Childcare Workers
Personal Care and Service
Keeping children safe while they play is the core of the day, whether the setting is a nursery school, a workplace center, a group home, or a private household. Play is watched closely; toys and equipment are cleaned; dressing and diaper changes are routine, and records cover what each child did, ate, and, when relevant, what medicine they received. Parents and guardians hear about the day's activities and any behavior that needs discussion. The work also means supporting children's social and emotional growth in small, everyday moments. It suits people who like close observation, steady care routines, and clear updates to families.
Typical education: High School Diploma or GED
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$34'980
Median Wage Market Position
$34'980
What you might do
- Observe children's play and keep them safe
- Dress children and change diapers as needed
- Talk with parents about the day's events
- Help children get along and feel capable
- Sanitize toys and play equipment after use
- Record meals, activities, and medicines given
Skills that matter
- Watching play to keep children safe
- Updating parents on the day's events
- Noticing a child's mood and social cues
- Recording meals, medications, and observations
- Helping children understand others' feelings
- Sharing care duties with other staff
AI & the future of this role
Supervising children, meeting daily needs, and keeping them safe require constant in-person attention and trusted adult judgment. Scheduling tools may ease paperwork, but families and centers are likely to keep relying on people for care screens cannot provide.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details