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Child Development Associate Degree Jobs in California

Child Development Specialist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$19 - $22.25/hr

Bachelor's Degree - (Master's degree required in Orange County) in child development, early childhood, teaching or related field OR a special education teaching credential * Early Intervention ...

Child Development Specialist

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$24.25 - $28.25/hr

Bachelor's Degree - (Master's degree required in Orange County) in child development, early childhood, teaching or related field OR a special education teaching credential * Early Intervention ...

Child Development Specialist

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$21.75 - $25.50/hr

Bachelor's Degree - (Master's degree required in Orange County) in child development, early childhood, teaching or related field OR a special education teaching credential * Early Intervention ...

Child Development Specialist

Fairfield, CA · Hybrid

$20.75 - $24.50/hr

Bachelor's Degree - (Masters degree required in Orange County) in child development, early childhood, teaching or related field OR a special education teaching credential * Early Intervention ...

Child Development Specialist

Fountain Valley, CA · Hybrid

$22.50 - $26.25/hr

Bachelor's Degree - (Masters degree required in Orange County) in child development, early childhood, teaching or related field OR a special education teaching credential * Early Intervention ...

Child Development Specialist

Riverside, CA · Hybrid

$21.50 - $25/hr

Bachelor's Degree - (Masters degree required in Orange County) in child development, early childhood, teaching or related field OR a special education teaching credential * Early Intervention ...

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Child Development Associate Degree information

What is the highest paying job with a child development degree?

The highest paying jobs with a child development degree often include roles such as early childhood program director, child life specialist, or preschool director, which can offer salaries ranging from $50,000 to over $80,000 annually. These positions typically require additional experience, leadership skills, and sometimes certification, and they involve overseeing programs, supporting children's development, or managing staff in educational or healthcare settings.

What can you become with a child development degree?

A child development associate degree prepares individuals for careers such as preschool teacher, childcare provider, early childhood educator, or family support specialist. These roles typically involve working in daycare centers, preschools, or community programs and may require certification or licensing depending on the position and location.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive with a Child Development Associate Degree, and why are they important?

To thrive with a Child Development Associate Degree, you need a solid understanding of child growth, early education best practices, and developmentally appropriate activities, often supported by CDA certification. Familiarity with educational frameworks, child assessment tools, and classroom management software is typically required. Patience, strong communication, and creativity are essential soft skills for engaging young children and collaborating with families and colleagues. These skills ensure effective learning environments and positive developmental outcomes for children in early childhood education settings.

What is a Child Development Associate Degree?

A Child Development Associate Degree is a two-year undergraduate program that prepares students to work with young children in various educational and care settings. The program typically covers topics such as child psychology, early childhood education, curriculum planning, and child health and safety. Graduates are equipped to support the growth and development of children from infancy through early childhood, and they may qualify for roles such as preschool teacher, childcare worker, or teacher's aide. This degree also provides a foundation for further study in education or related fields.

Is a child development degree worth it?

A Child Development Associate Degree provides foundational knowledge of child growth, behavior, and learning strategies, which can improve job prospects in early childhood education and caregiving roles. It often qualifies individuals for entry-level positions and may be required for certification or licensing in some states. The degree can lead to increased earning potential and career advancement in the field of early childhood development.

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

AspectChild Development Associate DegreePreschool Teacher
Required CredentialsChild Development Associate (CDA) credential or degreeHigh school diploma or equivalent; some states require CDA or higher
Work EnvironmentChildcare centers, preschools, Head Start programsPreschools, daycare centers, private and public schools
Industry UsagePreparation for early childhood education rolesDirectly involved in teaching preschool children

The Child Development Associate Degree provides foundational knowledge and credentials for working with young children, often serving as a stepping stone to becoming a preschool teacher. While both roles focus on early childhood education, a CDA is typically a credential or degree that qualifies individuals for entry-level positions, whereas preschool teachers are responsible for planning and implementing educational activities for preschoolers. Having a CDA can enhance job prospects and earning potential in preschool teaching roles.

What can I do with a child development associate?

A Child Development Associate Degree qualifies individuals for entry-level positions in early childhood education, such as preschool teacher, childcare provider, or teaching assistant. It provides foundational skills in child development, behavior management, and curriculum planning, often requiring certification or licensing depending on the state or employer.

What types of career paths can I pursue after earning a Child Development Associate Degree?

With a Child Development Associate Degree, you can pursue various entry-level roles in early childhood education, such as preschool teacher, teacher’s assistant, childcare center staff, or family childcare provider. This degree often serves as a stepping stone to higher-level positions, including lead teacher or center director, especially when paired with further education or certifications. Many employers value the practical skills and foundational knowledge gained from this degree, and it can also help you specialize in areas like special education or child advocacy. Additionally, the role often involves working closely with families, educators, and specialists, providing opportunities to build strong professional networks and grow your expertise.
What are popular job titles related to Child Development Associate Degree jobs in California? For Child Development Associate Degree jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Child Development Associate Degree jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Child Development Associate Degree jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Child Development Associate Degree jobs? Cities in California with the most Child Development Associate Degree job openings:
Infographic showing various Child Development Associate Degree job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Substitute Child Development Associate Teacher

Butte County Office Of Education

Oroville, CA • On-site

$24.22/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

About the Employer
The Butte County Office of Education (BCOE) is located in Northern California and serves 13 districts and 17 charter schools in Butte County and provides services to students and educators in all 58 California Counties and employs 1400 people in Butte County and across the state.
Job Summary
Credential Information
A valid unexpired California Child Development Associate Teacher Permit or a higher-level Child Development Permit is preferred.
Applicants who do not hold or qualify for a Child Development Associate Teacher or higher-level permit but are willing to obtain the CD Assistant Permit may be considered as long as a minimum of six (6) semester units of ECE/CD coursework have been completed and verified by official transcript(s). Individuals who need to apply for the CD Assistant Permit prior to being placed on our Child Development substitute list will need to work with BCOE Credentials to submit the application for the appropriate permit.
Individuals who hold the CD Assistant Permit will be paid at the rate specified on BCOE's Child Development Salary Schedule 04CD, Range 4 ($19.49 per hour).
Requirements / Qualifications
  • Other (Other (Evidence of appropriate permit authorization by one of the following: Copy of a Child Development Associate Teacher Permit or higher-level permit; you may obtain a copy of your permit from the CTC website using this link: https://www.ctc.ca.gov/commission/lookup, OR Willingness to obtain the necessary permit by providing copies of all transcripts with ECE/CD coursework to show eligibility for the required CD Associate Teacher or higher-level permit. Copies of degrees are not sufficient.))
  • Resume

Comments and Other Information
This is an on call position for various schools and programs administered by the Butte County Office of Education (BCOE).
Our sites are mainly, but not exclusively, in the Chico and Oroville areas.
Upon receipt of a complete application packet and required documentation, applicants will be fingerprinted to conduct a background investigation. Once our office receives notification of a clear background investigation, you will be placed on the substitute list.
Approved substitutes will be required to complete online training that will be assigned using the email address provided.
To comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all new employees must provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States.
BCOE is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
BCOE prohibits discrimination, intimidation, harassment (including sexual harassment) or bullying based on a person's actual or perceived ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, immigration status, national origin, religion, race or ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. For questions or concerns, please contact:
Title IX Coordinator & Compliance Officer: Mikeial Williamson, Assistant Superintendent - HR; mwilliamson@bcoe.org
Section 504 Coordinator: Maryanne Taylor, Senior Director - Special Education; mtaylor@bcoe.org