Careers

A child care center teacher must be at least 18 years old and meet one of nine possible combined credential, educational and experience requirements; for example, a high school diploma with 4,160 hours experience as an assistant teacher and 24 credit hours in a child care-related area of study.

An assistant teacher must work under the supervision of a teacher, must be at least 18 years old, and meet one of nine possible combined credential, educational and experience requirements; for example, a high school diploma with 2,080 hours of experience as an aide or intern and 12 quarter credits in a child care-related area of study.

An aide carries out the child care program activities under the supervision of a teacher or assistant teacher. An aide must be at least 16; if under 18, the aide must be directly supervised by a teacher or assistant teacher at all times except when assisting with sleeping children or with toileting and diapering.