1

Daycare Assistant Jobs in Pendleton, OR (NOW HIRING)

Daycare Assistant information

See Pendleton, OR salary details

$10

$15

$19

How much do daycare assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for daycare assistant in Pendleton, OR is $15.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.65 and $17.31 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 cities near Pendleton, OR are hiring for Daycare Assistant jobs?

Cities near Pendleton, OR with the most Daycare Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Daycare Assistant job openings in Pendleton, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,445 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Nutrition Services Ambassador 1

Good Shepherd Health Care

Hermiston, OR • On-site

$17.19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Overview
Employer paid benefits - Medical, Dental, and Vision
Wage Range: $17.19 - $26.33
Schedule: 40 hrs/ weekly, Second Shift
Definition of Position:
The Nutrition Services Ambassador plays a key front-line role in delivering exceptional food service and customer care to patients, staff, and visitors in a healthcare setting. This position supports the preparation, delivery, and service of meals while ensuring safety, sanitation, and adherence to individual dietary needs including allergies, intolerances, and personal preferences. Responsibilities include meal tray delivery, food and beverage preparation, cashiering, dishwashing, and ensuring a positive guest experience in the cafeteria or patient service areas. The Ambassador represents the department with professionalism, compassion, and service excellence in every interaction.
Responsibilities
  • Deliver patient and guest or daycare meals accurately and with attention to dietary restrictions, allergies, and personal preferences.
  • Provide courteous and empathetic service to patients, families, visitors, daycare children, and staff.
  • Communicate menu choices, take patient meal orders when applicable, and assist patients with understanding available options.
  • Respond promptly to patient requests and follow up to ensure satisfaction.
  • Prepare and serve beverages, snacks, and light food items following safe food handling practices.
  • Set up, maintain, and restock food service areas, including patient tray lines and cafeteria stations.
  • Assist in food prep and portioning tasks as directed by supervisors or cooks.
  • Follow all safety, infection control, and sanitation procedures in accordance with HACCP and hospital policies.
  • Maintain cleanliness of work areas including cafeteria, dish room, serving stations, and patient service equipment.
  • Properly handle, store, and label food items to ensure safety and compliance with public health standards.
  • Operate point-of-sale systems accurately to process payments for cafeteria customers.
  • Ensure accurate cash handling and maintain a clean and welcoming retail environment.
  • Utilize hospital software, tablets, or other devices to input or retrieve patient meal orders and preferences.
  • Communicate clearly and professionally with kitchen staff, dietitians, nurses, and other departments regarding patient and guest needs.
  • Work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment with frequent changes in task and priority.
  • Assist in cross-functional duties across the kitchen, café, tray line, and dish room as needed.
  • Accept direction and feedback constructively and demonstrate flexibility in responding to workload demands or schedule adjustments.
  • Maintain confidentiality and always respect patient privacy.
  • Demonstrate compassion, empathy, and cultural sensitivity in all interactions.
  • Promote and model service excellence and uphold hospital values in daily work.
  • The employee supports the hospital mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures.
  • Participates in required education for DNV programs as applicable to position (reference program education curriculum).
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Education
Required: High school diploma or GED preferred.
Preferred: NA
Licenses/ certifications/ registrations
Required: Serve-Safe Certification desired. State of Oregon, Department of Health Food Handler's License is required. A State of Oregon Department of Health issued Food Handler's License is required. (If working in Daycare, must be registered in Oregon CBR)
Preferred: NA
Experience
Required: Experience interacting with people from every socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic background, as well as excellent guest relations and communication skills and the ability to function as a member of a team.
Preferred: A thorough knowledge of a healthy diet is desired. One or more years of experience in a health care setting.
Other
  • Equipment, tools, and work aids: Computer, printer, photocopier, POS system (cash register), Dish machine, coffee maker, microwave oven, mixer, meat slicer, various choppers, steamer oven, combi-oven, convection oven, grill, knives, can opener, toaster, walk-in, reach-in, carts, trays, proofer, steam tables, blender, and other equipment necessary to successfully fulfill job requirements.
  • Must be able to speak and write English and demonstrate basic math skills.
  • Ability to work with culturally diverse population.

Physical Requirements:
The physical and sensory functions described below are essential to the successful performance of this position. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. The position requires sufficient auditory ability to detect and respond to various sounds, including alarms and verbal communication. Clear and effective communication is essential, as is the ability to interact with patients, families, and healthcare team members. Visual acuity is necessary for observing working conditions, reading documentation and monitors, and distinguishing colors for clinical purposes, such as identifying medications, allergens, or other safety indicators. Tactile perception is also important for assessing physical characteristics such as temperature, size, shape, or texture during patient care. Motor coordination is required for reaching, grasping, handling, and performing fine motor tasks necessary for the use of food service equipment and procedures. The position also involves occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling when cleaning or accessing equipment. Walking and standing are typically continuous throughout the shift. The role requires the ability to lift to 50 pounds independently and involves frequent pushing, pulling, carrying, or repositioning of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
Working Conditions:
This position is performed primarily in an indoor healthcare environment, such as a hospital, clinic, or long-term care facility, primarily in a kitchen. While the work setting is protected from outdoor weather conditions, it may be subject to variable indoor temperatures. Employees will be subject to temporary exposure to refrigerator and freezer temperatures. Tasks may involve exposure to extreme temperatures of equipment, food and water. This role involves exposure to infectious and contagious diseases, hazardous materials, cooking and medical equipment, with the expectation that all staff will follow appropriate safety protocols and utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
The health care environment can be fast-paced and unpredictable, requiring the ability to respond quickly to changing circumstances, including high-pressure or emergency situations. The work setting also involves multiple simultaneous demands and varying levels of noise due to kitchen and medical equipment, staff activity, and patient needs.
40 Hours USD $17.19/Hr. USD $26.33/Hr. 01-8050 Nutrition Services Second Shift