A childminder is a person who provides care, supervision and support for children. The tasks of a childminder may vary depending on the work environment and the type of care provided, but generally they include:

1. Care and supervision

• Supervision: Making sure children are safe by monitoring them, especially during activities that involve risk (such as playing or going on outings).
• Directing behaviour: Helping children follow rules and making sure they behave respectfully and socially.

2. Education and development

• Learning support: Helping children develop basic skills, such as reading, writing and counting. You may also help with homework if needed.
• Language support: Supporting language skills by talking, reading aloud and learning through play.
• Social skills: Teaching children how to cooperate in a group, share and resolve conflicts.
• Encouraging creativity: Promoting creative activities such as arts and crafts, painting, singing or dancing.

3. Nutrition and health

• Meals: Preparing meals for the children if needed, ensuring a healthy diet and helping the children to eat.
• Hygiene: Helping the children to wash their hands, brush their teeth and develop other good hygiene habits.
• First aid: Providing first aid in emergencies, especially for minor accidents or health problems.

4. Entertainment and leisure activities

• Games and activities: Organising a range of games and activities that match the children’s interests and age (e.g. board games, excursions, sports).
• Exercise and outdoor activities: Encourage children to exercise outdoors, e.g. by going for walks, playing sports games or simply playing in the park.
• Rest periods: Help children to relax when it is time for a break or an afternoon nap.

5. Communication with parents and other carers

• Informing parents: Provide parents with regular updates on their child’s behaviour, development and needs.
• Discussing behavioural issues: Discussing behavioural issues or difficulties with a child with parents or other professionals to find solutions.

6. Administration and organisation

• Documentation: In some cases, childminders are required to document children’s activities, behaviour and progress.
• Planning activities: Planning and organising leisure activities, trips or special projects.

7. Special requirements depending on the work environment

• Kindergarten or preschool: In a daycare or preschool, childminders often become part of the educational team and work with teachers or educators to prepare children for school.
• Private care or childminding: In private households, the childminder can work as a babysitter or childminder and work closely with the parents.
• Children with special needs: In special institutions or in the care of children with disabilities, child carers may need special knowledge and skills to meet the specific requirements.

Important skills for a child carer:

• Patience and empathy: A child carer must be able to empathise with the needs and feelings of children and respond patiently.
• Communication skills: A clear dialogue with children and parents is essential.
• Creativity: Childcare professionals should have creative ideas for games and learning activities.
• Responsibility: Childcare professionals must take responsibility for the well-being and safety of children.

Summary:

Childcare professionals play an important role in children’s development, not only by ensuring their safety and health, but also by contributing to their learning, social integration and creative development.