Your Next Step: Daycare, Preschool, or In-Home Care
A decision guide for new childcare workers picking between licensed daycare centers, preschools, Head Start, and private in-home (nanny) work.
Table of contents
What the work looks like
The three main settings: licensed daycare center (ages 6 weeks to 5 years, large rooms, shift structure, corporate or nonprofit), preschool or Head Start (ages 3 to 5, more structured curriculum, school calendar, often requires CDA or associate degree for lead teachers), and private in-home care or nanny (1 to 3 children in a single family's home, more autonomy, higher pay, no coworkers).
Each has a different pace, pay structure, and growth path. Center work offers steady hours, coworker support, and benefits if the chain is big enough. Preschool and Head Start offer school holidays and summer breaks. Nanny work is highest paying but solo, and the relationship with the family is everything.
Safety and tools
Certifications that travel: pediatric CPR and first aid, state pre-service training, background check, and TB screening. Center and preschool jobs often add a food-handler card (for meals) and a sanitation training module.
For nannies, many families ask for CPR, a clean driving record (if you drive the kids), and a portfolio of references. A nanny agency like Care.com, Sittercity, or a local agency can help you find vetted families.
Long-term credentials: the CDA (Child Development Associate) opens lead teacher roles and is recognized nationwide. An AA in Early Childhood Education opens director roles. Some states have their own stackable credentials (for example, Maryland 90-hour, Florida Staff Credential, California Child Development Permit).
Your first exercise
Visit your state Department of Children and Families (or equivalent) website and download a sample center license inspection report. Read through the items inspectors check. Then look up the CDA credential at the Council for Professional Recognition and note the requirements (120 hours of education, 480 hours of experience, portfolio, and exam).
Where to go next
Build with Child Development, Child Health & Safety, Behavior Guidance (Introduction to Behavior Guidance), and Childcare Regulations. Crossover skills that help every childcare setting: CPR & First Aid, Infection Control, and Customer Service (for parent communication).