ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Daycare Assistant Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

previous page

Showing results 21-33

All JobsDaycare JobsDaycare Assistant JobsDaycare Assistant Jobs in Decatur, IL

Daycare Assistant information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$10

$14

$18

How much do daycare assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for daycare assistant in Decatur, IL is $14.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $16.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a daycare assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Daycare Assistant, you need a foundational understanding of early childhood development, basic first aid skills, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with child care management software and certifications in CPR and child safety are commonly required. Patience, strong communication, and the ability to build rapport with children and parents are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure a safe, nurturing environment that supports the healthy growth and well-being of children in care.

What is a daycare assistant?

Daycare Assistants are professionals who support the daily operations of childcare centers by helping to supervise and care for young children. Their duties typically include assisting with activities, preparing snacks, maintaining a safe and clean environment, and supporting lead teachers. They play a vital role in ensuring children are engaged, cared for, and safe throughout the day. Daycare Assistants also help with basic record-keeping and may communicate with parents about their child's day.

What are some typical challenges a daycare assistant might face during a workday, and how can they be managed?

Daycare Assistants often manage multiple children with varying needs and energy levels, which can make maintaining order and ensuring safety challenging. Balancing individual attention while supporting group activities requires patience and strong organizational skills. Effective communication with lead teachers and parents is also essential for addressing behavioral issues and maintaining a positive environment. Proactively planning activities and practicing positive reinforcement can help manage these challenges and contribute to a rewarding work experience.

What qualifications do you need to be a daycare assistant?

To become a daycare assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may be required to complete CPR and first aid certifications. Some positions also prefer previous experience working with children or relevant coursework in early childhood education.

Can you work at a daycare assistant with no experience?

Daycare assistant positions often do not require prior experience, as on-the-job training and basic skills like patience and communication are valued. However, some employers may prefer or require a high school diploma or relevant certifications such as CPR or first aid. Entry-level roles are available for those willing to learn and demonstrate a caring attitude toward children.

What is the difference between Daycare Assistant vs Preschool Teacher?

AspectDaycare AssistantPreschool Teacher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certifications preferredHigh school diploma; often required to have early childhood education credentials or certifications
Work EnvironmentChildcare centers, daycare facilities, home-based carePreschools, early childhood education centers, private or public schools
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with daily activities, supervise children, support lead caregiversPlan and implement educational activities, teach basic skills, assess children's progress

While both roles involve caring for young children, a Daycare Assistant primarily supports daily supervision and basic care, whereas a Preschool Teacher focuses on early education and skill development. The credentials and work environments overlap, but the Preschool Teacher role typically requires additional educational qualifications and involves more instructional responsibilities.

What are the duties of a daycare assistant?

A daycare assistant supports early childhood educators by supervising children, assisting with activities, ensuring safety, and maintaining a clean environment. They often help with feeding, diapering, and engaging children in developmental play, requiring good communication skills and patience. Certification in first aid and CPR is typically preferred or required.
More about Daycare Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Daycare jobs in Decatur, IL? The most popular types of Daycare jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Daycare Assistant jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Daycare Assistant jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Daycare Assistant jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Daycare Assistant job openings:
Daycare Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Daycare Assistant job openings in Decatur, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,031 per year, or $14.9 per hour.

Assistant Teachers for East Decatur Skyrise

KINDERCARE

Decatur, IL

$15.65/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

KinderCare Learning Centers rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 828 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

176th of 221 rated education and training

Job description

Futures start here. Where first steps, new friendships, and confident learners are born. At KinderCare Learning Companies, the first and only early childhood education provider recognized with the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award, we offer a variety of early education and child care options for families. Whether it's KinderCare Learning Centers, Champions, or Creme de la Creme, we build confidence for kids, families, and the future we share. And we want you to join us in shaping it-in neighborhoods, at work, and in schools nationwide.

Our teachers, center staff, and field leaders are the heart and soul of our business. When you join us, you'll be directly supporting children and their education every day and experiencing the trials and triumphs that come with that responsibility. But you'll never be alone. You'll do it all with a village of dedicated and passionate humans who care as much about helping kids reach their highest potential as you do. The best part? Seeing the positive impact you're making on the lives of young learners and their families-and knowing that your work matters.

When you join our team as a Teacher we will:

  • Invest in you and your career at KinderCare as you create a world-class experience in our classrooms
  • Reward your commitment to our children and families as your journey continues with us

When you join our team as a Teacher you will:

  • Implement KinderCare's curriculum in a way that is consistent with the unique needs of each child
  • Create a safe, nurturing environment where children can play and learn
  • Partner and connect with parents, with a shared desire to provide the best care and education for their children
  • Support your center's success; partner with center staff and leadership to achieve goals around enrollment, accreditation, and engagement
  • Cultivate positive relationships with families, teachers, state licensing authorities, community contacts and corporate partners

Required Skills and Experience:

  • Outstanding customer service skills, strong organizational skills, and the ability to multi-task and handle multiple situations effectively
  • Meet state specific qualifications for the role or willingness to obtain
  • CPR and First Aid Certification or willingness to obtain
  • Physically able to lift a minimum of 40 pounds, and work indoors or outdoors
  • Able to assume postures in low levels to allow physical and visual contact with children, see and hear well enough to keep children safe, and engage in physical activity with children
  • Read, write, understand, and speak English to communicate with children and their parents in English
Range of pay $15.65 - $15.65 Hourly

In the state of Minnesota, we currently provide an additional $3.00 per hour premium on all classroom hours worked in addition to the range of pay listed. This premium is funded through the Minnesota Great Start Grant Compensation Support Program.

Our benefits meet you where you are. We're here to help our employees navigate the integration of work and life:
- Know your whole family is supported with discounted child care benefits. - Breathe easy with medical, dental, and vision benefits for your family (and pets, too!).
- Feel supported in your mental health and personal growth with employee assistance programs.
- Feel great and thrive with access to health and wellness programs, paid time off and discounts for work necessities, such as cell phones.
- ... and much more.

We operate research-backed, accredited, and customizable programs in more than 2,000 sites and centers across 40 states and the District of Columbia. As we expand, we're matching the needs of more and more families, dynamic work environments, and diverse communities from coast to coast. Because we believe every family deserves access to high-quality child care, no matter who they are or where they live. Every day, you'll help bring this mission to life by building community and delivering exceptional experiences. And if you're anything like us, you'll come for the work, and stay for the people.

KinderCare Learning Companies is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

What KinderCare Learning Centers employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply