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Child Development Associate Certificate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Imh

Child Development Teacher

Solana Beach, CA · On-site

Certificate in Early Childhood Development (CDA - Child Development Associate) Essential Functions This position works under broad guidelines dependent on the age, development, and classroom ...

Rochester Regional Health

Child Care Teacher

Rochester, NY · On-site

$17.50 - $21.58/hr

Child Development Associate credential OR Associates Degree in Early Childhood,Child Development or ... LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS: PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: M - Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of ...

Rochester Regional Health

Child Care Teacher

Manchester, MD · On-site

$17.50 - $21.58/hr

Child Development Associate credential OR Associates Degree in Early Childhood,Child Development or ... LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS: PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: M - Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of ...

Rochester Regional Health

Child Care Teacher

Rochester, NY · On-site

$17.50 - $21.58/hr

Child Development Associate credential OR Associates Degree in Early Childhood,Child Development or ... LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS: PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: M - Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of ...

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Child Development Associate Certificate information

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How much do child development associate certificate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for child development associate certificate in the United States is $53,418.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,500.00 and $60,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is a CDA certificate worth it?

A Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate is a recognized credential for early childhood educators, often required for preschool teaching positions and childcare roles. It demonstrates foundational skills in child development and caregiving, which can improve job prospects and earning potential. However, career advancement may also require additional education or experience depending on the setting and state requirements.

What is a Child Development Associate (CDA) Certificate?

A Child Development Associate (CDA) Certificate is a nationally recognized credential in early childhood education. It demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge, skills, and abilities to work with young children and support their development. The CDA is often required for childcare positions in preschools, Head Start programs, and daycare centers. Earning this certificate involves completing coursework, gaining hands-on experience, and passing an assessment process. The credential helps professionals advance their careers and improve the quality of care for children.

What jobs can I get with a CDA certificate?

A Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate qualifies individuals for roles such as preschool teacher, childcare provider, or early childhood educator. These positions typically involve working in daycare centers, preschools, or early learning programs and often require knowledge of child development and classroom management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Child Development Associate (CDA), and why are they important?

To thrive as a Child Development Associate, you need a solid understanding of early childhood education principles, child safety, and age-appropriate instructional strategies, typically supported by earning a CDA credential. Familiarity with classroom management tools, early learning assessment systems, and ongoing professional development is expected. Patience, strong communication, and the ability to build positive relationships with children and families are crucial soft skills. These skills and qualifications ensure that children receive high-quality care and education in a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment.

What is the difference between Child Development Associate Certificate vs Preschool Teacher?

CriteriaChild Development Associate CertificatePreschool Teacher
Required CredentialsCDAs typically require a CDA credential, which involves coursework, experience, and a background check.Preschool teachers often need a high school diploma or associate degree, with some states requiring a CDA or early childhood certification.
Work EnvironmentChildcare centers, preschools, Head Start programs, and home-based settings.Preschools, daycare centers, and early childhood education programs.
Employer & Industry UsageUsed as an entry-level credential for early childhood assistants and aides.Used for teaching roles in early childhood education settings.

The Child Development Associate Certificate is a credential that qualifies individuals for entry-level roles supporting young children's development, often as aides or assistants. A preschool teacher typically has more formal education and is responsible for planning and leading classroom activities. While both roles work in early childhood settings, the CDA focuses on foundational skills and support roles, whereas preschool teachers have more instructional responsibilities.

What are some common challenges Child Development Associates face when working with young children in a classroom setting?

Child Development Associates (CDAs) often encounter challenges such as managing diverse behaviors among children, balancing the needs of individual students with group activities, and maintaining effective communication with parents and guardians. Adapting lesson plans to accommodate children with varying developmental levels and backgrounds is also a frequent challenge. To address these, CDAs regularly collaborate with other educators and support staff, participate in ongoing professional development, and use creative problem-solving to foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment.

What can I do with my child development certificate?

A Child Development Associate (CDA) Certificate qualifies individuals for entry-level positions in early childhood education, such as preschool teacher, childcare provider, or family childcare home provider. It demonstrates knowledge of child development and caregiving skills, often required for working in licensed childcare centers or family homes. The certificate can also serve as a stepping stone for further education or advanced certifications in early childhood education.

What does child development associate certification mean?

The Child Development Associate (CDA) certification is a credential that recognizes early childhood professionals who demonstrate competence in supporting children's development and learning. It requires completing specific training hours, gaining hands-on experience, and passing a credentialing exam. The certification is often a requirement for working in licensed childcare settings and helps validate a caregiver's skills in child development and classroom management.
More about Child Development Associate Certificate jobs
What states have the most Child Development Associate Certificate jobs? States with the most job openings for Child Development Associate Certificate jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Child Development Associate Certificate jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Child Development Associate Certificate jobs are:
Child Development Associate Certificate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Child Development Associate Certificate job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,418 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

PRN Early Childhood Educator at Lilypad

Easterseals West Kentucky, Inc.

Paducah, KY • On-site

$15 - $17.19/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Description

Description

Pay: $15.00 - $17.19 per hour

Job description:

EXCELLENT BENEFITS include paid holidays, health/vision/dental insurance, generous PTO, short-term/song-term disability, life insurance, and retirement.

Positions include early childhood educators in all age ranges. Responsibilities include providing education and social guidance to young children, development and execution of learning plans, tailored to the needs of the child.

Applicants must have excellent written and oral communication skills. A high school diploma or GED is required, in addition to a Child Development Associate (certification) (CDA) or a willingness to obtain is also required. Those currently working on a degree in early childhood experience are not required to obtain the CDA. Experience in a child development setting may replace the CDA requirement.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Requirements

Applicants must have excellent written and oral communication skills. A high school diploma or GED is required, in addition to a Child Development Associate (certification) (CDA) or a willingness to obtain is also required. Those currently working on a degree in early childhood experience are not required to obtain the CDA. Experience in a child development setting may replace the CDA requirement.

Requirements

Requirements

Applicants must have excellent written and oral communication skills. A high school diploma or GED is required, in addition to a Child Development Associate (certification) (CDA) or a willingness to obtain is also required. Those currently working on a degree in early childhood experience are not required to obtain the CDA. Experience in a child development setting may replace the CDA requirement. 

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