How to Write a Daycare Job Ad That Gets Applicants

Introduction

A daycare job ad that gets applicants answers a teacher’s first three questions right away: what does it pay, what are the hours, and why should I work here? Most ads bury those answers or leave them out. Here’s how to write one that stands out.

1. Put the age group and a perk in the title

Job seekers scan titles before they click. “Lead Toddler Teacher, $500 Sign-On Bonus” gets more clicks than “Teacher.” Keep the role name searchable (teacher, assistant teacher, director) and add one detail that sets you apart.

2. List the pay range

Pay is the first thing most candidates look for. Ads without it get fewer applicants, and some states now require pay ranges in job postings. If your pay is competitive, the ad should say so.

3. Open with why someone would want the job

Skip the paragraph about your company’s history. Open with what a teacher gets: a tuition discount for their own children, small class sizes, paid CDA training, or a supportive director.

4. Keep it short and easy to read on a phone

Most candidates apply from their phones. Use short bullets for duties and requirements, and keep the whole ad under about 300 words.

5. Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves

A long list of requirements scares off good candidates who meet most of them. List your state minimum as required and everything else as preferred.

6. Make applying easy

A short application gets more completions than a long one. Ask for a resume or basic work history, then call qualified applicants within one business day.

Before and after

Before

Title: Teacher

ABC Learning Center is seeking a teacher. Must have experience and a CDA or degree. Responsibilities include lesson planning, supervising children, and communicating with parents. Apply today.

After

Title: Lead Toddler Teacher, $18 to $22 per hour + 50% Tuition Discount

Join a small, family-owned center where teachers get paid planning time and a 50% discount on child care for their own children.

  • Full-time, Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Lead a classroom of 8 toddlers with a full-time assistant
  • Paid CDA training for teachers ready to grow

You’ll need 1+ year working with toddlers, and you must meet state lead teacher requirements. A CDA is preferred, not required.

Apply in 2 minutes. We call every qualified applicant within one business day.

Need a starting point? Use our free preschool teacher job description template.

Pay is the first thing most candidates look for.

Let us handle the ads

Hire Up Recruiting, a daycare recruiting agency, writes, posts, and pays for job ads for the early childhood schools we recruit for, then screens every applicant so you only interview qualified candidates. Book a call with our team.

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