Children, curious, malleable and remarkably receptive to new experiences, begin to form judgments and tastes during this crucial life stage. Part of a child care professional's job is to provide children with the intellectual stimulation they need to shape their interests and sense of wonder later in life.

As there has never been a shortage of curious children, careers in childcare are one career path which typically has high job security. In fact, a survey conducted for the Afterschool Alliance determined that more than 25% of children in the U.S. are alone in the afternoons and the parents of 18 million school-aged children say they would register their kids for afterschool programs if the programs were available.

Jodi Grant, Afterschool Alliance executive director said that although the number of children in afterschool care has increased since 2003, "The bottom line is that more children need - and don't have - afterschool programs today." She added that the programs keep kids safe, inspire them to learn and help working families.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of child care workers will increase by 18% until 2016, as the amount of children under the care of a parent or relative continues to decline.