Childcare Workers

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 3 (12%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 2 (8%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 20 (80%)

• Keep records on individual children, including daily observations and information about activities, meals served, and medications administered.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Perform general administrative tasks, such as taking attendance, editing internal paperwork, and making phone calls.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Help children with homework and school work.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Create developmentally appropriate lesson plans.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Perform general personnel functions, such as supervision, training, and scheduling.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Maintain a safe play environment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Observe and monitor children's play activities.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Communicate with children's parents or guardians about daily activities, behaviors, and related issues.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Support children's emotional and social development, encouraging understanding of others and positive self-concepts.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Care for children in institutional setting, such as group homes, nursery schools, private businesses, or schools for the handicapped.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Sanitize toys and play equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Dress children and change diapers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Identify signs of emotional or developmental problems in children and bring them to parents' or guardians' attention.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Instruct children in health and personal habits, such as eating, resting, and toilet habits.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Organize and store toys and materials to ensure order in activity areas.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Perform housekeeping duties, such as laundry, cleaning, dish washing, and changing of linens.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Read to children and teach them simple painting, drawing, handicrafts, and songs.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Assist in preparing food and serving meals and refreshments to children.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Discipline children and recommend or initiate other measures to control behavior, such as caring for own clothing and picking up toys and books.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Regulate children's rest periods.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Organize and participate in recreational activities and outings, such as games and field trips.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Sterilize bottles and prepare formulas.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Provide care for mentally disturbed, delinquent, or handicapped children.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Operate in-house day-care centers within businesses.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Accompany children to and from school, on outings, and to medical appointments.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about childcare workers and AI