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Daycare & Early Childhood

Babysitting → owning a daycare in MA

Illustration of the 5 daycare career steps from babysitter to daycare owner
The full ladder

5 steps from entry to ownership

  1. 1
    Step 1 of 5

    Babysitting

    Care for kids in their home — flexible, no certification required.

    Learn more →
  2. 2
    Step 2 of 5

    Assistant Teacher

    Get into a licensed center fast — lower bar than Teacher, hours count toward EEC.

    Learn more →
  3. 3
    Step 3 of 5

    Daycare Teacher (EEC Teacher)

    Year-round classroom work as an EEC-certified Teacher — Infant-Toddler or Preschool.

    Learn more →
  4. 4
    Step 4 of 5

    Daycare Team Lead

    Run a classroom, mentor staff, plan the curriculum.

    Learn more →
  5. 5
    Step 5 of 5

    Daycare Owner

    Run your own family child care home or open a center.

    Learn more →
Next actions

What to do this week

  • Sit for one family you already know — even free, just to test the fit
  • Sign up for a Red Cross pediatric CPR class (~$45)
  • Make a profile on Care.com or Sittercity
  • Ask a current babysitter what surprised them in their first month
Start at step 1
Babysitting
Not sure where to start?
Take the 2-min fit check