Where to search for adult day care positions

Adult day care jobs are posted on the same job boards where you find other care work, but you'll have better luck searching by location and facility type rather than waiting for listings to come to you. Start with Indeed, LinkedIn Jobs, and Glassdoor — filter by your city or county and search for "adult day care," "senior day care," "activity coordinator," or "care aide." These sites let you set up alerts so new postings arrive in your email.

Local Craigslist job boards often have day care positions posted directly by facilities, sometimes before they appear on national sites. Check your county's workforce development office website — most states run a free job board (sometimes called a "CareerOneStop" center) that lists openings in health care and social services. Call ahead to ask whether they have a dedicated person who handles care industry placements; some offices will match you with openings before they're posted publicly.

The fastest route is often calling adult day care centers directly in your area. Ask for the manager or human resources contact and ask whether they're hiring or have a waiting list. Many smaller centers fill positions through word-of-mouth before posting anywhere, so a direct call can get you in front of a decision-maker faster than an online process.

Key Takeaways

  • Job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn let you filter by location and set up alerts for new postings in your area.
  • Your county workforce development office runs a free job board and may have staff who specialize in matching care workers with openings.
  • Calling adult day care centers directly often uncovers positions before they're posted online.
  • Positions include care aides, activity coordinators, kitchen staff, and administrative roles — not all require prior experience.
  • Most facilities require a background check and some certifications, which you can often complete after being hired.

What positions are actually available

Adult day care centers hire for several different roles, and not all of them are direct care work. Care aides or activity assistants help participants with meals, mobility, and activities — this is the most common entry-level position and often requires no prior experience, though many centers prefer a high school diploma or GED. Activity coordinators plan and run programs like games, crafts, or outings; this role sometimes requires some background in recreation or social work, but not always.

Centers also hire kitchen staff to prepare meals, drivers to transport participants, administrative assistants to handle scheduling and paperwork, and nurses or licensed practical nurses (LPNs) if the center serves people with higher medical needs. Some facilities have program directors or supervisors who oversee staff and participants — these roles usually require prior care experience and sometimes a bachelor's degree.

Pay varies by position and location. Care aides typically earn between $12 and $16 per hour in most areas, though this varies by state and whether the center is nonprofit or for-profit. Activity coordinators and drivers often earn similar rates. Supervisory and nursing roles pay more but require credentials or experience.

Certifications and background checks you'll need

Most adult day care centers require a background check — usually a criminal history check and sometimes a check of your driving record if the job involves transportation. Many will run this after you're hired, not before, so don't assume a record automatically disqualifies you; ask the facility directly about their policy.

Some states require care aides to hold a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credential, but many do not — check your state's requirements by searching "[your state] adult day care licensing requirements" on your state's health department website. If a CNA is required, you can usually complete the training (typically 4 to 12 weeks) through a community college or vocational school, often while working. Some employers will pay for this training or reimburse you after you complete it.

CPR and First Aid certification is required by most centers. You can get this through the Red Cross or American Heart Association; courses cost $50 to $150 and take a few hours. Many employers will cover this cost or require you to complete it within your first month of employment.

A few states require care aides to complete a short orientation or training course on topics like infection control and dementia care. Your employer will tell you about this during hiring — it's not something you need to arrange yourself beforehand.

How to stand out in your process

Adult day care centers care most about reliability and the ability to work with older adults or people with disabilities. In your cover letter or when you call, mention any experience you have with this population — even informal experience counts. If you've cared for an aging parent, volunteered at a senior center, or worked in any health care setting, say so. If you have no direct experience, emphasize that you're comfortable with people of different abilities and that you're willing to learn.

Mention specific skills that matter in day care work: patience, the ability to follow instructions, comfort with basic technology (many centers use electronic scheduling or health records), and willingness to help with personal care tasks. If you speak a second language, say so — many centers serve diverse populations and value bilingual staff.

Be clear about your availability. Adult day care centers typically operate during business hours (roughly 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), but some offer extended hours or weekend programs. If you can work flexible hours or pick up extra shifts, mention it. Centers often struggle with staffing gaps and value workers who can fill them.

Part-time and temporary positions

If you're not ready for full-time work, many adult day care centers hire part-time staff, especially for activity programs or transportation. Part-time positions often start at 15 to 25 hours per week and may offer flexible scheduling. Some centers also hire temporary or seasonal staff for special programs or to cover vacations.

Temp agencies that specialize in health care staffing sometimes place workers in adult day care centers. Search for "health care staffing agencies near me" or ask your local workforce development office whether they know of agencies that work with day care facilities. Temp work can be a way to try the job before committing to a permanent position, and it sometimes leads to a permanent offer.

Red flags when evaluating a job offer

Before accepting a position, ask about staffing levels and participant-to-staff ratios. If a center seems understaffed or if the manager can't clearly explain how many people you'll be responsible for, that's a sign the job may be stressful or unsafe. Ask how many staff members are on duty during the hours you'd work and whether there's always a supervisor present.

Ask about training and support. A good employer will give you time to learn the job, introduce you to participants gradually, and have a supervisor available when you have questions. If the center seems to expect you to work independently on your first day, that's a warning sign.

Ask about pay frequency, benefits (even part-time positions sometimes offer health insurance or paid time off), and whether the center covers the cost of required certifications. Ask whether the facility is licensed and in good standing with your state's health department — you can verify this by searching your state health department website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need experience to get hired at an adult day care center?

No. Many centers hire care aides with no prior experience, especially if you have a high school diploma or GED and can pass a background check. Centers will train you on the job. Prior experience with older adults or people with disabilities helps, but willingness to learn matters more for entry-level roles.

How long does it take to get hired?

The timeline varies. Some centers hire within a week if you're available to start quickly and pass the background check. Others take two to three weeks to complete the background check and schedule your start date. Ask the hiring manager for a timeline when you interview.

Can I work part-time at an adult day care center?

Yes. Many centers offer part-time positions, especially for activity coordinators, drivers, or kitchen staff. Part-time hours are often 15 to 25 hours per week and may be flexible. Ask about part-time availability when you contact the center.

What if I have a criminal record?

Ask the facility directly about their background check policy before you explore. Some centers will hire people with older or minor convictions; others have stricter policies. Being upfront about your history is better than hoping it won't show up — many employers appreciate honesty and may be willing to work with you depending on what the record shows.

How much does CNA training cost if I need it?

CNA courses typically cost $500 to $1,500 through community colleges or vocational schools, depending on your location. Some employers will pay for this training or reimburse you after you complete it. Ask potential employers whether they offer tuition support before you enroll in a course.