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Daycare Substitute Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Primrose School

Substitute Teacher

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

Daycare Substitute Teacher As a Support Teacher, you'll embark on an exciting journey of discovery alongside our little learners. You'll build trusted relationships with families as you provide ...

Primrose School

Substitute Teacher

East Brunswick, NJ · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Daycare Substitute Teacher As a Substitute Teacher, you'll embark on an exciting journey of discovery alongside our little learners. You'll build trusted relationships with families as you provide ...

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Daycare Substitute information

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How much do daycare substitute jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for daycare substitute in the United States is $23.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a daycare substitute?

Daycare substitutes are individuals who temporarily fill in for regular daycare staff when they are absent due to illness, vacation, or other reasons. They are responsible for supervising children, ensuring their safety, and assisting with daily activities such as meals, playtime, and learning exercises. Daycare substitutes must be adaptable, able to follow lesson plans, and maintain a nurturing environment. They often work on an on-call basis and may be employed by childcare centers, preschools, or early learning programs.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a daycare substitute?

To thrive as a Daycare Substitute, you need a basic understanding of early childhood development, child supervision skills, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers requiring childcare certifications. Familiarity with classroom management tools, health and safety procedures, and child sign-in/out systems is often necessary. Patience, flexibility, and strong communication skills help build rapport with both children and staff and enable smooth transitions between classrooms. These skills ensure a safe, nurturing, and consistent environment for children, even in the absence of regular staff.

What are common challenges faced by a daycare substitute, and how can they be managed?

Daycare Substitutes often encounter the challenge of adapting quickly to new routines and building rapport with children they've just met. It's important to familiarize yourself with the center’s policies, daily schedules, and the needs of each age group. Clear communication with permanent staff and maintaining a flexible, patient attitude can help ease transitions and ensure a positive experience for the children. Additionally, being proactive in asking questions and seeking guidance when needed will help you integrate smoothly into each classroom environment.

What is the difference between Daycare Substitute vs Preschool Teacher?

AspectDaycare SubstitutePreschool Teacher
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some states require background checksAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
Work EnvironmentTemporary coverage in daycare centers, often on short noticeFull-time or part-time teaching in preschool classrooms with planned curriculum
Employer & Industry UsageDaycare centers, childcare providersPreschools, early childhood education programs
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for temporary childcare staffing rolesSeeking teaching positions with curriculum planning responsibilities

In summary, a Daycare Substitute provides temporary coverage in daycare settings, often with minimal credentials, while a Preschool Teacher typically holds a degree and is responsible for delivering structured early childhood education. Both roles are essential in early childhood care but differ in qualifications and job responsibilities.

More about Daycare Substitute jobs

What cities are hiring for Daycare Substitute jobs?

Cities with the most Daycare Substitute job openings:

What states have the most Daycare Substitute jobs?

States with the most job openings for Daycare Substitute jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Daycare Substitute jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Daycare Substitute jobs are:

Daycare Substitute jobs near you
Infographic showing various Daycare Substitute job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,863 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Misc - Classroom Assistant - Daycare Substitute

Jordan School District

West Jordan, UT

$17.88/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Jordan School District (Utah) rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

227th of 643 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description

Fill in as substitute in Daycare, As needed. 

Job Description
Effective July 1, 2026
Lane 1 Step 1 ($17.88/Hour) 
Salary Schedules







What Jordan School District (Utah) employees say

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