Daycare Teacher Job Description
Daycare Teacher Job Description
Are you a daycare director looking for teachers? These comprehensive job description templates list the roles of both a lead daycare teacher and an assistant teacher or aide, providing directors with clear guidance for hiring qualified professionals. Make sure you research your state's requirements before hiring.
Daycare lead teacher job description
A lead daycare teacher is responsible for the planning, implementation, and supervision of the classroom. Anyone in this role should meet educational, developmental, and social needs of children in alignment with licensing standards. The lead teacher also mentors assistant teachers and maintains communication with parents and administration.
Responsibilities
Develop and implement age-appropriate lesson plans and curricula.
Create and maintain a safe, clean, stimulating classroom environment.
Observe, assess, and document each child’s progress and developmental milestones.
Maintain confidential records and portfolios.
Communicate regularly with parents about their child’s growth and any concerns.
Supervise and mentor assistant teachers, aides, volunteers, and interns.
Manage classroom routines, including attendance, discipline, and transitions between activities.
Align curriculum with licensing requirements and best practices.
Lead conflict resolution and promote positive social interactions among children.
Participate in professional development and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, including CPR and First Aid certification.
Qualifications
Associate or bachelor's degree in early childhood education or related field preferred
Valid state childcare certifications or licenses, including CPR and first aid
Minimum of 3 years' experience in early childhood education, preferably in a lead role
Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and classroom management skills
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse children, families, and staff
Daycare teacher assistant job description
The assistant daycare teacher supports the lead teacher by assisting with daily classroom activities, caregiving, and supervision of children. This role helps maintain a safe and nurturing environment and supports the implementation of lesson plans under the guidance of the lead teacher.
Responsibilities
Assist with preparing and implementing daily activities and lesson plans.
Provide direct care to children, including feeding, diapering, toileting, and assisting with hygiene.
Supervise children during classroom activities, outdoor play, meals, and rest periods.
Set up learning materials and tidy spaces as needed.
Observe children’s behavior, reporting significant observations to the lead teacher.
Foster positive relationships with children, encouraging social skills and respectful behavior.
Help communicate with parents as directed by the lead teacher..
Participate in staff meetings and training sessions as required
Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent
Coursework or certification in Early Childhood Education preferred
CPR and first aid certification preferred or willingness to obtain
Experience working with young children in a childcare or educational setting desirable
Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and a caring attitude towards children
Ability to follow directions and work collaboratively with the lead teacher and staff
Physical requirements
Both lead and assistant teachers must be able to engage actively with children, including lifting, bending, and participating in play activities. They work in classroom and outdoor settings and must comply with all health and safety regulations, which means cleaning and sanitizing as needed.
The specific duties of a daycare teacher vary be location. Some daycare centers assign other duties such as sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and sanitizing toys.
Salary and compensation
Daycare teachers earn an average of $30,000 to $52,000 annually, depending on their experience level, education, location, and the number of hours they work per week. Lead teachers earn more than assistant teachers.
Benefits
While not always included in job descriptions, mentioning common benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, professional development opportunities, or tuition reimbursement can make your job description more attractive and realistic.
Interview questions
When interviewing candidates, it’s important to ask questions that reveal their experience, teaching philosophy, problem-solving skills, and ability to work with children and families. Below are lists of interview questions tailored for each role to help daycare directors identify the most qualified and passionate educators.
Lead teacher questions
Can you describe your experience developing and implementing lesson plans for young children?
How do you assess and document children’s developmental progress?
What strategies do you use to manage challenging behaviors in the classroom?
Can you share an example of a time you had to modify a lesson plan on the spot? What was the outcome?
How do you ensure your classroom is inclusive and respectful of all cultures and backgrounds?
Describe your approach to collaborating with assistant teachers, aides, and other staff.
How do you communicate with parents about their child’s progress and address their concerns?
What is your philosophy on early childhood education, and how does it influence your teaching methods?
How do you stay current with best practices and regulations in early childhood education?
Describe a time you handled an emergency situation in a daycare setting. What steps did you take?
Assistant teacher questions
Tell us about your experience working with children and what age groups you have worked with.
How do you support the lead teacher in planning and implementing daily activities?
What steps do you take to ensure the safety and well-being of children in your care?
How do you handle problem-solving situations or conflicts between children?
Can you provide an example of how you have adapted to a change in routine or classroom expectations?
How do you foster positive relationships with children and encourage their social development?
What do you believe is the most important quality for an assistant teacher in a daycare setting?
How do you communicate with parents and staff when you have concerns about a child?
What motivates you to work in early childhood education
How do you handle feedback or direction from the lead teacher or daycare director?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.