Why Working in Childcare Is More Than a Job — It’s a Calling

Roles You Can Thrive In

There is no one path into childcare. People with many different backgrounds succeed. At Sunrise Children’s Foundation, and similar programs, teams include classroom teachers, support staff, family service workers, and health and nutrition professionals. If you like to teach, plan, organize, or help parents problem solve, there is likely a place for you.

Here are some common roles you might see in Las Vegas Early Childhood programs:

• Early Head Start teacher or teacher assistant working with infants and toddlers.
• Head Start preschool teacher or teacher assistant.
• Family advocate or family services worker.
• Home visitor who supports parents and caregivers in their homes.
• Health, nutrition, or WIC staff who help families meet growth and wellness goals.
• Education coach or mentor who supports classroom staff.
• Center support roles, including site coordinators and office staff.

Each role supports the others. Teachers help children learn. Family advocates help parents set goals. Health staff support growth and nutrition. Together, we build a safe space for kids and families to thrive.

What You’ll Do Day to Day

No two days look the same, but most follow a steady rhythm. 

A typical day in an Early Head Start or Head Start center includes:

• Warm welcomes, breakfast, and a simple routine that helps children feel safe.
• Learning through play with centers for reading, math, art, and outdoor movement.
• Small group work that builds language and problem solving.
• Music, sensory play, and time to explore.
• Family check-ins at drop off and pick up.
• Planning and teamwork with other staff.
• Notes on child progress, meals, and health needs.

Home visitors bring many of these supports to families where they live. They partner with parents on simple, playful activities they can do any day with the materials they already have.

Skills That Will Help You Succeed

You do not need to be perfect to get started. All you need is to care about kids and be willing to learn. 

Strong childcare staff often share a few habits, including:

• Patience with young children and parents who are juggling a lot
• Clear and calm communication
• A steady routine with room for creativity
• Teamwork and respect for different cultures and languages
• A growth mindset, with feedback from coaches and peers
• Attention to safety and health, with clean spaces and careful habits

If this sounds like you, you are already on your way.

Training, Credentials, and Nevada Basics

Childcare programs in Nevada follow state licensing and federal Head Start standards. Requirements can vary by role, but many staff members hold or work toward:

• A Child Development Associate credential, often Infant/Toddler for Early Head Start.
• An associate or bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood or a related field for lead teacher roles.
• CPR and First Aid certification.
• Background checks and health screenings, including TB testing, as required by state rules.
• Ongoing professional development hours through approved training.

Nevada also has a statewide registry that tracks training and supports a career ladder in Early Childhood. Head Start and Early Head Start also provide regular coaching and workshops. 

Sunrise Children’s Foundation invests in staff growth with training aligned to research on early learning, child health, and family engagement.

Career Paths With Purpose

You can build a real career in childcare. Many people start as assistants and grow into lead roles, mentors, or specialists. Others shift from classroom work to family services or health support. Leadership roles often open for those who show skill and a steady commitment to children and families.

Here is a simple look at paths and what they may require:

Role	Typical Focus	Common Qualifications	Growth Options
Teacher Assistant	Support instruction, prepare materials, supervise play, family communication.	High school diploma or equivalent, CPR/First Aid, on-the-job training.	Lead Teacher, Family Advocate
Early Head Start Teacher	Infant and toddler learning, routines, safe care, family partnership.	Infant/Toddler CDA or degree in early childhood, experience with ages 0 to 3.	Education Coach, Center Lead
Head Start Teacher	Preschool learning, school readiness, social emotional skills.	CDA or degree with Early Childhood coursework, classroom experience.	Mentor Teacher, Site Coordinator
Family Advocate	Family goals, referrals, attendance, parent workshops.	Coursework or experience in social services, strong communication.	Family Services Manager
Home Visitor	Parent coaching, child development in the home, safety and routines.	Training in home visiting models, Early Childhood knowledge, reliable transport.	Program Supervisor
Health/Nutrition Staff	Growth tracking, meal planning, WIC support, parent education.	Health or nutrition credentials based on role.	Health Services Manager

Programs in Las Vegas often help staff move along these paths with paid training, tuition help, and coaching. Ask about support when you apply.

The Impact You See and Feel

People stay in childcare because they can see the results. A toddler who learns to say more words. A preschooler who solves a puzzle without giving up. A parent who starts a new job because they finally have stable care. These moments matter to families and to the city.

Staff members often share that their own skills grow, too. They become better planners, communicators, and leaders. Many build long, stable careers, while doing work that feels meaningful every day.

Working With Families, Not Just Children

Early learning works best when parents and caregivers feel welcome. That is why programs focus on trust. Staff listen first. They honor each family’s culture and language. They offer help without judgment and share simple tools that work in real life.

Family supports at Sunrise Children’s Foundation focus on the whole picture:

• Help with nutrition for mothers, infants, and children through WIC services.
• Health and dental check-ups through community partners.
• Parent workshops on topics like child development, safety, and literacy.
• Referrals for housing, food, and mental health care when needed.

When families have what they need, children learn more. It is that simple.

What Makes Early Head Start and Head Start Special

These programs go beyond daycare. They follow research-based standards that cover learning, safety, nutrition, and family partnership. Classrooms are set up with materials that invite play and problem solving, and staff build warm, responsive relationships with each child.

Early Head Start serves pregnant people and children from birth to age 3. It focuses on bonding, language, sensory play, and healthy routines. Head Start serves children ages 3 to 5, and builds school readiness with play-based learning across math, literacy, science, and social skills.

Both programs are free to eligible families, and they serve communities where the need is greatest. That is why these roles matter so much in the Las Vegas area.

What Employers Look For

If you want to stand out for childcare jobs in Las Vegas, focus on what matters most:

• Show up on time with a positive attitude.
• Share examples of teamwork and patience.
• Talk about times you helped a child or family grow.
• List any training, even short workshops, that relate to child development.
• Highlight language skills, especially Spanish or other languages that are common in local neighborhoods.
• Be ready to learn and take feedback with grace.

Additionally, you should bring a resume that is clear and easy to read. Include any volunteer work with children, church programs, or youth sports, if you have it.

How To Apply in Las Vegas and Nearby Areas

Many childcare providers post jobs online. For roles connected to Early Head Start, Head Start, health, or home visiting, check out our careers available at Sunrise Children’s Foundation. Our website lists current openings across Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, and the surrounding areas. You can read job descriptions, learn about requirements, and submit your application.

Tips before you apply:

• Gather transcripts or proof of training, like a CDA or CPR card.
• Update references who can speak to your work with children or families.
• Prepare a short note on why you care about Early Childhood.
• If you are new to the field, ask about entry level roles and training support.

If you are unsure where to start, reach out to the organization. Our staff can point you to roles that fit your skills and your goals.

The Work Environment You Can Expect

Quality programs create calm, predictable spaces. You will see visual schedules, labeled centers, soft lighting, and child-sized furniture. Materials are always reachable and safe. Teachers and assistants move around the room, observe play, and join in with prompts and questions.

The culture matters, too. Look for teams that:

• Respect your voice and ideas.
• Offer coaching, not just criticism.
• Celebrate growth for children and staff.
• Value safety, health, and inclusion.
• Build strong ties with families and the neighborhood.

This kind of place will help you do your best work and feel proud of it.