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Child Care Substitute Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Child Care Substitute

Krum, TX · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Must obtain digital fingerprints in accordance with Texas regulations for employment in a child care facility.

As an on-call Substitute, you'll enjoy flexibility and may have the opportunity to work in different centers and with various age groups. Join our team at Cornell University Child Care Center in ...

Child Care Substitute

Goldsboro, NC · On-site

$12.25 - $16.50/hr

This is a part time/back-up position in which the employee will follow or assist with daily lesson/goal plans, help carry out routine care needs, maintain daily hygiene for children, supervise and ...

Child Care Substitute Teacher

Shelton, CT · On-site

$17.20 - $21.40/hr

As an on-call Substitute, you'll enjoy flexibility and may have the opportunity to work in ... If hired, you will work in person in an early education/preschool child care center to provide ...

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Child Care Substitute information

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$16

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How much do child care substitute jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for child care substitute in the United States is $16.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a child care substitute?

Child Care Substitutes are professionals who temporarily fill in for regular child care staff in daycares, preschools, or other child care settings. They provide supervision, engage children in activities, and ensure a safe, nurturing environment while the permanent staff member is absent. Substitutes need to quickly adapt to new environments and follow the established routines and policies of each facility. This role is essential to maintaining consistent care and support for children when regular caregivers are unavailable.

What is the difference between Child Care Substitute vs Preschool Teacher?

AspectChild Care SubstitutePreschool Teacher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; background checksEarly childhood education certification or degree often preferred
Work EnvironmentChild care centers, daycare facilities, private homesPreschools, early learning centers, daycare facilities
Employer & Industry UsageChild care providers, daycare centers, family homesPreschools, early childhood education programs
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding substitute roles in child careLearning about teaching roles in preschool settings

Child Care Substitutes typically fill in for regular caregivers on a temporary basis and may not require formal teaching credentials. Preschool Teachers usually have specialized early childhood education qualifications and work in structured classroom settings. Both roles are essential in early childhood development but differ mainly in certification requirements and job responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a child care substitute?

To thrive as a Child Care Substitute, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, a basic understanding of child development, and sometimes CPR/First Aid certification. Familiarity with child care management systems and state-mandated safety protocols is often required. Patience, adaptability, and strong communication skills help build trust with children and collaborate effectively with staff and parents. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure a safe, nurturing environment and maintain continuity of care during staff absences.

What are some common challenges child care substitutes face when stepping into a new classroom?

Child Care Substitutes often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to unfamiliar routines, building rapport with children in a short time, and understanding the specific needs and expectations of each classroom. Since every group of children and teaching team may have different rules and dynamics, substitutes must be flexible and proactive in asking for guidance. Effective communication with lead teachers and staff is key to ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining a positive, safe environment for the children.
More about Child Care Substitute jobs
What states have the most Child Care Substitute jobs? States with the most job openings for Child Care Substitute jobs include:
Infographic showing various Child Care Substitute job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,721 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Child Care Substitute Teacher

Bright Horizons Family Solutions

Bellevue, WA • On-site

$19.60 - $24.45/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago


Bright Horizons rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 297 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

107th of 221 rated education and training


Job description

Child Care Substitute Teacher
Grow your teaching career with Bright Horizons, where you can make a meaningful impact on children's lives every day. Learn from early education experts while having the opportunity to pursue a CDA or college degree at no cost. Experience this and more as a Bright Horizons Substitute Teacher.
We are hiring part time substitutes - working closing hours working until 5:30 p.m. each day, on call, as the center needs.
Responsibilities:
  • Assist with hands-on activities to meet the needs and interests of the children
  • Maintain open communication with parents, sharing their child's daily milestones
  • Ensure a safe and clean classroom by following essential procedures and guidelines

Qualifications:
Candidates must pass required state and company background checks, and meet state and company minimum education and experience requirements:
  • 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED is required
  • 1 year of experience working in child care, daycare, or preschool settings is preferred
  • CDA, Associate, or bachelor's degree in early education or related field is preferred

Join us to create a safe, nurturing environment that supports children's social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth. Collaborate with a dynamic team to create engaging curriculum that shapes future learners and leaders. Discover where your passion and a career at Bright Horizons can lead you - all in an inclusive workplace where you can be you. Apply today and explore the possibilities!
Physical Requirements:
This position requires the employee to comply with all applicable federal, state, local, Bright Horizons', and client site requirements concerning immunizations, employment physical/screening, and health and safety training. If hired, you will work in person in an early education/preschool child care center to provide supervision, care, curriculum delivery and services per Bright Horizons' policies, procedures and guidance, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations, and in a manner that will ensure the safety of children in Bright Horizons care and the employee.
The full set of physical requirements for this role can be reviewed at https://careers.brighthorizons.com/job-descriptions. Bright Horizons complies with all laws that require reasonable accommodations for qualifying disabilities and/or pregnancy-related limitations.
Compensation:
The hourly rate for this position is between $19.60 - $24.45 per hour. The pay range listed here is what Bright Horizons in good faith anticipates offering for this job opening. Actual compensation offers within this range will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education and training, certifications, geography, and other relevant business or organizational factors.
Benefits:
Bright Horizons offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Life insurance
  • Long-term and short-term disability insurance
  • Career development opportunities and free college degrees through our Horizons CDA & Degree Program

Also, new employees in this role receive 1 hour of sick time per 30 hours worked if hired in Washington state, and sick leave as specified by local law if hired in other locations.
Compensation: $19.60 - $24.45 / hr
Life at Bright Horizons:
At Bright Horizons, you're more than your job title - you're the difference. Whether you're nurturing a child's first steps or supporting the systems behind the scenes, your work creates real impact. We're a community that celebrates individuality, invests in your growth, and supports your whole self. Because when you thrive, so do the children, families, and clients we serve. Join us and help build a brighter future - for yourself and for others.
Bright Horizons provides equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Bright Horizons complies with the laws and regulations described in the following federal government resources: Know Your Rights, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).
If you require assistance or a reasonable accommodation in completing these application materials or any aspect of the application and hiring process, please contact the recruitment helpdesk at 855-877-6866 or bhrecruit@brighthorizons.com. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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