ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Child Development Associate Degree Jobs in California

Sunny Days

Child Development Specialist

Menlo Park, CA · Hybrid

$24.25 - $28.25/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 ...

Sunny Days

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 ...

Sunny Days

Child Development Specialist

Escondido, CA · Hybrid

$21.50 - $25.25/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 ...

Sunny Days

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 ...

Sunny Days

Child Development Specialist

Huntington Beach, CA · Hybrid

$21.75 - $25.25/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 ...

Sunny Days

Child Development Specialist

Oceanside, CA · Hybrid

$21.25 - $24.75/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 ...

Sunny Days

Child Development Specialist

Sacramento, CA · Hybrid

$21.75 - $25.50/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 ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsChild Development Associate Degree JobsChild Development Associate Degree Jobs in California

Child Development Associate Degree information

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

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.

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 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:
Child Development Associate Degree jobs near you
Infographic showing various Child Development Associate Degree job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Child Development Specialist

Positive Development

East Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$26 - $30/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Positive Development rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

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: $26-$30/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 between clients + mileage reimbursement (IRS rate)

This role is ideal for students balancing classes, internships, or graduate school.
Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least 1 year of volunteer or working experience with children required.
  • 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 (Admin rate) + mileage reimbursement (IRS rate) between clients only
  • 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.

What Positive Development employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply