Child care worker vs direct care counselor

The differences between child care workers and direct care counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a direct care counselor has an average salary of $33,422, which is higher than the $31,284 average annual salary of a child care worker.

The top three skills for a child care worker include child care, crisis intervention and behavioral issues. The most important skills for a direct care counselor are crisis intervention, autism, and CPR.

Child care worker vs direct care counselor overview

	Child Care Worker	Direct Care Counselor
Yearly salary	$31,284	$33,422
Hourly rate	$15.04	$16.07
Growth rate	6%	36%
Number of jobs	136,963	123,519
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 44%	Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Average age	37	48
Years of experience	2	-

What does a child care worker do?

A child care worker is responsible for providing care and supervision to children while the parents or guardians are away. A child care worker's duty may involve changing diapers and preparing milk for infants and toddlers, devise strategies or fun activities where children can learn, arrange schedules to fit their needs such as nap times, and prepare healthy meals and snacks. Aside from ensuring children's safety, a child care worker must also monitor any sign of emotional or developmental issues so it can be brought to the parents' attention as soon as possible.

What does a direct care counselor do?

A direct care counselor provides direct counseling and assistance to the elderly or individuals with disabilities and mental issues. They usually work at rehabilitation centers or care facilities and work together with nurses or caregivers to administer different treatment plans, monitor and support the patients' progress, and help the patients carry out daily activities such as performing hygienic or routine living tasks. Moreover, a direct care counselor may also develop and implement various healthcare programs and recreational activities while adhering to the facility's policies and regulations.

Child care worker vs direct care counselor salary

Child care workers and direct care counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Child Care Worker	Direct Care Counselor
Average salary	$31,284	$33,422
Salary range	Between $19,000 And $49,000	Between $22,000 And $49,000
Highest paying City	Worcester, MA	-
Highest paying state	Massachusetts	-
Best paying company	Columbia University in the City of New York	-
Best paying industry	Finance	-

Differences between child care worker and direct care counselor education

There are a few differences between a child care worker and a direct care counselor in terms of educational background:

	Child Care Worker	Direct Care Counselor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 44%	Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Most common major	Psychology	Psychology
Most common college	California State University - Long Beach	-

Child care worker vs direct care counselor demographics

Here are the differences between child care workers' and direct care counselors' demographics:

	Child Care Worker	Direct Care Counselor
Average age	37	48
Gender ratio	Male, 21.1% Female, 78.9%	Male, 31.5% Female, 68.5%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.8% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 6.8% White, 57.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%	Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 17.6% Asian, 8.3% White, 57.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	4%	7%

Differences between child care worker and direct care counselor duties and responsibilities

Child care worker example responsibilities.

Obtain certification in CPR to ensure minors would be properly resuscitate in an emergency.
Require to maintain continuing education in courses including passive restraint, standard first aid and CPR.
Complete accurate and timely documentation on kids' behavior as outlined by policy.
Create math, reading, bible, and art lessons.

Direct care counselor example responsibilities.

Obtain SCIP-R, CPR, and AMAP certifications.
Provide training to residents in improving ADL and independent living skills per the IHP and any/all relate behavior or medical requirements.
Obtain AMAP certification and administer medications under the supervision of assign nursing staff.
Provide direct care assistance for campers with autism, intellectual disabilities, and/or developmental delays.
Perform one-on-one supervision of children with disabilities including autism, complex mental health problems, and complex behavioral problems.
Help develop and carry-out treatment goals for individual clients as outlined in treatment plans and/or ISP goals and objectives.

Child care worker vs direct care counselor skills

Common child care worker skills

Child Care, 39%
Crisis Intervention, 9%
Behavioral Issues, 8%
CPR, 5%
Direct Supervision, 5%
TCI, 4%

Common direct care counselor skills

Crisis Intervention, 12%
Autism, 11%
CPR, 10%
Developmental Disabilities, 10%
Incident Reports, 9%
Data Collection, 8%

Child Care Worker vs. similar jobs

Child Care Worker related careers

Child Care Worker related jobs

Child Care Worker jobs by location

Zippia Careers
Personal Care and Attendants Industry
Child Care Worker
Child Care Worker vs Direct Care Counselor

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse personal care and attendants jobs