1

Assistant Childcare Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Childcare Assistant

Lansing, MI

$16.75 - $19.50/hr

Childcare Assistant Part time childcare assistant needed. Must Love babies and small children. Must be dependable, trustworthy, and friendly. Background check required as well as infant, child, adult ...

Childwatch Childcare Assistant

Royal Oak, MI · On-site

$15.50 - $18/hr

Childwatch Childcare Assistant South Oakland Family YMCA, 1016 W 11 mile Rd, Royal Oak, Michigan, United States of America The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit is a non-profit organization dedicated to ...

Childwatch Childcare Assistant

Royal Oak, MI · On-site

$15.50 - $18/hr

Childwatch Childcare Assistant South Oakland Family YMCA, 1016 W 11 mile Rd, Royal Oak, Michigan, United States of America The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit is a non-profit organization dedicated to ...

Childcare Assistant Teachers

Waterford, MI · On-site

$17.67 - $19.87/hr

Childcare Assistant Teachers Oxford Early Learning Center 2026-27 School Year Primary Function: To participate in activities with children which are designed to enhance their social, emotional ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Assistant Childcare information

What is an assistant childcare worker?

Assistant Childcare workers are professionals who support lead teachers or childcare providers in caring for young children, typically in daycare centers, preschools, or other early childhood education settings. Their responsibilities often include supervising children, assisting with activities, preparing snacks or meals, and maintaining a safe, clean environment. They help foster children's social, emotional, and educational development under the guidance of senior staff. This role requires patience, strong communication skills, and a genuine interest in working with children.

What are the main challenges assistant childcare workers face when supporting lead teachers in a daycare setting?

Assistant Childcare workers often encounter the challenge of balancing multiple tasks, such as supervising children, assisting with lesson activities, and maintaining a safe and clean environment. They must quickly adapt to the needs of different age groups and personalities, which requires patience and strong communication skills. Collaboration with lead teachers is essential, as Assistants provide support by preparing materials, observing children's behavior, and helping to manage group dynamics. These responsibilities help develop valuable experience for career growth in early childhood education.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant childcare worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Childcare Worker, core requirements include knowledge of child development, basic first aid, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with child care management software and certifications like CPR or early childhood education credentials are commonly valued. Strong communication, patience, and teamwork skills help build a supportive and nurturing environment for children. These abilities ensure the safety, well-being, and positive development of children while supporting the goals of the childcare center.

What is the difference between Assistant Childcare vs Childcare Worker?

AspectAssistant ChildcareChildcare Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma, CPR certificationHigh school diploma, CPR certification
Work EnvironmentAssists in daycare centers, preschoolsWorks directly with children in daycare, preschools
Employer & IndustryChildcare centers, preschoolsChildcare centers, preschools
Job ResponsibilitiesSupports lead teachers, supervises childrenPlans activities, supervises children, ensures safety

Assistant Childcare roles typically involve supporting lead teachers and assisting with daily activities, while Childcare Workers take on more direct responsibilities in supervising and engaging children. Both roles require similar certifications and are found in similar settings, but Childcare Workers often have more hands-on duties.

What is the role of a childcare assistant?

A childcare assistant supports early childhood educators by supervising children, assisting with activities, and ensuring their safety and well-being. They often help with meal times, play, and learning activities, and may need to have basic first aid and CPR certifications. The role requires patience, good communication skills, and the ability to work in a team environment.

What job in assistant childcare pays the most?

In assistant childcare, roles such as lead or senior childcare providers typically earn the highest wages, often due to increased responsibilities and experience requirements. Specialized positions like early childhood education coordinators or childcare center directors generally have higher salaries but may require additional certifications and experience. Compensation varies based on location, qualifications, and the setting, but supervisory roles tend to pay more than entry-level assistant positions.

What qualifications do you need to be an assistant childcare?

To be an assistant childcare worker, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may require CPR and first aid certifications. Some employers prefer prior experience working with children and strong communication and organizational skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Childcare jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Childcare jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Assistant Childcare jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Assistant Childcare job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Childcare job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Assistant Childcare Director

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

$20.50 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Description

Join our team at the new Grand Rapids Central Station Early Childhood Center,  located within The Rapid Central Station, creating an environment to meet families where they live.  The center prioritizes delivering accessible, affordable early care and education to children and wraparound services to whole families and the broader community at an intersection of transportation and childcare needs.   
 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Assistant Child Care Director is responsible for supporting the daily operations and administration of a child development center. This role includes supporting teachers with lesson planning and implementation, ensuring compliance with state and local regulations, and maintaining a safe and nurturing environment for all children. The Assistant Child Care Director will also assist with budget monitoring, program enrollment, and communication with parents and guardians. 


The ideal candidate is a dedicated leader with a passion for early childhood education, looking for professional growth opportunities,  excellent organizational skills, and the ability to create a positive and supportive atmosphere for both staff and children. 


This position requires face-to-face leadership in these programs and may involve early morning, evening, and weekend responsibilities.


WHAT YOU'LL DO

  • Supports the management of the day-to-day operations of the child development center to ensure a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for children; manages daily operations of the center in the Director's absence. 
  • Contributes to the maintenance and continuous improvement of improves quality standards for educational and care practices. 
  • Assists with managing recruiting, orientating, and enrolling of children/families, in collaboration with outreach and enrollment specialist
  • Advises and supports parents/guardians of necessary child/family referrals
  • Confers with parents/guardians regarding child/ren progress, facility activities, policies, and enrollment procedures
  • Advises teaching staff regarding child's behavioral or learning concerns, and uses the developmental and behavioral support process.
  • Assists with reviewing and evaluating facility activities to ensure conformance to state and local regulations and licensing requirements. Maintains a positive relationship with assigned licensing consultants
  • Assists with conducting regular inspections and assessments to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Builds and maintains community partner relationships in the facility and in the community
  • Assists and supports hiring and onboarding of teaching staff, in collaboration with Program Administrator and Regional Program Director
  • Plans, assigns, and directs work; assists with creating staff schedules and manage staffing needs; addresses complaints and resolves problems 
  • Sets goals and objectives for staff members; conducts performance evaluations and provides feedback to improve teaching practices. 
  • Assists with Annual Campaign
  • Liaises with contracted custodial team and maintain all areas in a clean, presentable fashion
  • Serves in ratio as needed to cover PTO, vacancies, or leaves of absence.  
  • Participates in management meetings, strategic planning, and effectively cascade communication to team members
  • Participates in YMCA Child Care Career Pathway initiatives, such as the aspiring directors program[DB1.1][RP1.2]
  • Assists with ensuring grant compliance, as required 
  • Assists in an interim director role as needed. 


Perform additional duties as assigned to ensure the success of the YMCA and its mission-driven work.


COMPENSATION

 $20.50 - $25.00 ; Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt


BENEFITS

  • Free YMCA Family Membership - Enjoy full access to facilities & program discounts for you and your family!
  • 50% Childcare Discount - Discount is off the regular rate for each child enrolled in a YMCA childcare program, excluding the infant room.
  • Comprehensive Medical Coverage - Up to 93% employer paid plan options through Blue Care Network.
  • Dental and Vision Insurance - low-cost coverage options.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) - Receive up to $1,040 in employer contributions each year to help cover qualified medical expenses.
  • Generous Paid Time Off - Beginning with 3 weeks of PTO per year, plus 9 paid holidays.
  • Paid Parental Leave - Dedicated time off to support you during the arrival or adoption of a child.
  • Retirement Savings - 12% employer retirement contribution, no match requirement (upon eligibility) and a 403(b) savings plan.
  • Paid Disability Leave - short & long term disability coverage.
  • Life Insurance - employer paid life insurance, plus voluntary coverage for the entire family.
  • Optional Insurance - Customize your coverage with options like accident, hospital, pet, and legal insurance, plus more to fit your lifestyle and needs.
  • Pay on Demand - Access your earned wages before payday.
  • Professional Growth - Access to ongoing training, development programs, and career advancement opportunities
  • Loan Forgiveness - Eligible employees can also take advantage of Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Free, confidential resources and counseling for you and your family.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Education: CDA or associate's degree (AA) from two-year college in Early Childhood Education or Child Development required
  • Experience: Three to five years' experience with licensed child care in a lead teacher or coordinator capacity; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
  • Proven Expertise: Strong knowledge of state regulations and licensing requirements for childcare centers. Must have working knowledge of sound fiscal principals. 
  • Mission-Driven Leadership: Ability to interact with people of all ethnic backgrounds, ages and lifestyles. Ability and desire to work with children infant to 6 years of age.


CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATION

  • Complete required trainings as specified in Michigan State Licensing for Childcare Centers
  • Blood Borne Pathogen training
  • CPR Certification required within the first 60 days
  • First Aid Certification required within the first 60 days
  • State of Michigan criminal background clearance (ICHAT)
  • Fingerprinting


WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


TRAVEL:

5 - 10% of local travel within the state of Michigan; occasional out-of-state travel may be required for educational conferences or training.