CHILD CARE TEACHER JOB DESCRIPTION

Licensed childcare is one of the most regulated segments of the education sector. Child Care Teachers operate under state licensing standards that govern classroom ratios, physical environment requirements, and documentation of every child's developmental progress. This accountability is daily and continuous. They hold recognized credentials, including the Child Development Associate (CDA) or equivalent college coursework in early childhood education, and they serve as the primary relationship between a center's program and the families who depend on it.

As the Child Care Teacher, you deliver a structured, developmentally appropriate learning environment for infants, toddlers, or preschool-age children in a licensed center setting. You report to the Center Director or Lead Teacher and carry daily responsibility for classroom ratio compliance, curriculum implementation, and family communication across your assigned age group.

Career Impact: Building a verified record of ratio management, developmental documentation, and compliance with state licensing standards establishes you as a credentialed practitioner competitive for Lead Teacher and ECE Director roles.

Business Impact: Parents entrust the social, cognitive, and emotional development of their children to your classroom; the quality of what you deliver each day shapes both child outcomes and a family's decision to remain enrolled.

Growth Opportunity: Gaining supervised hours in a licensed setting, completing CPR and Mandatory Reporting certifications, and accessing programs such as T.E.A.C.H. scholarships accelerates progress toward an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education.

Company Value: This position is full-time, Monday through Friday, and eligible for health benefits, retirement contributions, and a paid time off program that begins accruing from day one.

• Supervise children indoors and outdoors, maintaining required adult-to-child ratios at all times.
• Implement daily lesson plans aligned to approved developmental frameworks, addressing age-appropriate learning objectives for each activity.
• Document observations, developmental milestones, and significant events for each child to support individualized progress tracking.
• Prepare and maintain a consistent daily schedule that balances structured learning, free exploration, and routine care.
• Coordinate with parents and guardians through regular communication, written updates, and prompt notification of any health or safety concerns.
• Promote social-emotional development and conflict resolution through approved curriculum and intentional role modeling.
• Maintain classroom hygiene, manage diapering and toileting routines, and oversee meal and snack preparation in compliance with health guidelines.
• Partner with the Lead Teacher or Director to contribute to curriculum planning and program improvement within the classroom.

• High school diploma or GED; coursework toward an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development preferred.
• 1 or more years of experience working with children in a licensed group childcare or educational setting, with demonstrated classroom responsibility.
• Working knowledge of Developmentally Appropriate Practice and early childhood curriculum frameworks.
• Ability to maintain accurate child records, incident reports, and developmental observation logs.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for daily interaction with children, families, and center staff.
• Physical ability to lift up to 35 lbs., remain mobile throughout the classroom and outdoor play areas, and sustain bending, lifting, and standing throughout a full shift.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check, FBI clearance, and any state-required health screenings before employment.
• Must be at least 18 years of age in compliance with state licensing requirements.

• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or a minimum of 12 college credits in a child-related field.
• Current certification in CPR, First Aid, Mandatory Reporting, and Universal Precautions.
• Prior supervisory or mentoring experience supporting less experienced classroom aides or assistant teachers.
• Bilingual communication ability to support diverse families enrolled in the program.

• Classroom ratio compliance rate, measured against state licensing standards daily.
• Developmental documentation completeness: percentage of children with current observation records on file.
• Family communication response time for non-emergency concerns, typically within one business day.
• Incident and health event log accuracy, reviewed against licensing audit requirements.
• Curriculum plan completion rate: percentage of weekly lesson plan objectives implemented as documented.
• Typical tools: developmental assessment platforms (commonly Teaching Strategies GOLD); family communication apps (commonly Brightwheel or HiMama).

• Base Salary Range: $30,000 to $42,000 annually, depending on credentials and center size
• Bonus: Merit or retention bonuses offered at some centers; not universally standard
• Equity: Equity not typical; nonprofit centers may offer pension participation
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage standard at full-time centers
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually; some centers offer immediate accrual
• Common Perks: Childcare tuition discounts, T.E.A.C.H. scholarship access, and professional development stipends

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

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. Employment in this role is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check, FBI clearance, and applicable state-mandated health screenings, including TB testing where required by licensing. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

The Child Care Teacher owns daily care and learning for children across age groups, including hygiene routines, meal preparation, curriculum development, and progress tracking. Working within a group care setting and in direct contact with parents and guardians, this role builds a consistent, nurturing environment that supports each child's development and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure children maintain good hygiene and change diapers as necessary.
• Clean interactive areas throughout the day.
• Prepare meals and snacks for children.
• Organize activities and develop curriculum for older children.
• Develop and maintain a daily schedule for children.
• Keep records of each child's progress, interests, and any problems that may occur.
• Maintain contact with parents and contact them in case of an emergency.

Required Qualifications

• GED or High School Diploma.
• First Aid certification is a plus.
• Minimum 18 months of experience working with children in a group setting.
• Minimum of 6 months of experience and 12 credit hours in early childhood education.
• Strong verbal communication and listening skills to converse with children, fellow caregivers, and parents or guardians.
• Excellent patience and stamina for keeping up with the demands of children of all ages.
• Advanced multitasking and organizational skills to handle multiple children at a time.

Embedded within a licensed early childhood center, the Child Care Teacher delivers classroom coverage, family communication, and building compliance in the absence of the Director or Assistant Director. Working closely with co-workers, families, and licensing bodies, this role ensures that daily operations, staffing ratios, and regulatory standards are consistently upheld to sustain a safe and professional learning environment.

Core Functions

• Act as the authorized agent of the Director in the absence of the Director or Assistant Director.
• Maintain regular and prompt attendance and open the school reliably each day.
• Greet families at the front desk or foyer and assist with classrooms, parent questions, concerns, and drop-off issues courteously and professionally.
• Walk the building regularly to maintain ratio and ensure expectations, policies, and regulations are in practice.
• Follow and maintain the schedule created by the Director and call in substitutes and make appropriate adjustments as needed.
• Utilize the Family Handbook guidelines, Personnel Policies, and Licensing Standards when making decisions on how to handle various situations.
• Demonstrate and model policies, procedures, and best practices to coworkers and families at all times.
• Perform light office work and support a positive school atmosphere.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum ECE credential (CDA or equivalent), or an Associate's or Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of 12 credits in a child-related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience as a classroom teacher or child care provider in a licensed setting.
• Minimum 1 year of supervisory experience of other teachers or child care staff.
• Working knowledge of Developmentally Appropriate Practice and best practices in early childhood education.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Ability to multi-task and problem-solve in fast-paced environments.
• Basic working knowledge of computers and a Windows operating system.

Reporting to program leadership, the Child Care Teacher shapes classroom experiences for children through relationship-building, supervised play, and lesson plan implementation aligned with GOLD objectives. Partnering with families and curriculum planners, this role advances children's social-emotional competency and developmental outcomes within a structured full-time care and education program.

Primary Duties

• Build positive, trust-based relationships with each child and their family through positive communication and body language at all times.
• Supervise children indoors and outdoors and ensure classroom ratio is maintained at all times.
• Maintain and support an environment that provides children with consistency and the ability to freely explore and engage in constructive, purposeful play.
• Assist with implementation of lesson plans that detail the classroom study and related activities, including GOLD objectives addressed by each activity.
• Contribute to curriculum planning.
• Promote social and emotional competency, self-confidence, and resiliency using an approved curriculum and effective role modeling.
• Accurately document all observations, significant events, and services rendered.

Skills & Qualifications

• One year of college education in Early Childhood, Child Development, or a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is required.
• Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Early Childhood or development is preferred.
• Current certification in CPR, First Aid, Mandatory Reporting, Universal Precautions, and Medication Administration is preferred.
• Minimum 1 year of experience serving children.
• Ability to pass a physical examination at commencement of employment and as regulations require thereafter.
• Ability to communicate effectively in reading, writing, and speaking English.