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$25

How much do child development assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for child development assistant in the United States is $19.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying job in childcare?

The highest paying jobs in childcare typically include roles such as childcare center directors, early childhood education administrators, and specialized professionals like pediatric nurse practitioners or child psychologists. These positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive experience, and they offer higher salaries compared to entry-level assistant roles.

What is the highest paying job in child development?

The highest paying roles in child development typically include pediatric specialists, child psychologists, and early childhood education administrators, often requiring advanced degrees and certifications. These positions offer higher salaries due to specialized skills, experience, and leadership responsibilities within educational or healthcare settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Child Development Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Child Development Assistant, you need knowledge of early childhood development, basic caregiving skills, and typically a certificate or diploma in child care or a related field. Familiarity with health and safety regulations, child observation tools, and early learning frameworks is commonly required. Patience, strong communication, and a nurturing demeanor help foster trusting relationships with children and families. These skills ensure the provision of safe, supportive, and developmentally appropriate care that promotes children's growth and well-being.

What are Child Development Assistants?

Child Development Assistants are professionals who support the care, learning, and development of young children in settings such as daycares, preschools, and early childhood education centers. They assist lead educators by preparing classroom materials, supervising children, and helping implement daily activities that promote social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Their role also involves ensuring a safe and nurturing environment, observing children’s progress, and communicating with parents and staff. Qualifications and requirements can vary depending on local regulations and the specific workplace.

What jobs can I get with a CDA?

A Child Development Assistant with a CDA credential can work in early childhood education settings such as preschools, daycare centers, and Head Start programs. These roles typically involve supervising and supporting children's learning and development under the guidance of lead teachers or directors, often requiring knowledge of child development principles and basic classroom management skills.

What Does a Child Development Assistant Do?

A child development assistant works at a child care center and supports the teacher with managing children under their care. As a child development assistant, your job duties include helping students as they complete daily activities, assisting the teacher during instructional periods, and performing general administrative tasks as needed. The career typically requires postsecondary education in child development or early childhood education, as well as professional experience in working with children. You may also need to complete first aid and CPR certification training programs and pass a background check. Additional qualifications include excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as well as the ability to manage young children.

How does a Child Development Assistant typically collaborate with lead educators and parents?

Child Development Assistants work closely with lead educators by supporting lesson implementation, managing classroom routines, and observing children’s behavior to provide valuable feedback. They also frequently communicate with parents, sharing updates on their child's progress and addressing any concerns under the guidance of the lead teacher. This collaboration ensures a consistent, nurturing environment for children and helps maintain open lines of communication between the educational team and families.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

Child Development Assistants typically do not earn $10,000 a month without advanced qualifications; most entry-level roles in child care pay significantly less. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree are rare and often involve specialized skills, entrepreneurship, or sales positions. Achieving such income usually requires experience, certifications, or business ownership rather than a standard entry-level role.
More about Child Development Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Child Development Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Child Development Assistant job openings:
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Child Development Assistant jobs near you
Child Development Specialist

Child Development Specialist

Positive Development

Merrifield, VA • On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Part-time

Posted 28 days ago

Positive Development rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Title: Child Development Specialist
Work Location: Merrifield, VA and surrounding areas
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $22-$28 per hour
Our Mission:
Make a real impact. Build real skills. Grow with us.
At Positive Development, we believe every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and thrive and every burgeoning professional deserves meaningful work that builds real skills for the future.
We work one-on-one with autistic children, helping them build communication, social, and daily living skills through play-based, relationship-focused interactions.
Why This Role is Different:
This isn't a passive "observe and assist" job. You'll be actively coaching, connecting, and helping children grow; while gaining experience that's highly relevant for careers in:
  • Psychology
  • Social Work
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Speech Language Pathology
  • Education and Special Education
  • Counseling
  • Medicine and Health

This work is deeply rewarding, but it requires patience, emotional maturity, and commitment. You'll be supported every step of the way by experienced clinicians and supervisors who are invested in your growth.
We're especially excited to meet candidates who are:
  • Passionate about working with children and teens
  • Curious about human development and learning
  • Patient, empathetic, and enthusiastic
  • Reliable and committed to a consistent schedule (kids depend on consistency!)
  • Comfortable working directly with families in home-based setting

Great fits include:
Education majors, psychology students, pre-meds, nursing students, OT/SLP hopefuls, behavior technicians, camp counselors, teacher's assistants, childcare providers, direct support professionals, and caregivers.
What you'll do as a Child Development Specialist:
You'll work one-on-one with children in their homes and/or center based to:
  • Build communication, social, and daily living skills through play, conversation, and shared activities
  • Create meaningful connections that help children think, create, and engage with the world
  • Follow a relationship-based intervention model designed to achieve strong outcomes with fewer session hours
  • Track progress by documenting session notes and goal outcomes
  • Collaborate closely with clinicians and supervisors to build clinical skills and confidence
  • Learn how evidence-based developmental care works in real life, not just in textbooks

Pay and Schedules:
  • Direct Pay: $22-$28/hour (based on experience and education)
  • Training / Admin Pay: $20/hour
  • Part-time schedules:
  • 3, 4, or 5 days per week M-F (most available hours are 3pm-8pm)
  • Or Saturday and Sunday (most available hours are between 9a-3pm)
  • Paid drive time + mileage reimbursement (IRS rate) between clients

This role is ideal for students balancing classes, internships, or graduate school.
Requirements:
  • High School Diploma or GED (must be 18+)
  • Valid driver's license + reliable transportation (30-40 min drive radius).
  • Ability to complete physical tasks, including:
  • Playing on the floor/ground for up to two-three hours per session
  • Lifting/carrying up to 40 lbs
  • Sitting, kneeling, crouching, or moving quickly to ensure child safety
  • Strong communication skills and professionalism with families and teammates

Training, growth, and career development:
We invest in you because strong clinicians start with strong support.
  • You don't need to be an expert- we'll train you.
  • Paid New Hire Training
  • Ongoing coaching and mentorship from expert clinicians
  • Opportunities for role progression, pay increases, and performance bonuses
  • Exposure to a cutting-edge model of autism care with measurable outcome

Benefits and Perks:
  • $1000 Referral Bonus
  • Monthly Technology Stipend
  • Paid drive time at admin rate + mileage reimbursement between clients
  • Paid training
  • Strong performers may request letters of recommendation for graduate or professional programs

Positive Development is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
Employment is contingent upon clearing a background check and successful completion of training.

Apply