Child Care Staffing in Connecticut

Permanent recruiting for preschools and child care centers across Connecticut.

Diverse group of preschoolers raising their hands
Hiring in Connecticut

Hiring here is different

OEC head teacher

Every center needs an OEC-approved head teacher on site for at least 60% of the hours you’re open each week, approved through the OEC Registry, and that person can also be your director. When yours gives notice, we start the search the same week.

Early Start CT

Each Early Start CT classroom needs a Designated Qualified Staff Member (DQSM) in the OEC Registry, and the share of DQSMs who must meet the bachelor’s degree option goes up from 25% now to 50% in July 2027 and 60% in July 2030. Planning those hires early helps keep your funding.

The Endowment

The Early Childhood Education Endowment started paying out in July 2025. It funds Early Start CT rate increases and a new health insurance subsidy for early childhood educators, starting with 2027 coverage through Access Health CT. Better pay and benefits make our job easier, and we lead with them when we talk to candidates.

15,676 child care staff

Connecticut has the 21st-largest child care center workforce in the country.

965 child care centers

Private centers with paid staff across the state.

$33,882 average pay

Average annual pay per child care employee in 2025, including part-time staff (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Toddlers playing with musical instruments at a table

Connecticut FAQs

What schools in Connecticut ask us most.

WHAT ROLES DO YOU RECRUIT IN CONNECTICUT?

We recruit for every role in Connecticut centers, from lead and assistant teachers and floaters to cooks, assistant directors and center directors. Every hire is a permanent placement on your payroll.

WHERE IN CONNECTICUT DO YOU RECRUIT?

Anywhere in the state. Recent searches have included Stamford, Greenwich, Norwalk, Wilton, Weston, Monroe, Trumbull, Bethel and Orange.

WHAT DO TEACHERS AND DIRECTORS EARN IN CONNECTICUT?

On roles we have recruited for in Connecticut, posted teacher pay has ranged from about $18 to $26 an hour, and a recent Stamford director search was posted at $85,000 to $100,000 a year. Pay depends on the role, credentials and the school.

WHAT DOES A CENTER DIRECTOR NEED IN CONNECTICUT?

Directors must be 20 and complete at least 3 credits in early childhood or educational administration within a year. Centers also need an approved head teacher, and the director can fill that role. See the full Connecticut director rules.

WHAT DOES A LEAD TEACHER NEED IN CONNECTICUT?

A head teacher must be approved by the Office of Early Childhood: age 20 with a high school diploma plus 1,080 supervised hours and a CDA or 12 ECE credits, or a bachelor’s in ECE plus 360 hours and student teaching. See the full Connecticut teacher rules.

WHAT ARE THE STAFF-TO-CHILD RATIOS IN CONNECTICUT?

Under Conn. Regs. 19a-79-4a, updated October 2024, ratios are (max group size in parentheses): under 2 years 1:4 (8); 2-year-olds 1:5 (10); 3 and older, including kindergarten, 1:10 (20); school-age-only programs 1:15 (30). The youngest child sets the ratio, with no ratio relief at nap time.

IS ELEVATE A QUALITY RATING IN CONNECTICUT?

Not a rating. Connecticut uses Elevate, a voluntary OEC quality improvement program with three membership tiers: Member, Member+ and Member Accredited. It does not rate providers or set staff qualifications; the higher bar comes through NAEYC accreditation.

HOW FAST CAN YOU START?

We contact you within 24 hours of your request, and our sourcing team starts after a short intake call. Book a call to talk through your open roles.

Our process

We can help and this is how

We handle the search so you can run your school. From single classrooms to multi-site networks, we find the people who fit.

2. Sourcing
Our Sourcing Team finds educators who match your needs through resume reviews and outreach, saving you time.
4. Submittal
We provide recruiter notes and educator resumes so you can review the candidates who best match your needs.
1. Intake Call
We learn about the school’s openings, required qualifications, hard and soft skills, preferences, and culture.
3. Review & Screen
Our Recruiters conduct initial phone screenings with the educators who meet your criteria.
5. Interview Coordination
Our Account Managers arrange virtual or in-person interviews with your selected educators.

Find the right people now

Schedule a consultation and we will show you how to fill your open roles with passionate educators.