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Education

Informal Child Care

Provide unlicensed care and education for children. May be legally exempt.

Annual openings

4,170

Median wage

$40,750

Typical education

There are no specific education requirements.

Growth 2026–2032

0%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

There are no specific education requirements.

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Credential detail

Some Informal Child Care is legally exempt from licensing and some have licensing requirements. Please refer to the Colorado Department of Human Services, Office of Early Childhood (CDHS) for licensing information.

Experience detail

There are no specific experience requirements.

Employer competency information

  • Please see Early Childhood Aide for more information.
Informal Child Care Providers are encouraged to review the qualifications for an Early Childhood Assistant and Family Child Care Provider and consider filling one of those jobs.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenYes
  • On a computerNo
  • OutdoorsMay vary
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Education
  • Childcare

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Sanitize toys and play equipment.
  2. Maintain a safe play environment.
  3. Observe and monitor children's play activities.
  4. Support children's emotional and social development, encouraging understanding of others and positive self-concepts.
  5. Instruct children in health and personal habits, such as eating, resting, and toilet habits.
  6. Read to children and teach them simple painting, drawing, handicrafts, and songs.
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