Written by

Jennifer Carlson

August 18, 2025

Edited by

Tara Farmer

Fact-checked by

Kristen Cramer

Daycare teacher job description

Daycare teachers play a vital role in nurturing young children's growth, development, and well-being. The job responsibilities of a daycare teacher include caregiving, education, safety, and communication to ensure each child receives attentive support in a positive learning environment.

This guide will walk you through each of the daycare teacher job responsibilities one by one, from basic supervision to compliance with government regulations. Keep in mind that duties will vary slightly depending on the state and daycare.

1. Basic child care and supervision

Feeding and nutrition

Daycare teachers provide children with balanced meals and snacks that meet nutritional guidelines and accommodate allergies or dietary restrictions. They encourage healthy eating habits and monitor children during meals to ensure safety, assist with utensils, and foster social skills through group dining experiences.

For infants, daycare teachers feed and keep track of the number of ounces each baby drinks. Depending on the parents' preferences, they either use breastmilk supplied from home or prepare bottles of formula.

Grooming and hygiene

Teachers help children maintain proper hygiene by guiding handwashing before and after meals, after play, and following restroom use. They may also assist with toothbrushing and ensure children's faces and hands stay clean throughout the day.

For younger children, teachers handle diaper changes and toilet training, creating a supportive and respectful environment that emphasizes comfort and independence.

Health monitoring

Teachers remain alert to signs of illness, injury, or discomfort, such as:

• Fever

• Rashes

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Coughing

• Sneezing

• Runny nose

• Pink eye

• Changes in appetite

• Behavioral changes

• Wheezing or difficulty breathing

They respond promptly with appropriate first aid or care, document incidents, and communicate concerns to parents and supervisors. This helps prevent the spread of illness and ensures every child receives prompt attention when needed.

2. Planning educational activities

Lesson plan development

Many daycare teachers design lesson plans that align with developmental milestones and learning objectives. They select engaging, age-appropriate activities that promote language, math, science, and motor skills. Teachers adapt plans to accommodate different learning styles and abilities, fostering an inclusive environment where every child can participate and succeed.

Creative and sensory activities

Teachers incorporate music, art, storytelling, and hands-on projects to stimulate children's creativity and sensory development. Activities such as painting, singing, or building with blocks allow children to explore textures, sounds, and colors, enhancing cognitive and fine motor skills.

Progress assessments

Teachers observe children during activities, noting participation, skill development, and social interactions. They maintain detailed records and portfolios that document each child's growth, strengths, and areas needing support. These assessments help teachers communicate progress and developmental milestones to parents.

3. Supporting development

Building social skills

Daycare teachers guide children in developing social skills through group play, collaborative projects, and daily routines. They teach concepts like sharing, turn-taking, and cooperation, helping children build friendships and work together harmoniously.

Behavior guidance

Teachers model respectful, kind, and responsible behavior, setting clear expectations for conduct. When conflicts or negative behaviors like biting occur, they use positive reinforcement, redirection, and consistent rules to help children understand boundaries and consequences. By addressing conflicts calmly and constructively, teachers create an environment that encourages mutual respect.

Emotional support

Teachers help children identify and express their emotions by providing a safe space for open communication. They offer comfort and encouragement during moments of frustration or sadness, teaching coping strategies and resilience.

4. Ensuring safety and compliance

Accident prevention

Daycare teachers maintain constant supervision, whether children are playing indoors, outdoors, or transitioning between activities. They anticipate potential hazards, intervene quickly to prevent accidents, and teach children about safety rules.

Regulatory compliance

Teachers follow all state and local regulations, including:

• Staff-to-child ratios

• Emergency procedures

• Health guidelines

• Regular safety drills

• CPR and first aid certifications

Compliance with these standards protects children and supports the daycare's reputation and licensing status.

Confidentiality

Teachers safeguard children's personal and developmental information, sharing details only with authorized staff or parents. They store records securely and discuss sensitive matters privately. These actions build trust with families and uphold professional ethics within the childcare setting.

5. Communicating with parents and staff

Updates and conferences

Most daycare teachers keep parents informed with daily reports on their child's activities, moods, and milestones. Some daycares do this through face-to-face conversations or digitally via an app or tablet.

They also schedule conferences to discuss developmental progress, address concerns, and set goals together. Open communication ensures parents feel connected and confident in their child's care and education.

Collaboration with colleagues

Teachers work as part of a team, sharing observations and strategies with fellow staff members. They participate in meetings and professional development training to stay current on best practices.

6. Identifying and addressing special needs

Observation and early detection

Teachers observe children for signs of developmental delays, learning differences, or behavioral challenges. They document their findings and discuss observations with parents and supervisors, ensuring concerns are addressed promptly and appropriately.

Some behaviors to look out for include difficulties or frustration in the following areas:

• Milestones like sitting or talking

• Social interaction

• Communication skills

• Problem-solving

• Adapting to new situations

• Transitions during the day

Individualized support

Teachers adapt routines, activities, and teaching methods to accommodate children's unique needs. They provide additional guidance, modify materials, or create personalized learning plans to help every child thrive in the daycare setting.

Resource referrals

When a child needs specialized support, teachers connect families with external resources such as therapists, early intervention programs, or community services. This helps ensure children receive comprehensive care tailored to their individual needs that the daycare teacher may not be able to provide on their own.

Salary & requirements

The average daycare teacher salary in the U.S. is $30,000 to $52,000 per year, depending on their experience level, education, location, and hours per week. Having a degree or a CDA certification can help boost your pay.

Specific experience and education requirements differ by location and program, but most require previous experience working with young children. Some daycare centers require a degree in early childhood education, along with a solid understanding of child development and modern teaching techniques.

Other daycare staff

While small home daycares may only need one or two caregivers, larger child care centers are complex networks that rely on different types of daycare workers to run efficiently. This includes:

• Teachers

• Daycare directors

• Assistant daycare teachers

Some daycares also hire janitors, kitchen staff, and bus drivers, while others rely on teachers and assistants to help clean, cook, and drive.