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Daycare Assistant Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

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How much do daycare assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 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 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 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 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 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.

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 candidates with a high school diploma or relevant certifications such as CPR or first aid. Entry-level roles typically focus on supporting lead staff and caring for children under supervision.

What are the responsibilities 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.

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 employers prefer prior experience working with children or relevant training in early childhood education. Additional skills such as patience, communication, and the ability to work in a team are also important.
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, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% 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.

High School English Learner Teacher for 2026-2027 School Year

Decatur Public Schools District #61

Decatur, IL • On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
High School Teaching
Date Posted:
3/13/2026
Location:
MacArthur High School
Date Available:
08/2026
Closing Date:
Until Filled
500.033
TITLE: Certified Secondary Teacher
QUALIFICATIONS:
  1. Illinois State certificate in the teaching field qualifying the teacher to teach at the secondary level.
  2. Bachelor's Degree
  3. Ability to function effectively as a member of the school staff.
  4. Such other requirements as the Board may establish.

REPORTS TO:
The Secondary Building Principal
SUPERVISES:
(Instructs and evaluates the school work of designated):
Students
Student Teachers
Volunteers
Assists the Principal with the evaluation of Teaching Assistants
MAINTAINS LIAISON WITH:
Parents. Communicates with parents as the teacher deems necessary, or when requested by parents or administrators.
JOB GOAL: To help students learn subject matter and skills that will contribute to their development as mature, able, and responsible men and women.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
(In addition to those listed in 500.31, Certified Teacher, the following are the essential fundamentals to include but not limited to the following job duties.)
1. Teaching in compliance with curricular requirements of the State and of the Board of Education of District 61.
2. Remaining current on research, new developments and literature on education, especially elementary and/or the area of special assignment.
3. Compliance with Board Policies, Administrative Regulations, and Board-Employee Agreements at the school level.
4. Participation on an appointive, elective, or volunteer basis in the curriculum development process at the building and district levels, as is required to periodically review all curricular areas to keep them up-to-date.
5. Participation from time-to-time, in the development of District Policies and Administrative Regulations, on an appointive, elective, or volunteer basis.
The major instructional function of the secondary classroom teacher includes:
1. Instructional Delivery
This includes an understanding and the ability to use the principles of learning (motivation, reinforcement, retention, transfer) and the ability to make sound judgments above the use of such instructional techniques as appropriate pacing, questioning, grouping, actively involving the students, and directly vs. indirectly instructing the students.
2. Human Skills
This includes the ability to stimulate students, bring enthusiasm to the learning process, and provide both a concern and care for the worth and dignity of the individual.
3. Planning Skills
This includes the ability to develop goals/objectives for content/skills based upon evaluation of student needs, aptitude, and learning styles. Provision for both individual and group learning experience is involve.
4. Evaluation of Students and Programs.
This includes the ability to construct and use diagnostic, criterion reference and student achievement tests. Evaluation also encompasses the maintenance and
interpretation of records for students, parents, administrators, and other teachers.
5. Classroom Management
This includes controlling and structuring the learning environment so that students adhere to rules and providing opportunities for students to acquire that self-discipline necessary in school and adult life.
6. Resource Utilization
This includes the ability to use the resource materials available--including both the academic and human, within and outside of the confines of the educational plant.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Salary is based upon Schedules A & B, of the collective negotiated Agreement.
EVALUATION:
Each employee in contractual continuing service shall be evaluated at least once every two (2) years. Each employee not in continuing contractual service shall be evaluated once every year.
Physical Demands
Handle work which deals mostly with people, objects, equipment in a general setting; depth perception and field of vision are important. Employee regularly is required to bend, stoop, twist, turn, reach, lift (up to 50 pounds), carry, pull, push, climb, and kneel; walking and standing approximately 50-75% of each shift. Employee must recognize differences in sound, such as voices/noises that are loud and playful instead of angry and combative; ability to differentiate tones and volumes in conversation.
Mental Demands
The Teacher must ensure that children are supervised at all times, and that children are involved in safe and appropriate activities. There may be a number of situations happening at once, and the Teacher must be prepared to handle accidents and emergencies at any time.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The Teacher will be working in a busy and occasionally noisy environment. There may be a number of activities and situations happening at once, and the Teacher will have to supervise all students at all times.
Decatur Public Schools is an equal employment opportunity employer with an affirmative action plan.
This position falls under the Decatur Education Association (DEA) Contract - 2022-2026.
The Salary Schedule is attached above. Benefit information can be found HERE.
Approved 6/24/97
Attachment(s):
  • Certified Secondary Teacher
  • DEA Salary 2026-2027.pdf

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