Occupation · SOC 39-9011
Childcare Workers
Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.
Median wage
$32,050
$22,900–$44,560
Projected growth
-2.9%
Declining
Annual openings
-2,920
per year
Employed (US)
520,180
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
665 mapped
Core skills
MonitoringService OrientationSocial PerceptivenessActive ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingCoordinationReading Comprehension
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingPublic Safety and SecurityPsychology
Technology & tools
Computer based training softwareProject management softwareOffice suite softwareWord processing softwareMulti-media educational software
Representative tasks
Maintain a safe play environment.Observe and monitor children's play activities.Communicate with children's parents or guardians about daily activities, behaviors, and related issu
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Daily routines (drop-off, morning circle, snack, nap, activities, pickup) — execute per the lesson plan under a lead caregiver's review.Diapering and toileting routines — perform per facility hygiene and developmentally-appropriate practice.Hand-washing and sanitation routines — model and supervise consistently across the day.Allergy and dietary-restriction protocols — apply reliably at every meal and snack.Daily-log entries (food intake, naps, diapers, incidents) — record accurately for each child.Drop-off and pickup procedures (authorized-pickup verification) — execute consistently.Mandatory-reporter awareness — recognize indicators and report to the lead immediately.Common-sense first aid (cuts, bumps, splinters) — apply per facility protocol with lead-caregiver oversight.Developmentally-appropriate interactions for the assigned age range — model under lead-caregiver guidance.Classroom routines (transitions, cleanup, group management) — support the lead caregiver in execution.
developing
A small group of children (8-12) for blocks of the day — lead activities without lead-caregiver presence.Lesson-plan activities — execute reliably across art, language, gross-motor, and music blocks.Behavior guidance (redirection, positive reinforcement, scaffolded conflict resolution) — apply consistently.Family communications at drop-off and pickup — handle routine updates and route concerns to the lead.Common medical events (head bumps, allergic reactions, asthma) — recognize and respond per protocol.Lesson-plan input and activity prep — contribute to the team's weekly plan.Newer assistants and substitutes — orient on routines and class-specific needs.Health-and-safety inspections — prepare the classroom on routine cycles.Developmental observations on individual children — document accurately for the lead caregiver.Naptime coverage solo — manage the classroom safely during the rest period.
proficient
Lead-caregiver responsibility for a classroom — own routines, lesson plans, and family communications.Curriculum implementation (Reggio, HighScope, Creative Curriculum, etc.) — execute the program with fidelity.Developmental assessments and parent-conference reports — produce on the program's cycle.Behavior plans for individual children — design and execute with parents and the director.Children with developmental delays or IEP/IFSP services — accommodate per the support plan.Family relationships across the school year — develop trust and partnership.Newer lead caregivers and assistants — mentor on technique, classroom culture, and child development.Difficult family conversations (behavior concerns, developmental flags) — handle with sensitivity and partnership.Classroom inventory and supply orders — manage within budget.Program-level quality and accreditation (NAEYC, state QRIS) — contribute classroom-level evidence.
advanced
Center-level program quality — own as assistant director or program coordinator.Curriculum design and adoption across classrooms — lead with the director.Hiring, training, and coaching of lead caregivers — shape the center's teaching team.Accreditation and state-licensing readiness — own across the program.Family-engagement programs (parent education, family events) — design and lead.Quality-improvement projects (assessment alignment, equity work, inclusion practice) — drive at program level.Mentor caregivers across the field through credential programs (CDA, AA-ECE) — develop the pipeline.Crisis events (family emergencies, child-protection concerns, weather closures) — lead with composure.Center culture and educator practice — shape through standards, rituals, and example.Career pathways into early-childhood teaching, family services, or center leadership — sponsor for the team.
Also known as
67 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
NursemaidNursery HelperChild Life SpecialistFamily Day Care ProviderChild Care ProfessionalCaregiverInfant Room TeacherChild AttendantChild Daycare WorkerChild Care AideChildren's TutorChild Care SitterPlayroom AttendantChildren's AttendantDaycare TeacherBefore and After School Daycare WorkerChildcare AideInfant TeacherBaby SitterDaycare WorkerToddler CaregiverChild Care ProviderDay Care AttendantChild Care AssistantAttendantClassroom MonitorDaycare AideChild-Care Attendant, SchoolNursery Day Care WorkerDay Care Home MotherChild's NurseAttendant, Children's InstitutionChild Care WorkerChildcare AssistantChild CaregiverNursery SupervisorDay Care AideChild Care AttendantChildren's Institution AttendantDay Care Worker