Education & Care

How to become a Childcare Worker

From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

0–3 months

Typical pay

$28k–$38k

Starting from

No experience

The steps

1. 1

   Clear background checks and health screening

   Required before you can be alone with children anywhere licensed.

   2–6 weeks

2. 2

   Get first aid and CPR

   Pediatric-specific, and mandatory in most states.

   Pediatric first aid / CPR

   Course that covers thisCPR/AED Awareness Course: Save Lives with ConfidenceUdemy · around $19.99 →
3. 3

   Complete state orientation hours

   Most states require introductory training within your first months.

   1–3 months

   Course that covers thisMaster Course in Early Childhood EducationUdemy · around $89.99 →

Course links are Udemy affiliate links — we earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Licences and exams named above are issued by state boards and certifying bodies we have no relationship with; we list them because they are what the job actually requires.