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Child Development Associate Degree Jobs in Merced, CA

Merced County Community Action

TEACHER ASSISTANT

Merced, CA · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Under supervision of an Associate Teacher or higher, care for and assist in the development and instructions of children enrolled in a Child Development Program. This is a non-exempt position.

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All JobsChild Development Associate Degree JobsChild Development Associate Degree Jobs in Merced, CA

Child Development Associate Degree information

See Merced, CA salary details

$30.6K

$56.4K

$85.5K

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

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for child development associate degree in Merced, CA is $56,411.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,900.00 and $63,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Merced, CA? For Child Development Associate Degree jobs in Merced, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Child Development Associate Degree jobs in Merced, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Child Development Associate Degree jobs in Merced, CA are:
What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Child Development Associate Degree jobs? Cities near Merced, CA 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 Merced, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,411 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

Substitute - ECE Head Start Paraprofessional (2025-2026)

Turlock Unified School District

Turlock, CA • On-site

$20.99/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

About the Employer
The Turlock Unified School District is located in the heart of the Central Valley in Turlock, CA, and was established over a hundred years ago in 1906. With 14,000+ students in TUSD and nearly 1,500 staff, our strength is in our diverse, neighborhood schools. Each school engages our learners in variety of unique and innovative ways including Two-Way Immersion Academies, Career Technical Education, NJROTC, Advanced Placement, GATE, music, STEM/STEAM, and much more. We look forward to sharing our unique TUSD story with you and encourage you to explore our website and follow us on social media.
Requirements / Qualifications
  • Certificate Copy (Child Development Associate Teacher permit or higher required. This requirement cannot be waived.)
  • Copy of Transcript (The transcript needs to show the 12 units in Early Childhood Education coursework.)
  • Proof of HS Graduation (High School graduate or equivalent.)

Comments and Other Information
This position requires a Child development Associate Teacher permit; Associates degree or higher; or enrolled in a program that will lead to an Associates degree or higher; 12 units in Early Childhood Education college coursework. This is part of the job description and cannot be waived. Transcripts showing these earned units need to be attached to the Edjoin application.

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