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Daycare Associate Jobs in Dry Ridge, KY (NOW HIRING)

Preschool Lead Teacher

Richwood, KY · On-site

$15.79 - $20.53/hr

Associate or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field is preferred ... If you're passionate about early childhood development and have experience in childcare, daycare ...

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Daycare Associate information

See Dry Ridge, KY salary details

$9

$16

$19

How much do daycare associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for daycare associate in Dry Ridge, KY is $16.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a daycare associate?

Daycare Associates are professionals who work in childcare centers, providing care and supervision for young children while their parents or guardians are at work or otherwise unavailable. Their responsibilities often include organizing activities, ensuring the safety and well-being of children, assisting with meals and hygiene, and supporting early childhood learning and development. Daycare Associates also communicate regularly with parents about their children's progress and behavior. They play a vital role in creating a nurturing and educational environment for children.

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

To thrive as a Daycare Associate, you need a solid understanding of child development, basic caregiving, and often a high school diploma or early childhood education certification. Familiarity with safety protocols, record-keeping systems, and first aid/CPR certification is typically required. Patience, strong communication, and the ability to engage children creatively are critical soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the safety, well-being, and positive development of children in a nurturing daycare environment.

What are some common challenges faced by daycare associates, and how can they be managed effectively?

Daycare Associates often encounter challenges such as managing varying child behaviors, balancing supervision with engaging activities, and communicating effectively with parents. It's important to remain patient, adaptable, and proactive in addressing each child's needs while maintaining a safe environment. Building strong teamwork with colleagues and staying organized helps manage daily routines smoothly and ensures high-quality care for children.

What cities near Dry Ridge, KY are hiring for Daycare Associate jobs?

Cities near Dry Ridge, KY with the most Daycare Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Daycare Associate job openings in Dry Ridge, KY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,445 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Preschool Lead Teacher

518-Richwood

Richwood, KY • On-site

$15.79 - $20.53/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Overview

What You’ll Do

  • Create a warm, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment where every child is treated with dignity, respect, and care.
  • Build positive, professional relationships with children and families, including daily greetings and ongoing communication.
  • Recognize and respond to diverse developmental, behavioral, cultural, and learning needs, including implementing IEPs and behavioral support plans as required.
  • Plan, implement, and document developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with Cadence educational philosophy and Signature Programs.
  • Use Cadence-required systems and communication tools to communicate professionally with families, coworkers, and leadership.
  • Maintain a safe and well‑supervised classroom, following the Cadence Education Safety and Supervision Manual at all times.
  • Accurately document and report accidents, incidents, and escalated behaviors in accordance with company policy and licensing requirements.
  • Follow all Cadence Education policies, procedures, and standards outlined in the Employee Handbook.
  • Participate in required trainings, meetings, and professional development, which may occur outside of regularly scheduled work hours.
What We’re Looking For 

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

  • Demonstrated ability to follow all safety procedures, including Name‑to‑Face accountability, food allergy processes, bottle‑feeding procedures, and Safe Sleep practices.
  • Ability to manage a classroom environment with consistency, structure, and care.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

Education

  • Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field is preferred.

Experience

  • Must meet state licensing requirements for Lead Teachers in a licensed childcare center.
  • A minimum of 6–12 months of early childhood or classroom experience is preferred, depending on education and credentials.

Credentials & Licensing

  • Must meet all Department of Health Services (DHS) licensing qualifications for Lead Teachers, which may include:
    • High school diploma or GED plus required experience or
    • College coursework in early childhood education or
    • CDA, CCP, EEC or NAC credential
  • Ability to obtain and maintain required background clearances and health screenings.
  • CDA preferred but not required if state requirements are met.

Scheduling Requirements (Please Review Carefully)

  • Flexibility is essential. Schedules may change based on enrollment, staffing ratios, and operational needs.
  • Work schedules may vary and are not guaranteed to be eight-hour shifts.
  • Daily end times may vary and cannot be guaranteed.

#CRKY


Responsibilities

We are hiring a Preschool Lead Teacher to join our team of dedicated educators. If you’re passionate about early childhood development and have experience in childcare, daycare, or preschool education, we’d love to meet you.

Why Join Us?
We’re a community of professionals who care deeply about children and their growth. Our schools foster collaboration, open communication, and a supportive work environment. We prioritize work-life balance and provide the tools and resources you need to succeed.

Under the direction of the School Director, the Lead Teacher plays a vital role in creating a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children. This position is responsible for planning and delivering curriculum, leading classroom operations, and implementing Cadence Education programs while supporting the physical, social, emotional, and developmental needs of all children—including those with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).

Lead Teachers are classroom leaders who model professionalism, ensure compliance with licensing and safety requirements, and partner with families and team members to support each child’s growth and success.

Compensation & Benefits:

  • Competitive compensation
  • On demand pay with UKG Wallet
  • 50% childcare tuition discount
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Comprehensive benefit package for all full-time employees, including:
  • Paid time off that increases with seniority
  • Paid holidays
  • Medical, dental, vision options available
  • Additional life, disability, and retirement plans
  • Educational and professional development
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Company-paid life insurance
  • Pet insurance
  • Paid CDA