The different careers in early childhood
26 August 2025 · 4 min reading time
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See job offersEarly childhood careers are attracting more and more passionate candidates. As a meaningful and essential field, it offers real job opportunities and career growth for those who want to support children in their early years.
Why choose a career in early childhood?
Working in early childhood is much more than just a job. It means actively contributing to the first years of a child’s life, a crucial period where everything is being built. This field attracts passionate individuals driven by the desire to guide young children in their discoveries, learning, and growth.
It is also a sector that never really faces a crisis. The demand for qualified professionals is constant, whether in daycare centers, preschools, nurseries, or home childcare. Families above all seek trustworthy people capable of providing a safe, caring, and stimulating environment.
Finally, these professions bring a great deal of human value. Each day is filled with smiles, progress, and sometimes challenges, but always with the satisfaction of contributing to children’s education and well-being. For many, it is a vocation that gives true meaning to everyday life.
The main early childhood jobs
Childcare assistant (auxiliaire de puériculture) works with children from birth to six years old, whether in nurseries, maternity wards, or other childcare facilities. They provide hygiene care, help with meals, support children’s development, and work closely with parents and the educational team. This job, in direct contact with young children, requires patience and strong observation skills.
Early childhood educator plays a central role in children’s overall development. They design and lead educational activities that encourage learning, socialization, and independence. Often employed in nurseries, daycare centers, or leisure centers, they need to combine creativity with strong pedagogical training.
Childminder (assistant maternel), sometimes called a licensed nanny, welcomes children into their home in a family environment. They implement an educational project approved by local child protection services. This profession offers great autonomy but requires rigorous organization to meet each child’s needs.
Nursery assistant (agent de crèche), also known as a childcare aide, contributes to maintaining the premises, helps during meals, supervises children, and supports the educational team. This job is accessible without a specific diploma and often serves as a first step toward other early childhood careers.
Finally, ATSEM (school nursery assistant) works alongside teachers in preschools. They prepare activities, assist children with daily tasks, and take part in classroom life. This position, accessible through a public service exam, is attractive because of its close link to the school environment.
What qualities are needed to work in early childhood?
Working in early childhood is not just about mastering technical skills. It is above all a matter of personality and attitude. Patience is essential, as every child develops at their own pace, with unique needs and emotions.
Kindness and empathy are equally important. Young children are especially sensitive to the attention and care of adults around them. Creating a reassuring environment builds their confidence and supports their growth.
It is also necessary to be observant. A change in behavior may indicate discomfort or a specific need. Quickly identifying these signals is a valuable skill.
These professions also require physical stamina and energy to carry children, play with them, and accompany them throughout the day—always with a smile. Finally, a strong sense of organization is indispensable to juggle between activities, meals, naps, and the unexpected.
Training and diplomas for early childhood careers
Early childhood careers are accessible at different levels of qualification, but most require specific training to be practiced legally.
The CAP AEPE (Early Childhood Care and Education Certificate) is the most common path. Open right after middle school or as part of a career change, it provides access to jobs such as nursery assistant, childcare aide, or childminder.
To become a childcare assistant (auxiliaire de puériculture), you must enter a specialized institute and complete about ten months of training, after passing an entrance exam or application-based selection. This diploma leads to positions in nurseries, maternity wards, or daycare centers.
The early childhood educator profession requires a state diploma equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, with courses focusing on pedagogy, psychology, and child development.
To become an ATSEM, you need to pass a public service exam, usually accessible to holders of the CAP AEPE.
Some training programs can be financed through the Personal Training Account (CPF), which facilitates career changes or skill development.
Salary and career progression
Salaries in early childhood vary depending on the job, qualifications, experience, and type of structure. A nursery assistant or childminder usually starts at minimum wage or slightly above. A childcare assistant typically earns between €1,801.8 and €1,900 gross per month, while an early childhood educator can earn €2,000 gross or more, particularly in private or non-profit organizations.
When it comes to career growth, opportunities are numerous. A nursery assistant can obtain the CAP AEPE to become a childcare assistant and later move into a managerial role. An early childhood educator can take on daycare management positions or specialize in supporting children with disabilities.
This constantly recruiting sector offers motivated and trained professionals real opportunities to change positions or advance in their careers.
How to find a job in early childhood?
The early childhood sector recruits all year long, but it is important to target the right channels. Job offers can be found on general job platforms, as well as on specialized websites dedicated to social and educational professions. Town halls and municipal services also regularly post openings for nurseries and preschools.
Your personal and professional network plays a key role. Talking to former colleagues, parents, or other professionals in the field can open doors. Job fairs, recruitment forums, and training center open houses are also excellent opportunities to meet recruiters directly.
Temporary work (interim) can also be a great entry point into the field. Many staffing agencies specialized in education and social services offer short-term or long-term assignments in nurseries, daycare centers, or preschools. These missions allow you to quickly gain experience, expand your network, and sometimes secure a permanent position after a successful assignment.
Finally, a well-prepared application often makes the difference. A clear resume highlighting your childcare experience (including volunteer or family care) and a personalized cover letter showing your motivation for the organization’s educational project will significantly increase your chances of being hired.
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