CHILD CARE ATTENDANT JOB DESCRIPTION

A Child Care Attendant is someone children can count on to be present, calm, and ready. In licensed childcare centers and early learning programs, this role owns the direct supervision and daily care of children from infancy through preschool age, operating within state daycare licensing requirements that govern staff-to-child ratios, health protocols, and mandatory reporting obligations. Developmentally appropriate practice guides every activity planned and delivered. The position sits within a classroom teaching team and reports to a Child Care Manager or Lead Educator.

You will own the direct care, supervision, and developmental support of children ages two months through preschool, serving as the Child Care Attendant who keeps each child safe, engaged, and progressing within a licensed early learning environment. The classroom team you join is structured around Lead and Assistant Educators, with your work evaluated by the Child Care Manager against state licensing compliance and program quality benchmarks.

Career Impact: Experience in a state-licensed childcare setting, combined with CPR/First Aid certification and early childhood education coursework, builds a foundation that qualifies you for Lead Educator and Assistant Director roles in the childcare career ladder.

Business Impact: Consistent, attentive care from a reliable attendant directly determines enrollment retention and parent trust in a center's licensing standing, which are the metrics daycare program directors rely on to sustain operations.

Growth Opportunity: Time in this role strengthens your eligibility for Child Development Associate (CDA) credentialing and opens pathways into lead teaching, curriculum coordination, or early intervention roles as your professional development hours accumulate.

• Supervise children continuously during free play, structured activities, and transitions to ensure physical safety and emotional well-being at all times.
• Implement age-appropriate activities including art, storytime, and outdoor play, aligned with developmentally appropriate practice and curriculum objectives set by the lead educator.
• Attend to personal care needs of infants and toddlers, including feeding, diapering, and sleep routines, following each child's documented care plan.
• Communicate daily with parents and guardians regarding their child's behavior, progress, and any health or safety incidents observed during the session.
• Maintain classroom cleanliness and hygiene standards, including disinfecting surfaces and organizing materials, in compliance with state daycare licensing requirements.
• Complete and file required documentation such as attendance records, accident reports, and registration forms accurately and within required timelines.
• Report any suspected child abuse or neglect to the supervising manager in accordance with mandatory reporting obligations.
• Support the lead educator during check-in and check-out procedures to ensure every child is released only to authorized individuals.

• High school diploma or GED, or enrollment in a state-approved Human Services or Early Childhood Education certificate program.
• 6 or more months of experience in a childcare, preschool, day camp, or comparable supervised child-facing setting, with demonstrated ability to manage groups of young children.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification covering infant and child protocols, or ability to obtain within 3 months of hire.
• Working knowledge of child development principles across infant, toddler, and preschool developmental stages.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding children's records, family information, and incident reports.
• Strong verbal communication skills with children, parents, and classroom colleagues in a high-noise, fast-moving environment.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and carry up to 50 lbs. for extended periods throughout a shift.
• Must be 18 years of age or older and able to pass a full criminal background check and health screening.

• Completed coursework in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field toward a recognized credential such as the Child Development Associate (CDA).
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese, supporting communication with multilingual families.
• Prior experience specifically with infants and toddlers aged birth to 24 months in a licensed center environment.
• Familiarity with state-licensed childcare documentation systems, including digital attendance logs and child report card platforms.

• Staff-to-child ratio compliance rate, measured against state licensing minimums across all observed sessions.
• Incident and accident report completion rate within the required 24-hour filing window.
• Parent communication touchpoints per week, tracked through daily log entries reviewed by the lead educator.
• Mandatory professional development hours completed per quarter toward the Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP).
• Background check and certification renewal status, maintained current throughout employment without lapse.
• Typical tools: attendance and childcare management platforms (commonly Procare or Brightwheel); communication apps (commonly Class Dojo or email-based parent portals).

• Base Salary Range: $14 to $18 per hour, depending on location and center size
• Bonus: Modest performance or retention bonuses at some centers; not universal
• Equity: Not typically offered at this level in the childcare sector
• Health Benefits: Medical and dental coverage offered at larger nonprofit or chain center employers
• PTO: 5 to 10 days annually; sick leave policies vary by state
• Common Perks: Subsidized or free childcare enrollment for dependents, paid professional development hours toward CDA credentialing

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Successful completion of a criminal background check and, in some settings, a health screening or drug test is a condition of employment for all candidates. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, and local law. Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request throughout the hiring process. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Child Care Attendant leads day-to-day classroom operations alongside Lead and Assistant Educators, supporting curriculum implementation through developmentally appropriate activities and early learning standards. Reporting to the teaching team, this role shapes child outcomes across social, cognitive, emotional, and physical domains while maintaining compliance with center policies and state regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of curriculum through classroom activities based on developmentally appropriate practices and early learning standards.
• Support co-teachers with the planning of individual and group age-appropriate activities to actively engage children and encourage social, cognitive, emotional, and physical growth.
• Support frequent communications with parents through informal discussions, progress reports, and parent-teacher conferences.
• Ensure all center policies and state regulations are met.
• Support co-teachers with ensuring a healthy classroom environment, including maintaining appropriate hygiene and cleanliness standards and the safety and security of children.
• Support the maintenance of accurate records, forms, and files.
• Maintain a personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement.
• Support a positive teaching team and a positive and welcoming environment for children and guests.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED, with completion of the Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals course.
• Vermont Afterschool Essentials Certificate within the first 12 months of employment.
• Annual minimum of 15 clock hours of Professional Development Activities approved by CDD, applicable toward the Individual Professional Development Plan.
• Seasonal staff must complete a minimum of 8 clock hours of Professional Development Activities approved by CDD.
• Ability to handle a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to develop a strong understanding of child development and openness to professional development opportunities.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and emerging leadership skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.

Embedded within a childcare center team, the Child Care Attendant delivers age-appropriate activity programs and ensures safe, clean play environments that meet established guidelines and safety procedures. Working closely with parents, family members, and fellow caregivers, this role builds child well-being by attending to individual developmental needs, maintaining certifications, and fostering positive relationships with all families.

Core Functions

• Plan and implement child activity programs that follow established guidelines.
• Assist in providing for all basic needs of children at the center.
• Concern for personal differences between individuals in relation to their needs, interests, development, and capabilities.
• Orient parents and family members regarding center policies and procedures.
• Maintain positive rapport with all parents and patrons.
• Participate in continuing education to ensure caregiver effectiveness and to maintain certification.
• Ensure safe play conditions and follow established safety procedures.
• Provide a clean, well-maintained, and safe play area.

Qualifications & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Coursework in Early Childhood Education or completion of Child Development Associate preferred.
• Current First Aid and CPR/AED Certification required, with specific training in CPR for infants and children.
• 1 year of experience working with children in a day care, elementary school, or similar setting preferred.
• Knowledge of basic child care and feeding, as well as understanding of infant and child development.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with children, staff, and parents.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed written or verbal instructions.
• Ability to move and react quickly to a variety of circumstances.

Reporting to the childcare center leadership, the Child Care Attendant shapes a safe and welcoming environment where children engage in free play, organized games, and supervised outdoor activities. Partnering with members, guests, and facility staff, this role delivers consistent child supervision and customer service that supports families utilizing the childcare service.

Primary Duties

• Care for and monitor children as they free play in the child care room and at the adjacent outdoor playground.
• Provide a safe and fun environment in which children and their parents and guardians feel comfortable.
• Lead and facilitate a variety of children's games and activities.
• Develop and foster positive relations with members and guests utilizing the child care service.
• Clean, disinfect, and organize the child care area.

Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Current certification in CPR/AED/First Aid, or ability to obtain within 3 months of hire.
• Previous experience caring for children in a public setting.
• Previous customer service experience.
• Knowledge of children's games, activities, arts and crafts, and similar programming.
• Ability to perform vision-based tasks including reading computer screens, keyboards, and written documents.
• Manual dexterity to operate computer keyboards, tablets, office equipment, and complete paperwork.

Sitting at the intersection of child safety and recreational programming, the Child Care Attendant ensures the well-being of all children through stimulating age-appropriate activities, clear emergency procedures, and ski lesson preparation. Operating across guest-facing and caregiving responsibilities, this role delivers a seamless family experience by maintaining open communication with parents and applying positive corrective actions when needed.

Duties

• Ensure the safety and well-being of all children at all times.
• Provide stimulating activities appropriate to children's age and abilities through games, storytelling, and similar programming.
• Help organize and prepare children for ski lessons.
• Maintain a clear understanding of safety and emergency procedures.
• Implement positive corrective actions with children when required and appropriate.
• Communicate clearly and effectively in a manner that children can understand.
• Keep parents informed of children's behaviors throughout the day to ensure a seamless guest experience.

Requirements

• Post-secondary degree, diploma, or certificate in Early Childhood Education or a related field (asset, not required).
• Current First Aid certification with Level C CPR certification required.
• Previous professional experience in a childcare setting such as a daycare or educational environment.
• Reliability and trustworthiness, with the ability to provide a criminal record check.
• Highly developed stress management and decision-making skills.
• Outgoing and enthusiastic manner with excellent communication skills.
• Passion for working with children and creating a safe, healthy, and engaging environment.

A key member of the childcare room team, the Child Care Attendant owns the safety, daily routine, and developmental enrichment of children ages 2 months to 3 years across infant, toddler, and preschool settings. Collaborating across caregiving staff and communicating directly with parents and guardians, this role supports cognitive, social, and emotional growth through age-appropriate activities including art, story time, games, and outdoor play.

Functions

• Create a safe environment for children that promotes play, fun, and learning.
• Maintain knowledge of each child's location at all times and take actions to keep children safe and prevent injury.
• Assist with planning and implementing individual and group age-appropriate activities such as art, story time, games, and outside play to encourage social, cognitive, and emotional growth.
• Attend to the personal needs of children, including feeding, sleeping, and diapering, as needed.
• Communicate effectively with parents and guardians and provide timely feedback.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and fun environment, including appropriate hygiene, cleanliness standards, and safety and security of children.

Experience & Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.
• CPR and First Aid certifications preferred.
• Child care experience working with children ages 3 and under required.
• Strong understanding of child development preferred.
• Ability to speak Spanish or Portuguese preferred.
• Ability to work well with others in a team environment and independently with groups of children.

A healthy, safe, and enriching environment for young children depends on the Child Care Attendant, who leads daily learning experiences, maintains facility cleanliness, and monitors child health in alignment with program goals and philosophy. Based within a center team and reporting to supervisory staff, this role builds the operational foundation that enables consistent curriculum delivery, accurate recordkeeping, and strong parent communication.

Accountabilities

• Assist staff with both short- and long-range activities in accordance with curriculum objectives, developmentally appropriate practice, and program philosophy.
• Maintain daily open communication with parents.
• Report any suspected abuse to a supervisor.
• Arrange a classroom environment in accordance with program goals and philosophy.
• Maintain a safe and healthy environment by keeping the facility clean and orderly.
• Inspect and replace damaged or lost materials.
• Attend in-service training and staff meetings.
• Keep all appropriate records, including attendance and time sheets.
• Monitor the health of the children.

Position Requirements

• Valid Standard First Aid Certification.
• Previous experience working with children.
• Positive and enthusiastic attitude toward the role and facility.
• Ability to communicate with parents professionally and tactfully.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Adaptability and flexibility under stressful or unusual situations.
• Strong listening skills with the ability to show empathy.
• Organizational and time management skills, including ability to handle a variety of duties simultaneously.
• Genuine care for children and ability to cooperate and work well with others.
• Consistent integrity, dependability, and responsibility, with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Effective leadership skills and a strong work ethic.

As the Child Care Attendant, this role delivers safe, compliant childcare operations by managing check-in and checkout procedures, executing age-appropriate lesson plans, maintaining state daycare licensing requirements, and handling parent and customer communications. The center relies on this work to sustain daily revenue tracking, accurate child recordkeeping, and a consistently tidy, welcoming environment for children and families.

Activities

• Handle customer issues relating to the center effectively.
• Communicate effectively with parents and appropriately with children.
• Attend staff meetings and other special trainings.
• Follow lesson plans and carry out age-appropriate activities.
• Provide a safe environment for children at all times.
• Ensure rooms are kept tidy throughout the day.
• Follow correct procedures during check-in and checkout processes.
• Communicate with other caregivers regarding child information and care.
• Maintain and file children's records, including accident reports and registration forms, and review them with parents.
• Ensure all state daycare licensing requirements are maintained.
• Communicate with the office regarding revenue payments and drop-ins.
• Provide information such as daily rates and activities to guests when appropriate.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• High school education or equivalent.
• CPR and First Aid certification desirable.
• 6 months of childcare experience or study preferred.
• Strong knowledge of childcare program development and implementation.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Excellent team-building and leadership skills.

Child Care Attendant delivers hands-on interactive learning experiences and curriculum support for children in a Goodwill-affiliated center, maintaining accurate student files and facilitating program activities that advance both short- and long-term center goals. The work directly supports consistent parent communication, enrollment processes, and team collaboration in service of the center's Mission, Vision, and Values.

Operational Focus

• Facilitate hands-on interactive learning experiences working directly with children.
• Assist in the registration process of children.
• Update and ensure accuracy of student files.
• Maintain regular communication with parents regarding services, enrollment, scheduling or routine changes, and special events.
• Assist in achieving short- and long-term goals for the center.
• Contribute ideas for curriculum development and facilitate the execution of program activities.
• Participate in regular team meetings.

Professional Experience

• High school diploma and/or GED required.
• Child/infant CPR certified or willing to obtain.
• 1 year of experience in a childcare setting.
• Coursework or training in early childhood development a plus.
• Working knowledge of computer programs including Google applications (Gmail), Excel, Word, and Internet Explorer.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Flexible, energetic, and detail-oriented, with ability to juggle multiple duties and resolve conflicts.