{ "batch": "2013-school-age-childcare-worker-how-to-start", "articles": [ { "id": "learn_r2013_school_age_childcare_worker_how_to_start_bls_childcare_worker_education", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Education requirements to become a childcare worker", "summary": "A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for childcare workers, though some states may not have formal education requirements.", "body": "A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for childcare workers, though some states may not have formal education requirements.\n\nWhat U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics actually says:\n\n“Typical Entry-Level Education: High school diploma or equivalent”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/childcare-workers.htm", "last_verified": "2026-10-09", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics", "evidence_quote": "Typical Entry-Level Education: High school diploma or equivalent", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "2013-school-age-childcare-worker-how-to-start", "subject": "Childcare Workers", "topic": "Education requirements to become a childcare worker", "applies_to_country": "Us", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "access.signup" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r2013_school_age_childcare_worker_how_to_start_bls_childcare_worker_training", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Training requirements for childcare workers", "summary": "Childcare workers typically require short-term on-the-job training, ranging from a few days to one year, though some occupations may not require any previous experience.", "body": "Childcare workers typically require short-term on-the-job training, ranging from a few days to one year, though some occupations may not require any previous experience.\n\nWhat U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics actually says:\n\n“On-the-job Training: Short-term on-the-job training”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/childcare-workers.htm", "last_verified": "2026-10-09", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics", "evidence_quote": "On-the-job Training: Short-term on-the-job training", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "2013-school-age-childcare-worker-how-to-start", "subject": "Childcare Workers", "topic": "Training requirements for childcare workers", "applies_to_country": "Us", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "access.signup" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r2013_school_age_childcare_worker_how_to_start_bls_childcare_worker_median_pay", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Median pay for childcare workers", "summary": "The median hourly wage for childcare workers was $16.82 in May 2025, with an annual median pay of $34,980.", "body": "The median hourly wage for childcare workers was $16.82 in May 2025, with an annual median pay of $34,980.\n\nWhat U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics actually says:\n\n“2025 Median Pay: $34,980 per year $16.82 per hour”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/childcare-workers.htm", "last_verified": "2026-10-09", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics", "evidence_quote": "2025 Median Pay: $34,980 per year $16.82 per hour", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "2013-school-age-childcare-worker-how-to-start", "subject": "Childcare Workers", "topic": "Median pay for childcare workers", "applies_to_country": "Us", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "money.fees" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r2013_school_age_childcare_worker_how_to_start_bls_childcare_worker_job_openings", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Projected job openings for childcare workers", "summary": "Despite declining employment, about 150,300 openings for childcare workers are projected each year over the decade (2025-2035), mostly due to replacement needs.", "body": "Despite declining employment, about 150,300 openings for childcare workers are projected each year over the decade (2025-2035), mostly due to replacement needs.\n\nWhat U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics actually says:\n\n“Despite declining employment, about 150,300 openings for childcare workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/childcare-workers.htm", "last_verified": "2026-10-09", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics", "evidence_quote": "Despite declining employment, about 150,300 openings for childcare workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "2013-school-age-childcare-worker-how-to-start", "subject": "Childcare Workers", "topic": "Projected job openings for childcare workers", "applies_to_country": "Us", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "first_month", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "money.payout" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r2013_school_age_childcare_worker_how_to_start_bls_childcare_worker_job_outlook", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Employment outlook for childcare workers", "summary": "Employment of childcare workers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, despite ongoing need due to replacement demands.", "body": "Employment of childcare workers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, despite ongoing need due to replacement demands.\n\nWhat U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics actually says:\n\n“Employment of childcare workers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/childcare-workers.htm", "last_verified": "2026-10-09", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics", "evidence_quote": "Employment of childcare workers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "2013-school-age-childcare-worker-how-to-start", "subject": "Childcare Workers", "topic": "Employment outlook for childcare workers", "applies_to_country": "Us", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "first_month", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "money.pricing" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r2013_school_age_childcare_worker_how_to_start_onet_childcare_worker_educational_variety", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Varied educational requirements for childcare workers", "summary": "Educational requirements for childcare workers vary from no formal education to postsecondary education in early childhood education, with some states requiring specific credentials.", "body": "Educational requirements for childcare workers vary from no formal education to postsecondary education in early childhood education, with some states requiring specific credentials.\n\nWhat U.S. Department of Labor actually says:\n\n“Education and training requirements vary by setting, state, and employer. They range from no formal education to a certification in early childhood education.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/39-9011.00", "last_verified": "2026-10-09", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "U.S. Department of Labor", "evidence_quote": "Education and training requirements vary by setting, state, and employer. They range from no formal education to a certification in early childhood education.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "2013-school-age-childcare-worker-how-to-start", "subject": "Childcare Workers", "topic": "Varied educational requirements for childcare workers", "applies_to_country": "Us", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "access.signup" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r2013_school_age_childcare_worker_how_to_start_onet_childcare_worker_job_zone", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Job preparation level for childcare workers", "summary": "Childcare workers fall in Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed, indicating minimal formal education or training requirements.", "body": "Childcare workers fall in Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed, indicating minimal formal education or training requirements.\n\nWhat U.S. Department of Labor actually says:\n\n“Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/39-9011.00", "last_verified": "2026-10-09", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "U.S. Department of Labor", "evidence_quote": "Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "2013-school-age-childcare-worker-how-to-start", "subject": "Childcare Workers", "topic": "Job preparation level for childcare workers", "applies_to_country": "Us", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "access.signup" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r2013_school_age_childcare_worker_how_to_start_dcyt_background_check_requirement", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Background check requirements for childcare workers", "summary": "Anyone connected with a licensed child care facility or ECEAP site must register in MERIT (Managed Education and Registry Information Tool) and complete a portable background check that is valid for five years.", "body": "Anyone connected with a licensed child care facility or ECEAP site must register in MERIT (Managed Education and Registry Information Tool) and complete a portable background check that is valid for five years.\n\nWhat Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families actually says:\n\n“DCYF provides portable background checks that are valid for five years. These are submitted through the Managed Education and Registry Information Tool (MERIT). Anyone connected with a licensed child care facility or an ECEAP site must register in MERIT and have a STARS ID.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/services/early-learning-providers/background-checks", "last_verified": "2026-10-09", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families", "evidence_quote": "DCYF provides portable background checks that are valid for five years. These are submitted through the Managed Education and Registry Information Tool (MERIT). Anyone connected with a licensed child care facility or an ECEAP site must register in MERIT and have a STARS ID.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "2013-school-age-childcare-worker-how-to-start", "subject": "Washington State Childcare Providers", "topic": "Background check requirements for childcare workers", "applies_to_country": "Us-wa", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us-wa" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "access.id" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r2013_school_age_childcare_worker_how_to_start_dcyt_background_check_fingerprinting", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Washington State Childcare Providers: Fingerprinting requirements for background checks", "summary": "All applicants age 16 and older must complete the fingerprint process as part of the background check application, and new applications must be submitted before current background checks expire.", "body": "All applicants age 16 and older must complete the fingerprint process as part of the background check application, and new applications must be submitted before current background checks expire.\n\nWhat Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families actually says:\n\n“All applicants age 16 and older must complete the fingerprint process. You must submit a new application before your current background check expires.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/services/early-learning-providers/background-checks", "last_verified": "2026-10-09", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families", "evidence_quote": "All applicants age 16 and older must complete the fingerprint process. You must submit a new application before your current background check expires.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "2013-school-age-childcare-worker-how-to-start", "subject": "Washington State Childcare Providers", "topic": "Fingerprinting requirements for background checks", "applies_to_country": "Us-wa", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us-wa" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "access.id" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r2013_school_age_childcare_worker_how_to_start_dcyt_house_bill_1648_experience_option", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Washington State Childcare Providers: Alternative qualification pathways through experience", "summary": "House Bill 1648 provides an experience option for staff qualification: those hired before Aug. 1, 2025 can meet qualifications by Aug. 1, 2030 with 5 years of experience, or those hired on/after Aug. 1, 2025 have 5 years from hire/promotion date.", "body": "House Bill 1648 provides an experience option for staff qualification: those hired before Aug. 1, 2025 can meet qualifications by Aug. 1, 2030 with 5 years of experience, or those hired on/after Aug. 1, 2025 have 5 years from hire/promotion date.\n\nWhat Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families actually says:\n\n“If you were hired before Aug. 1, 2025: You must meet staff qualifications requirements by Aug. 1, 2030. If you have 5 years of experience (cumulative or consecutive) by that date, you may use your experience to meet staff qualifications requirements. If you were hired on or after Aug. 1, 2025: You have 5 years from your hire or promotion date to meet staff qualifications requirements.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/services/early-learning-providers/qualifications", "last_verified": "2026-10-09", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families", "evidence_quote": "If you were hired before Aug. 1, 2025: You must meet staff qualifications requirements by Aug. 1, 2030. If you have 5 years of experience (cumulative or consecutive) by that date, you may use your experience to meet staff qualifications requirements. If you were hired on or after Aug. 1, 2025: You have 5 years from your hire or promotion date to meet staff qualifications requirements.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "2013-school-age-childcare-worker-how-to-start", "subject": "Washington State Childcare Providers", "topic": "Alternative qualification pathways through experience", "applies_to_country": "Us-wa", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us-wa" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "access.signup" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r2013_school_age_childcare_worker_how_to_start_dcyt_early_achievers_program", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Washington State Childcare Providers: Early Achievers quality rating system", "summary": "Washington State has an Early Achievers program that provides a Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) to improve the quality of child care and early learning across the state.", "body": "Washington State has an Early Achievers program that provides a Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) to improve the quality of child care and early learning across the state.\n\nWhat Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families actually says:\n\n“Early Achievers: Working to improve the quality of child care and early learning in Washington.”\n\nNote: Quality rating system for early learning programs", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/services/early-learning-providers/early-achievers", "last_verified": "2026-10-09", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families", "evidence_quote": "Early Achievers: Working to improve the quality of child care and early learning in Washington.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "2013-school-age-childcare-worker-how-to-start", "subject": "Washington State Childcare Providers", "topic": "Early Achievers quality rating system", "applies_to_country": "Us-wa", "tags": { "lane": "teaching", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-wa" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r2013_school_age_childcare_worker_how_to_start_dcyt_merit_workforce_registry", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Washington State Childcare Providers: MERIT Workforce Registry", "summary": "DCYF tracks most staff qualifications and job role requirements in the MERIT Workforce Registry, with assistance available for using the system.", "body": "DCYF tracks most staff qualifications and job role requirements in the MERIT Workforce Registry, with assistance available for using the system.\n\nWhat Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families actually says:\n\n“Most staff qualifications and job role requirements are tracked in the MERIT Workforce Registry. For help using MERIT and step-by-step instructions, visit the MERIT Workforce Registry webpage.”\n\nNote: Professional development system for tracking qualifications", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/services/earlylearning-profdev", "last_verified": "2026-10-09", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families", "evidence_quote": "Most staff qualifications and job role requirements are tracked in the MERIT Workforce Registry. For help using MERIT and step-by-step instructions, visit the MERIT Workforce Registry webpage.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "2013-school-age-childcare-worker-how-to-start", "subject": "Washington State Childcare Providers", "topic": "MERIT Workforce Registry", "applies_to_country": "Us-wa", "tags": { "lane": "teaching", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-wa" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r2013_school_age_childcare_worker_how_to_start_dcyt_early_learning_types", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Washington State Childcare: Types of licensed early learning programs", "summary": "Washington State licenses three main types of early learning programs: Family Home (max 12 children), Child Care Center (less than 24 hours per day), and School-Age (children ages 5-13, less than 24 hours per day), plus Outdoor Nature-Based programs.", "body": "Washington State licenses three main types of early learning programs: Family Home (max 12 children), Child Care Center (less than 24 hours per day), and School-Age (children ages 5-13, less than 24 hours per day), plus Outdoor Nature-Based programs.\n\nWhat Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families actually says:\n\n“A Family Home early learning program is child care provided in someone's home. The provider lives there and can care for 12 or fewer children from birth to age 13. A Child Care Center early learning program is child care provided in a building or facility for groups of children from birth to age 13. Children are in care for less than 24 hours per day. A School-Age child care program is for children ages 5 to 13 and provided when they are not in school. Children are in care less than 24 hours per day. An Outdoor Nature-Based child care program provides child care for preschool and/or school-age children, mostly outdoors. Children are in care less than 24 hours per day.”\n\nNote: Describes the different licensed childcare program types in Washington", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/services/early-learning-providers/licensed-provider", "last_verified": "2026-10-09", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families", "evidence_quote": "A Family Home early learning program is child care provided in someone's home. The provider lives there and can care for 12 or fewer children from birth to age 13. A Child Care Center early learning program is child care provided in a building or facility for groups of children from birth to age 13. Children are in care for less than 24 hours per day. A School-Age child care program is for children ages 5 to 13 and provided when they are not in school. Children are in care less than 24 hours per day. An Outdoor Nature-Based child care program provides child care for preschool and/or school-age children, mostly outdoors. Children are in care less than 24 hours per day.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "2013-school-age-childcare-worker-how-to-start", "subject": "Washington State Childcare", "topic": "Types of licensed early learning programs", "applies_to_country": "Us-wa", "tags": { "lane": "teaching", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-wa" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } } ] }