Leadership, communication and safety skills are the most frequently mentioned in recent child care job postings, according to a LiveCareer analysis of job ads and resumes. Moreover, about one-in-four employers expect applicants to know cardiopulmonary resuscitation, First Aid and how to train new employees.
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While enrollment is down from yearly averages, demand for child care workers will eventually pick up again, and job seekers must be ready to navigate a competitive market.
Leadership and stellar communication will be required when kids start coming back to daycare centers. Putting parents' minds at ease and becoming well-versed in safety protocols will be critical to landing these roles.
LiveCareer pinpointed the skills listed most often in job ads, including the precise wording of each skill. This data-based approach reveals the terminology employers expect to see on child care applications, and can help guide job seekers in refreshing their resumes.
Top hard, soft and remote work skills that will help you land child care jobs
We analyzed job ads for a range of child care providers. Here are the skills that rose to the top.
Soft skills
- Verbal communication
Found in 45.16% of child care job ads
Look for words like speak, state and say. - Leadership
Found in 38.71% of job ads
Look for words like lead, plan, mentor and coach. - Professionalism
Found in 32.26% of job ads
Look for words like professional, experienced and qualified. - Creativity
Found in 30.65% of job ads
Look for words like create and out-of-the-box thinking. - Customer service
Found in 29.03% of job ads
Look for the phrase customer service, help customers and assist clients. - Safety conscious
Found in 27.42% of job ads
Look for words like safety, hazard and secure.
Hard Skills
- Working with children
Found in 37.10% of job ads
Look for words like patience and endurance. - Training
Found in 29.03% of job ads
Look for words like instruct, teach and train. - Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Found in 24.19% of job ads
Look for the acronym CPR. - First Aid
Found in 22.58% of job ads
Look for words like heimlich maneuver or treating burns, scratches and abrasions.
Remote work skills
- The project management tool Teamwork was found in 1.61% of job ads.
An experienced nanny resume example
How to add skills to your resume
Read the job description, understand what the employer is seeking, and use the exact wording of the skills listed in the job posting.
1. Weave a few important critical soft skills into your summary statement.
Example one: Daycare assistant
Creative and responsible daycare assistant with seven years of babysitting experience and thorough safety training. Certified in CPR and food handling, and possess a spotless driving record. Coordinate with teachers and directors to ensure all educational, dietary and other child health needs are met at a fully parent-approved level.
Example two: Daycare Worker
Dedicated and professional daycare worker inspired by providing children warm, nurturing environments for optimal development. Driven to coordinate activities focused on skill-building, social development and positive interactions. Skilled in planning and preparing nutrient-dense meals to support strong growth, while managing allergens and dietary restrictions.
2. Create a separate skills section. Make sure to include both hard and soft skills.
Example one: Nanny
- Transportation
- Creativity
- Food safety
- Organization
- Patience
- CPR
Example two: After-school teacher
- Leadership
- Written and verbal communication
- First Aid
- Basic math and English instruction
- Safety awareness
- Conflict resolution
3. Lace skills throughout top achievements in your work experience section.
Example one: Babysitter
- Assisted children with homework assignments and special projects across different subjects.
- Fostered close relationships with children by asking about school, friends and hobbies.
- Bathed, dressed and helped with teeth brushing as part of bedtime preparation.
Example two: Au Pair
- Sanitized dishes, tabletops, toys and frequently touched surfaces to prevent spreading of germs.
- Established lasting, professional connections with families and children by encouraging open communication and delivering positive feedback.
- Created and implemented diverse educational strategies to boost development.
How to grow this skill set
Employers are going to want to see you are continuing to build your child care skills. There are many options available to you, including:
- Organizations like The American Red Cross offer general First Aid and CPR certifications, including three child care-specific certification courses.
- Teachers, assistants and other child care coordinators or staff may have more available opportunities if they're qualified to work in Head Start classrooms. Head Start is a federal program that promotes "school readiness" in young children from low-income families.
- When it comes to transporting children, some child care employers simply want employees to have a current driver's license, while others employ bus drivers who need commercial driver's licenses (CDL). Wherever you apply, find out if meeting one of these requirements can give you an edge over other applicants.
