Daycare Jobs for OPT Students
Daycare jobs on OPT are available at childcare centers, preschools, and early learning programs across the U.S. Most roles fall under early childhood education, a field that supports STEM OPT extension eligibility for students with qualifying degrees. Positions typically require CPR certification and background checks before your first day.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Teddy’s Cubhouse is seeking a part-time dedicated Daycare Assistant to join our caring team. This position is responsible for supporting the development and well-being of children aged 6 weeks to 12 years. The ideal candidate will promote a safe, positive, and engaging environment where every child can thrive.
Part-time Position:
Monday through Friday
Hours: 11:00am - 2:00pm
Duration: May 18th through August 28th, 2026
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
- Attend to children’s daily needs, including dressing, feeding, diapering, and helping with personal care.
- Plan and organize games and activities that encourage creativity and learning.
- Teach arts and crafts projects to help children develop fine and gross motor skills.
- Support the emotional, social, and physical growth of children through positive interactions.
- Monitor children for signs of emotional and developmental issues and notify parents, guardians, or authorities when necessary.
- Implement developmentally appropriate disciplinary measures to maintain classroom and facility control.
- Teach children personal and healthy habits, including eating, resting, and personal hygiene.
- Clean and sanitize toys, furniture, and play equipment regularly.
- Maintain records for individual children, including daily observations, activities, and meals served.
- Perform other duties assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrate excellent communication skills with parents and other childcare workers.
- Possess patience and understanding when working with children and interacting with parents.
- Maintain extensive knowledge of childcare principles and procedures.
- Relate well with children and contribute to an enjoyable atmosphere within the childcare facility.
- Be familiar with early childhood teaching strategies.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Child Development Associate Credential is preferred.
- At least one year of related experience is required.
- Certification in Pediatric first aid and CPR required must be maintained by obtaining recertification, as necessary.
- You must successfully pass a criminal background check.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand for prolonged periods and bend frequently.
- Must be able to lift to 50 pounds at a time.
- Possible exposure to illness-causing bacteria and viruses.
It is the policy of TRMF to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, TRMF will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.
INTRODUCTION
Teddy’s Cubhouse is seeking a part-time dedicated Daycare Assistant to join our caring team. This position is responsible for supporting the development and well-being of children aged 6 weeks to 12 years. The ideal candidate will promote a safe, positive, and engaging environment where every child can thrive.
Part-time Position:
Monday through Friday
Hours: 11:00am - 2:00pm
Duration: May 18th through August 28th, 2026
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
- Attend to children’s daily needs, including dressing, feeding, diapering, and helping with personal care.
- Plan and organize games and activities that encourage creativity and learning.
- Teach arts and crafts projects to help children develop fine and gross motor skills.
- Support the emotional, social, and physical growth of children through positive interactions.
- Monitor children for signs of emotional and developmental issues and notify parents, guardians, or authorities when necessary.
- Implement developmentally appropriate disciplinary measures to maintain classroom and facility control.
- Teach children personal and healthy habits, including eating, resting, and personal hygiene.
- Clean and sanitize toys, furniture, and play equipment regularly.
- Maintain records for individual children, including daily observations, activities, and meals served.
- Perform other duties assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrate excellent communication skills with parents and other childcare workers.
- Possess patience and understanding when working with children and interacting with parents.
- Maintain extensive knowledge of childcare principles and procedures.
- Relate well with children and contribute to an enjoyable atmosphere within the childcare facility.
- Be familiar with early childhood teaching strategies.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Child Development Associate Credential is preferred.
- At least one year of related experience is required.
- Certification in Pediatric first aid and CPR required must be maintained by obtaining recertification, as necessary.
- You must successfully pass a criminal background check.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand for prolonged periods and bend frequently.
- Must be able to lift to 50 pounds at a time.
- Possible exposure to illness-causing bacteria and viruses.
It is the policy of TRMF to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, TRMF will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Daycare
Confirm your degree aligns with the role
Daycare and early childhood education roles must be directly related to your degree field for OPT authorization to apply. A degree in child development, education, or psychology typically satisfies this. Misaligned degrees can put your OPT status at risk.
Track your employment start date carefully
OPT requires you to begin working within 90 days of your program start date. For daycare roles, hiring timelines can move quickly, so confirm your official start date with HR and report it to your DSO without delay.
Report your employer to your DSO immediately
Once hired, report your employer name, address, and job title to your DSO so they can update SEVIS. Daycare employers often don't know this step is required, so you'll need to initiate it yourself and follow up promptly.
Clarify H-1B sponsorship early in the process
Many small daycare operators don't sponsor H-1B visas. Ask about future sponsorship during or after the interview, not during initial screening. Larger childcare chains and school district programs are more likely to have HR infrastructure for visa sponsorship.
Get CPR and background checks done before applying
Most daycare employers require CPR certification and a state background check before your first day. Completing these in advance signals seriousness and removes a common hiring delay, which matters when you're working within OPT time constraints.
Understand your unemployment day limit
OPT allows a maximum of 90 unemployment days, or 150 for STEM OPT. Gaps between daycare contracts or seasonal closures count against this limit. Track your days carefully and line up your next role before that window closes.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do daycare jobs qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes, if the role is directly related to your degree field. A student with a degree in early childhood education, child development, or a related field working at a licensed daycare center qualifies. The connection between your degree and the job must be documented with your DSO, who updates your employment record in SEVIS.
Can I work part-time at a daycare on OPT?
Yes. OPT permits part-time work of 20 hours or more per week during your authorized period. Many daycare roles offer flexible schedules, which can work for OPT purposes. However, part-time hours still count toward your unemployment day calculation, so consistent employment is important for maintaining status.
Where can I find daycare employers that are open to hiring OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the best place to start. It lists daycare and early childhood education roles from employers familiar with OPT and visa sponsorship, which saves you from filtering through listings at employers who won't hire international students. Larger childcare networks and school-affiliated programs tend to have more experience with work authorization than independent operators.
Do daycare jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Only if your degree is in a STEM-designated field and the role directly applies that training. Early childhood education is not typically listed as a STEM field. However, students with degrees in psychology, data-informed education technology, or certain applied sciences may find qualifying roles within larger childcare or educational development organizations. Confirm your degree's STEM designation with your DSO.
What happens if my daycare employer closes or I lose my job during OPT?
Your OPT authorization remains valid, but your unemployment days begin counting immediately. You have 90 days total on standard OPT, or 150 on STEM OPT, to secure new employment. Notify your DSO promptly when employment ends. Start searching for a new role right away, since daycare hiring can move slowly, especially around seasonal breaks.
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