OPT Daycare Jobs
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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We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Daycare Lead Teacher for our childcare center. The Lead Teacher will be responsible for designing and implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum, ensuring the well-being and safety of the children, and providing a nurturing and stimulating environment. The ideal candidate will have a passion for early childhood education and be committed to promoting the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement a comprehensive and engaging curriculum that supports the learning and development of each child.
- Create a safe and inclusive environment where children can explore, learn, and grow.
- Plan and execute age-appropriate activities and lessons to stimulate children's curiosity and facilitate their learning and development.
- Establish positive relationships with children and their families, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
- Monitor and assess children's progress, documenting their achievements, and providing feedback to parents on a regular basis.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and child-friendly classroom that meets health and safety standards.
- Collaborate with other teachers and staff members to create a cohesive and supportive team environment.
- Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance teaching skills and stay updated on best practices in early childhood education.
Qualifications
- Associate’s degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education or equivalent experience (60 college credits with 30 hours in ECE), Lead Teacher Qualified by EEC
- Previous experience working in a childcare setting, preferably as a Lead Teacher.
- Excellent knowledge of child development theories and practices.
- Strong understanding of early childhood curriculum planning and implementation.
- Ability to create a positive and nurturing learning environment.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with children, families, and colleagues.
- Patience, compassion, and empathy for young children and their unique needs.
- CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
- Knowledge of state licensing regulations and ability to ensure compliance.
Who We Are
Phoenix Charter Academy aims to show the world what all young people can do, and to defy the limitations of societal assumptions, classism, and racism. Phoenix Charter Academy was founded on the unwavering belief that all students can succeed at high levels. While this mantra is typical of high-performing schools, particularly those in the charter sector, Phoenix truly endeavors to reach every student, focusing on a growing number on the margins of the traditional public district education system: students who have dropped out of high school, students who are parenting children of their own, students who are or have been involved with the juvenile justice system, students who are older and new to the country and cannot gain access to public schooling, and students who are under-credited relative to the number of years they have spent enrolled in high school. We believe that these students, like all students, are completely capable of developing the skills necessary to set themselves up for lifetimes of economic prosperity and success. We support our students with individually tailored and academically rigorous curricula and push them to succeed at the highest levels by providing them with the resources and mentoring that they need to reach their full potential.
Why Our Work is Important
Students across America are dropping out of high school at an alarming rate. Dropping out of high school has a substantial impact on a young person’s life. Over the course of their lifetime, an individual who drops out of high school is more likely to have reduced earning power, greater social service dependency, increased rates of criminal involvement, and shorter life expectancy. Phoenix Charter Academies addresses this trend by creating environments where students can demonstrate their talent and resilience and prepare themselves for success through high school, college, and beyond.
Commitment to DEI
At Phoenix, we recognize the importance of forming a school community inclusive of all visible and invisible identities. We act to ensure that our students and staff always see reflections of themselves and their communities.
At Phoenix, we aim to break down systemic barriers by providing access to resources, experiences, and differentiated supports for historically marginalized groups.
At Phoenix, we solicit, value, understand, connect, and leverage multiple perspectives and experiences. We invite all perspectives except those that perpetuate oppression or dehumanization.
At Phoenix we do not just accept difference - we celebrate it, support it, and thrive on it for the benefit of our scholars and the communities we serve. We believe difference makes us stronger. Phoenix Charter Academy is an equal opportunity employer and as such, we do not discriminate against any team member or candidate because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. Phoenix Charter Academy is committed to making any reasonable accommodations necessary to support an individual's employment.
Qualities of Phoenix staff member:
- Unwavering belief in our students - Phoenix staff operate with the deeply held belief that all young people want to and can succeed even in the face of substantial systemic barriers and societal constraints.
- Continuous Improvement - Phoenix staff approach problem solving with curiosity and desire to understand the perspectives of others. They carry an internalized sense of “I can always learn more” and know that adults at Phoenix must model the qualities of being open-minded and willing to make mistakes and learn from them. Phoenix staff members embody “lifelong learner” mindsets and strive for constant improvement.
- Eager to Learn - Phoenix staff must be able to learn as they go in a fast paced, ever evolving, urgent environment. They have the desire to receive direct feedback and the ability to implement the feedback into practice quickly.
- Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Phoenix staff commit to understanding the ways that their self-identity and experiences impact and interact with their daily work, their colleagues, and their students, and work toward furthering initiatives that promote a more equitable society.
What You’ll Bring:
- Communication - Conveys information effectively and efficiently using verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills; has knowledge and flexibility to communicate across lines of difference.
- Scholar Orientation - Works to deepen understanding of scholars and centers the needs of scholars in all aspects of how the work is done.
- Adaptability - Adjusts and strategically aligns work to the school's mission while navigating complex and changing environments internally and externally.
- Strong work ethic with ability to work independently and in a team environment.
What You’ll Get
We want you to be the best you can so you’ll receive professional development, coaching, and the resources needed for you to succeed. An open, curious, and celebratory culture that embraces diversity as a leading asset and fosters equity and inclusion through affinity groups and continuous capacity building supported by our Racial, Justice, and Equity working group. Competitive market comp, medical, dental, vision, mental health, and wellness plans, a 403b, and employee perks such as longevity bonus and pet insurance.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and as such, we do not discriminate against any team member or candidate because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. Phoenix Charter Academy is committed to making any reasonable accommodations necessary to support an individual's employment.
The Network retains the right to modify this job description at any time, for any reason, at the Network’s sole discretion
Job Summary:
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Daycare Lead Teacher for our childcare center. The Lead Teacher will be responsible for designing and implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum, ensuring the well-being and safety of the children, and providing a nurturing and stimulating environment. The ideal candidate will have a passion for early childhood education and be committed to promoting the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement a comprehensive and engaging curriculum that supports the learning and development of each child.
- Create a safe and inclusive environment where children can explore, learn, and grow.
- Plan and execute age-appropriate activities and lessons to stimulate children's curiosity and facilitate their learning and development.
- Establish positive relationships with children and their families, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
- Monitor and assess children's progress, documenting their achievements, and providing feedback to parents on a regular basis.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and child-friendly classroom that meets health and safety standards.
- Collaborate with other teachers and staff members to create a cohesive and supportive team environment.
- Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance teaching skills and stay updated on best practices in early childhood education.
Qualifications
- Associate’s degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education or equivalent experience (60 college credits with 30 hours in ECE), Lead Teacher Qualified by EEC
- Previous experience working in a childcare setting, preferably as a Lead Teacher.
- Excellent knowledge of child development theories and practices.
- Strong understanding of early childhood curriculum planning and implementation.
- Ability to create a positive and nurturing learning environment.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with children, families, and colleagues.
- Patience, compassion, and empathy for young children and their unique needs.
- CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
- Knowledge of state licensing regulations and ability to ensure compliance.
Who We Are
Phoenix Charter Academy aims to show the world what all young people can do, and to defy the limitations of societal assumptions, classism, and racism. Phoenix Charter Academy was founded on the unwavering belief that all students can succeed at high levels. While this mantra is typical of high-performing schools, particularly those in the charter sector, Phoenix truly endeavors to reach every student, focusing on a growing number on the margins of the traditional public district education system: students who have dropped out of high school, students who are parenting children of their own, students who are or have been involved with the juvenile justice system, students who are older and new to the country and cannot gain access to public schooling, and students who are under-credited relative to the number of years they have spent enrolled in high school. We believe that these students, like all students, are completely capable of developing the skills necessary to set themselves up for lifetimes of economic prosperity and success. We support our students with individually tailored and academically rigorous curricula and push them to succeed at the highest levels by providing them with the resources and mentoring that they need to reach their full potential.
Why Our Work is Important
Students across America are dropping out of high school at an alarming rate. Dropping out of high school has a substantial impact on a young person’s life. Over the course of their lifetime, an individual who drops out of high school is more likely to have reduced earning power, greater social service dependency, increased rates of criminal involvement, and shorter life expectancy. Phoenix Charter Academies addresses this trend by creating environments where students can demonstrate their talent and resilience and prepare themselves for success through high school, college, and beyond.
Commitment to DEI
At Phoenix, we recognize the importance of forming a school community inclusive of all visible and invisible identities. We act to ensure that our students and staff always see reflections of themselves and their communities.
At Phoenix, we aim to break down systemic barriers by providing access to resources, experiences, and differentiated supports for historically marginalized groups.
At Phoenix, we solicit, value, understand, connect, and leverage multiple perspectives and experiences. We invite all perspectives except those that perpetuate oppression or dehumanization.
At Phoenix we do not just accept difference - we celebrate it, support it, and thrive on it for the benefit of our scholars and the communities we serve. We believe difference makes us stronger. Phoenix Charter Academy is an equal opportunity employer and as such, we do not discriminate against any team member or candidate because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. Phoenix Charter Academy is committed to making any reasonable accommodations necessary to support an individual's employment.
Qualities of Phoenix staff member:
- Unwavering belief in our students - Phoenix staff operate with the deeply held belief that all young people want to and can succeed even in the face of substantial systemic barriers and societal constraints.
- Continuous Improvement - Phoenix staff approach problem solving with curiosity and desire to understand the perspectives of others. They carry an internalized sense of “I can always learn more” and know that adults at Phoenix must model the qualities of being open-minded and willing to make mistakes and learn from them. Phoenix staff members embody “lifelong learner” mindsets and strive for constant improvement.
- Eager to Learn - Phoenix staff must be able to learn as they go in a fast paced, ever evolving, urgent environment. They have the desire to receive direct feedback and the ability to implement the feedback into practice quickly.
- Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Phoenix staff commit to understanding the ways that their self-identity and experiences impact and interact with their daily work, their colleagues, and their students, and work toward furthering initiatives that promote a more equitable society.
What You’ll Bring:
- Communication - Conveys information effectively and efficiently using verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills; has knowledge and flexibility to communicate across lines of difference.
- Scholar Orientation - Works to deepen understanding of scholars and centers the needs of scholars in all aspects of how the work is done.
- Adaptability - Adjusts and strategically aligns work to the school's mission while navigating complex and changing environments internally and externally.
- Strong work ethic with ability to work independently and in a team environment.
What You’ll Get
We want you to be the best you can so you’ll receive professional development, coaching, and the resources needed for you to succeed. An open, curious, and celebratory culture that embraces diversity as a leading asset and fosters equity and inclusion through affinity groups and continuous capacity building supported by our Racial, Justice, and Equity working group. Competitive market comp, medical, dental, vision, mental health, and wellness plans, a 403b, and employee perks such as longevity bonus and pet insurance.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and as such, we do not discriminate against any team member or candidate because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. Phoenix Charter Academy is committed to making any reasonable accommodations necessary to support an individual's employment.
The Network retains the right to modify this job description at any time, for any reason, at the Network’s sole discretion
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT 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.
Daycare OPT: Frequently 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.