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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

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from no experience and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

See childcare worker jobs open now

The route

  1. Clear background checks and health screening

    Required before you can be alone with children anywhere licensed.

  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. Complete state orientation hours

    Most states require introductory training within your first months.

    Course that covers thisMaster Course in Early Childhood EducationUdemy · around $89.99
  4. Destination

    Childcare Worker

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