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Child Development Associate Degree Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Director Childcare

Newberry, SC · On-site

$15 - $23/hr

... child care facility; (iii) An associate's degree from a state-approved college or university in early childhood education, child development, child psychology or a related field, that includes at ...

Teacher

Rochester, NY · On-site

$17.50 - $21.58/hr

Child Development Associate credential OR Associates Degree in Early Childhood,Child Development or a related field AND Two years experience related to caring for children Group Teacher for infants ...

Director Childcare

Newberry, SC · On-site

$15 - $23/hr

... child care facility; (iii) An associate's degree from a state-approved college or university in early childhood education, child development, child psychology or a related field, that includes at ...

Child Care Teacher

Richmond, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.25/hr

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education Certifications (Preferred) Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential

Child Care Teacher

Richmond, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.25/hr

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education Certifications (Preferred) Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential

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Child Development Associate Degree information

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$29K

$53.4K

$81K

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

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for child development associate degree 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.

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 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 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 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.

Is it worth getting a child development associate degree certification?

A Child Development Associate (CDA) certification can enhance job prospects and demonstrate competence in early childhood education. It is often required or preferred for preschool teaching and childcare positions, and it involves completing coursework, a portfolio, and supervised hours. Earning the CDA can lead to higher wages and career advancement in the field.

What can you become with a child development associate degree?

A Child Development Associate Degree prepares individuals for roles such as preschool teacher, childcare provider, early childhood educator, or daycare director. It provides foundational knowledge of child development, behavior management, and curriculum planning, often requiring certification or licensing for certain positions.

What jobs can you get with a child development associate degree?

A Child Development Associate Degree prepares individuals for roles such as preschool teacher, childcare provider, early childhood educator, or daycare director. These positions typically require knowledge of child development, classroom management, and may involve working in preschools, daycare centers, or early education programs.
More about Child Development Associate Degree jobs

What cities are hiring for Child Development Associate Degree jobs?

Cities with the most Child Development Associate Degree job openings:

What states have the most Child Development Associate Degree jobs?

States with the most job openings for Child Development Associate Degree jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Child Development Associate Degree jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Child Development Associate Degree jobs are:

Infographic showing various Child Development Associate Degree job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,418 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

On-Call Child Development Specialist

Illinois Central College

East Peoria, IL • On-site

$17.05 - $19.60/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Supervise children in the Children's Center during play, meals, and rest periods.

  • Plan and carry out daily developmentally appropriate activities to support children's physical, mental, and social growth.

  • Orient, supervise, and mentor college program students and student employees in the lab school environment.


Job description

Position Title:

On-Call Child Development Specialist17.06 USD Hourly

Campus:

Academic Building, East Peoria Campus

Employment Type:

Classified, StaffPart time

Department:

Children's Center

Start Date:

11/17/2025

Job Description:

SUMMARY

The Child Development Specialist is primarily responsible for planning and supervising play and learning activities. The Specialist assists in the supervision of college students assigned to the Center for coursework in addition to assisting with daily operations of the Center.

Compensation for the On-Call Child Development Specialist is $17.05 - $19.60 an hour. For a candidate to be considered and have a complete application they must attach a cover letter, resume, and transcripts. This role will remain open until filled.

Essential Functions

This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed while in other cases related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Supervise children in the Children's Center during play, meals and rest periods.

2. Plan and carry out daily Developmentally Appropriate Activities (lessons) to include physical, mental and social growth activities in respect to age, individual ability, and cultural background.

3. Orient, supervise and mentor College program students in our lab school environment as well as student employees.

4. Work collaboratively with professors and department leads including the Early Childhood Education Program concerning students in the lab school environment.

5. Work with the Children's Center Manager and others regarding special concerns of and trainings for those working with individual children, including those with exceptional needs.

6. Assist in maintaining classrooms and records required by DCFS licensing standards, USDA food program, quality assurance agencies (state and national), and by the College.

7. Attend and report required annual trainings and in service to your Illinois Gateways Registry. These may include workshops, meetings, conferences, and webinars.

8. Monitor and participate in the general upkeep and cleanliness of the Center.

9. Work with co-teachers, supervisors, parents, and others to create a warm and inviting environment for all children.

10. Promote appropriate parent-school-public relationships by meeting with prospective families.

12. Perform related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

1. Shall be at least 19 years of age.

2. Educational/Experiential Experience for Early Childhood Teachers as outlined in Illinois Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers:

  • Sixty semester hours (or 90 quarter hours) of credits from an accredited college or university with six semester or nine quarter hours in courses related directly to child care and/or child development, from birth to age six; OR
  • One year (1560 clock hours) of child development experience in a nursery school, kindergarten, or licensed day care center and 30 semester hours (or 45 quarter hours) of credits from an accredited college or university with six semester or nine quarter hours in courses related directly to child care and/or child development, from birth to age six; OR
  • Completion of credentialing programs approved by the Department of Children and Family Services. The approved credentialing options are: Child Development Associate Credential Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition 2460 16th Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20009 1-800-424-4310 or Certified Childcare Professional National Child Care Association 1029 Railroad Street, N.W. Conyers, Georgia 30207 1-800-543-7161

3. Entry level experience in Microsoft Office Suite.

4. Strong leadership skills, especially as it relates to child development.

5. Strong Knowledge of principles and practices of childcare including health, safety, nutrition and DCFS regulations.

6. Strong problem-solving skills.

7. Strong verbal and written communication skills.

8. Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish and maintain cooperative and professional working relationships with others.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Associate's degree or higher in early childhood education, elementary education or a related field.

2. Experience with food handling.

3. Director qualified as outlined in Illinois Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers.

4. 3 years of experience in a pre-school, kindergarten, or licensed day care center.

5. Experience in National Accreditation and Early Childhood Special Education.

6. Experience working in higher education.

7. Illinois ECE credential level 4.

8. Illinois IT credential level 4.

Illinois Central College offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees, including:
  • paid time off;
  • 11 paid holidays; 2 floating holidays
  • medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance;
  • tuition waivers for employee, spouse and dependent children;
  • on-site childcare center;
  • 403(b) retirement plans; and
  • State University Retirement System pension plan.
To learn more about full-time health care benefits at ICC.