What does a Daycare Teacher do?
A daycare teacher is employed by the school district and is found in both schools and daycare facilities. They work to educate toddlers and young children with daily activities and lessons. A daycare teacher will also offer additional support to students in small groups. Additionally, a daycare teacher will help students in need of additional one-on-one time to master lessons. Many individuals employed as a daycare teacher begin as daycare teaching assistants.
Depending on the state, certification and education can vary widely. Generally, professional teaching certification is not needed. Individuals working within school and daycare systems in any regard are subject to criminal background checks to ensure the safety of all children on campus. An excellent daycare teacher will possess skills such as compassion and patience when dealing with children. A positive and creative approach to education is an asset to individuals seeking the position of daycare teacher.
- Prepare materials to be used for art and science projects
- Efficiently communicate and coordinate with teaching assistants teaching daily lesson plans
- Offer individual support to students in small groups to promote the understanding of more challenging concepts
- Oversee the safety of the students inside of the classroom, during field trips and on the campus
- Ensure students adhere to the school or daycare stated rules and policies
- Grade worksheets and student assignments, recording homework and tests scores
- Ensure each student's progress through assessments and have awareness of students who need additional guidance
- Provide additional assistance to students who have special needs
- Professional experience working with young children is strongly preferred
- Basic understanding of childhood development and methods used to instruct children of various ages
- Ability to communicate with other teachers and parents regarding student's progress and behavior in the classroom
- Strong organizational skills are essential to prepare materials for planned daily lessons
- Personal accountability and patience are essential when working with young students in a classroom environment
- Ability to prioritize several activities seamlessly and instruct students in instances that are exceptionally busy
- Basic writing, math and science skills are needed to teach students and answer their questions
- Ability to manage potentially challenging behavior from students and maintain a professional and patient demeanor
- Experience supporting positive relationships with children and adults in a learning environment
How much does a Daycare Teacher make near United States?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$33,416
/ yrDaycare Teacher Career Path
Learn how to become a Daycare Teacher, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Daycare Teacher Insights
Hope House“I only left but my boss was so manipulative and a horrible person to work for.”
Self Employed Womens Association“Flexible schedule I was able to keep my kids at home with me Pick my own hours”
KinderCare Learning Centers“I wasn't explained in detail how to apply for my benefits and I'm still questioning”
Kid City USA“It was a great opportunity as far as what I learned that help me with skills later on with my own child.”
Kido“Within my first role as a manager I have learnt a lot and have felt very support.”
Grace Point Church“I was well trained and had the opportunity to grow in my knowledge as a daycare teacher.”
Boys & Girls Clubs of America“Good good good good good”
“Good good good good good”
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Daycare Teacher
- Kindergarten Teacher
- Substitute Teacher
- Elementary School Teacher
- Teacher