How to Write a Childcare Cover Letter

So, you want to join the childcare industry. How exciting! One important thing you should know about is how to properly write a cover letter – specifically, a childcare cover letter. Here’s how to write a cover letter for childcare that encapsulates your personality while meeting the job requirements and criteria, to help you land your dream childcare role.

What is a Childcare Cover Letter?

First of all, it’s important to know that a cover letter is different to a resume. The purpose of a cover letter is to show you’ve got what it takes for a specific role; it should introduce you to your potential future employer, while verifying the contents of your resume and providing details on your past experiences. It can also help you show that you have done your research on the business you are hoping to join, and that you know about the industry as a whole. It is imperative that you tailor each cover letter for the childcare job you’re applying for – doing extra research will make your cover letter stand out.

Do Your Research

Before you start writing your cover letter, make sure you have gathered all relevant documents and updated your resume to reflect your latest experience and contact referees. First impressions are everything when applying for a new job, and your resume and cover letter should put you in the best possible position.

Research the childcare centre you hope to work with and use the information you find to customise your cover letter. Some topics you might want to reflect in your cover letter include the business’s:

• Business values: The beliefs, philosophies and principles that drive the business. How do they reflect your personal values?
• Mission statement: A summary of the aims and overall goal of a business. What kind of product or service does it provide, and why? How will you help them achieve this goal?
• Company history: A track record of the business, including key moments and milestones. What do you admire in this company’s history?
• Hiring Manager: Make sure you address the hiring manager by name in your cover letter. If you don’t know it, phone the company or write ‘Hiring Manager’.

 To find out the accreditation you will require to become a childcare worker, head here.

The Childcare Cover Letter Structure

Remember that a cover letter is essentially a formal letter written in paragraphs. It should contain:

• A personal salutation to the Hiring Manager
• An introductory sentence, preferably with a ‘hook’ that will captivate the reader
• The body, which contains the bulk of the important information pertaining to the job and your own experience
• A closing summary, which encapsulates why you’re the best person for the job and offers a call to action (e.g. ‘Can we schedule a call to discuss…?’)

Most cover letters are one to two pages (rarely more) but sometimes a company will specify how many pages. Bear in mind that hiring managers have limited time to read letters, so clear and concise is always best.

Below, we break down each element of your cover letter and provide child care cover letter examples.

Writing the Introduction

In the introduction, it is important to start with a bang. The introductory paragraph should always include a greeting for the person reading it and an introduction about yourself and why you are applying for this role. You might tell a short anecdote about a recent milestone or realisation or reveal how you came across this company. For example:

Dear Hiring Manager,

When I first heard about Edge Early Learning, I knew it was the perfect fit. I have worked in the childcare industry for 25 years but have never found an employer who reflects my passion for inquiry-based learning. I think the role of Lead Educator is the opportunity I have been searching for.

Writing the Body Paragraph

In the body paragraph, you should explain what you have to offer the employer. Highlight your background, experience and the skills that align with the role’s criteria. Discuss your personal values and explain what your point of difference will be in comparison with the other applicants. Keep in mind that if you don’t have specific examples of your professional experience, you can reflect on your life experiences and personality traits. For example:

I have a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30113), have recently acquired my Early Childhood Educator or Centre Director: Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50113) and have a First Aid certificate (including CPR, Anaphylaxis and Asthma Awareness training).

Throughout my 25 years working in the child care industry, I have honed my verbal communication and problem-solving skills, planned and run activities, am skilled at critical thinking and decision making and have extensive experience relating to children. I have a strong understanding of Early Learning Framework. There isn’t much I haven’t dealt with during my career, so I feel like I am ready for anything.

While I have never worked in a Lead Educator role before, I am a highly organised person who values clear, respectful communication. I am a single mum of five (now grown up) children so implementing effective systems and multitasking proficiently are skills I have mastered.

Writing the Conclusion

At the conclusion of your cover letter, it is important that you sum up exactly why you are the most suitable candidate for the job while also providing a call to action. Ask the hiring manager if you can set up a call or face-to-face interview in the near future.

It is also good practice to mention all other documents you have enclosed in your application, before thanking the hiring manager for reading your cover letter. For example:

While my extensive experience in the child care industry and proper accreditation make me an ideal applicant for this role, I hope you will agree that it is the patience and proficiency I have developed over not only my career, but my life in general, that makes me a perfect fit.

Please find attached my resume and relevant certifications. I thank you for reading my cover letter and hope we can arrange a time to connect over the phone in the near future. Do not hesitate to phone me on 0412 345 678.

Regards,

Your name

Other Childcare Cover Letter Tips & Tricks

Before you send off your cover letter, do a final check to ensure you have ticked all the boxes. It’s a good idea to have a friend or family member read your cover letter and provide feedback. Ask them to review the length and tone of the letter and provide suggestions where necessary. Make sure you also use a spell-check and grammar software if you are unsure.

Make your next step matter! Find out more about a career with Edge Early Learning!