Most States have established minimum educational or training requirements. Training requirements are most stringent for directors, less so for teachers, and minimal for childcare workers and teacher assistants. In many centers, directors must have a college degree, often with experience in child daycare and specific training in early childhood development. Teachers must have a high school diploma and, in many cases, a combination of college education and experience. Assistants and childcare workers usually need a high school diploma, but it is not always a requirement. Some employers prefer to hire workers who have received credentials from a nationally recognized child daycare organization.

Many States also mandate other types of training for staff members, such as health and first aid, fire safety, and child abuse detection and prevention. In nearly all States, licensing regulations require criminal record checks for all child daycare staff. This screening requirement protects children from abuse and reduces liability risks, making insurance more available and affordable.

State governments also have established requirements for other child daycare center personnel involved in food preparation, transportation of children, provision of medical services, and other services. Most States have defined minimum staff-to-children ratios. These vary depending on the State and the age of the children involved.