years National Framework which is a national curriculum across Australia for early childhood services. Collaborating with parents is very important especially in the babies room, so you will be maintaining relationships with the families as well.

Along with the program and observations you will also need to keep other records throughout the day. Such as sleep checks, cleaning records, nappy change records, filling out individual baby feeding schedules etc. You are also required to disinfect toys daily, clean nappy change rooms, set up activities both indoors and outdoors, maintaining a clean environment etc.

Depending on how big the centre you are working with, you will have staff working in the room with you. So, when working as a group leader you will have to delegate tasks to those working in the room with you so you don't have to do everything by yourself.

I understand that you are specifically working with babies. When you are finding a job position within a centre, it will specifically mention what room they are looking for. So, this isn't a problem...

Another thing to consider is that it seems like you will be completing a degree. When working in a centre and you have a degree qualification in early childhood you may likely end up working in the preschool room as an Early Childhood Teacher because in centres now they require degree qualified educators to work with the older children...I do know some educators who have worked in the babies room with a degree but are only paid as a Diploma qualified since they are not acting as an ECT.

If you are considering wages - you will be able to earn the highest minimum of $24.43/per hour as a room leader - depending on your level. This of course varies depending on your circumstances, the centre, etc. However, giving you a ball park since you are considering a few options.

Hope this info helps,

,
Lorina

[Lorina]

Let me know if you have further questions or need more info!

Happy to help,

,
Lorina