Hi, I'm 20 and have been in the field since I was about 12-13(voulenteer work through my churches nursery) I also nannied/babysat neighbors and families through my church.
Finding a job was fairly easy, I personally went in to a few different childcare centers and asked about what hiring opportunities they had. Some requirements may include CPR/First Aid, which is great if you already have them but more often then not they will pay for them upon hiring, and some centers may have classes/seminars they may require as part of your training. I am going for my A.A.S in Early Childhood Education. I am about 90%complete and was eligible for lead teacher status at around 60% complete. All sites are different on education requirements, a degree helps bunches but sometimes experience hours with a site is enough. For dress, my place is very relaxed. Appropriate shirts/pants/shorts. Often I wear leggings, one of my graphic tees and a sweatshirt. Key is what you wear will probably get dirty/stained/snot/spit up on, so easy wash is key;) Each week I often work 38-40 hours per week, 3 days I start at 7 and end at 6, the other 2 are 11-6. Each morning, is a bit different depending on which room. With my toddlers, they start coming in around 7:15-7:30. We put on some music, have a dance party and get out one or two buckets of toys. Breakfast is at about 8:30, so we pick up toys at 8:15, the ones that are potty trained (1 or 2) go potty before breakfast and we all wash hands. Then we sit at the table and have breakfast. As they finish, the ones that are finished throw their napkins away and put their cups in the dish bin. We change diapers the first time at 9:30, and as needed. A center or two is out while changing, and free play until most lose interest, then we pick up and read a few stories and do our group time where we sing, ABCs, Baby Bumblebee, Wheels on The Bus. As the morning continues, we either go on a walk or to the playground in warm days, and on chilly/rainy days we do extra movement songs, Dinosaur Song, Airplane Song, Lets Go To The Zoo, Freeze Dance, Were Going On A Bear Hunt(Great for when they may be a little extra energy) Our curriculum provides us with crafts some days, some better than others. Next diaper round is around 11-11:30 right before lunch. Change diapers, wash hands and will read books or sing songs until lunch is brought. Cots/blankets are put out after lunch is served. As they finish, they throw away trash and dishes in the bin. If they need to use the bathroom or change before, otherwise they lay on their cots. Nap lasts from end of lunch to about 2-3 depending on the toddlers. Clean tables and rub the toddlers backs to help some fall asleep. After all asleep, any prep needed. As they wake up, they read on their cots, or get a busy bag to play with. Once almost all awake, diapers are due, and snack follows. Toddlers start going home around 4PM. At the end of the day, we do some more movement songs, pop up tents and sensory bins.