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Daycare Assistant Jobs in Springfield, MO (NOW HIRING)

On Site Daycare Center * On Site Doctor's Office & Chiropractor * 401k Retirement Plans with up to ... Handle, store & rotate products properly. * Assist in food prep assignments. * Close the kitchen ...

On Site Daycare Center * On Site Doctor's Office & Chiropractor * 401k Retirement Plans with up to ... Handle, store & rotate products properly. * Assist in food prep assignments. * Close the kitchen ...

On Site Daycare Center * On Site Doctor's Office & Chiropractor * 401k Retirement Plans with up to ... Handle, store & rotate products properly. * Assist in food prep assignments. * Close the kitchen ...

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Daycare Assistant information

See Springfield, MO salary details

$9

$13

$17

How much do daycare assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for daycare assistant in Springfield, MO is $13.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.26 and $15.53 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 Springfield, MO?

The most popular types of Daycare jobs in Springfield, MO are:

What are popular job titles related to Daycare Assistant jobs in Springfield, MO?

For Daycare Assistant jobs in Springfield, MO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Daycare Assistant jobs in Springfield, MO look for?

The top searched job categories for Daycare Assistant jobs in Springfield, MO are:

What cities near Springfield, MO are hiring for Daycare Assistant jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MO with the most Daycare Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Daycare Assistant job openings in Springfield, MO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,101 per year, or $14 per hour.

Daycare/Preschool Teacher

Little Sunshine's Playhouse

Springfield, MO โ€ข On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Description

Little Sunshine's Playhouse & Preschool is looking to expand our teaching family! We invite you to be part of this special place, where you can experience growth while making a difference in children's lives every single day! Come share your passion and talent at our exceptional, best-in-class, educational preschool located in Springfield, Missouri, where we are hiring for the following classrooms:

  • Infant: Assistant
  • Toddler: Assistant


What makes Little Sunshine's stand out...

  • GROWTH! About 75% of our school leadership positions were promoted from within! We are constantly opening new schools, and can help advance your career!
  • STABILITY! We have tens of locations and have been in business for over 20 years.
  • FUN! We strongly believe play is the primary foundation for a child's development, and this philosophy leads to an engaging and enjoyable place for teachers to thrive in their careers.
  • FAMILY! All of our team members are part of our family-owned business. We always provide a nurturing atmosphere where servant-leadership is a core value.

What we offer...

  • A fun, professional child care environment!
  • A bevy of benefits and perks (some limited to our full-time staff):
  • NO NIGHTS AND NO WEEKENDS
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays
  • Discounted childcare tuition
  • 401K
  • Health, dental, vision and life insurance
  • FREE continuing education training
  • Referral bonuses
  • Fun contest perks like free lunches and snacks from time-to-time
  • Development-we are not just a daycare, and can help get you qualified to launch your preschool teaching career and can help develop your growth along the way!
  • Impact-you make direct and tangible differences in children's lives, and build meaningful relationships with their families and your co-workers!

Here's what we are looking for...

Someone who:

  • Has a positive and reliable work ethic.
  • Has a passion for working with children, and is looking for a long-term home.
  • Possesses a teamwork mindset, and shows strong communication skills, organization skills, and problem-solving ability.
  • Preferably, is able to work full-time and be flexible with scheduling.
  • Preferably, has previous experience in childcare, teaching, or other related fields.
  • Wants to grow with a company that provides the very best educational care in the entire industry.

Apply to be a teacher at Little Sunshine's, and we'll be happy to tell you more about the position and about the very best this industry has to offer! #INDClaremont