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Child Development Associate Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

$18.70/hr

Possession and maintenance of one of the following directly related to the age group of the position to which assigned: child development associate credential, military school age credential, Army ...

$18.70/hr

Possession and maintenance of one of the following directly related to the age group of the position to which assigned: child development associate credential, military school age credential, Army ...

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Child Development Associate information

See Colorado salary details

$30.5K

$56.2K

$85.2K

How much do child development associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for child development associate in Colorado is $56,170.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,700.00 and $63,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Child Development Associate?

A Child Development Associate (CDA) is a credentialed early childhood educator who has demonstrated the ability to effectively work with young children and their families. The CDA credential is awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition and is recognized nationally as a mark of competence in the field of early childhood education. Earning a CDA involves completing coursework, gaining work experience, and passing an assessment in one of several settings, such as preschool, infant/toddler, or family child care. CDAs play an important role in supporting the development, learning, and well-being of children from birth to age five.

How does a Child Development Associate typically collaborate with lead teachers and other staff in early childhood education settings?

Child Development Associates (CDAs) work closely with lead teachers and other staff to support classroom activities, implement lesson plans, and ensure a safe, nurturing environment for children. They often assist in observing children's progress, communicating with parents, and adapting activities to meet individual needs. Effective collaboration involves participating in team meetings, sharing observations, and contributing ideas to enhance the learning experience. This teamwork helps create a cohesive, supportive environment that benefits both children and staff.

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

To thrive as a Child Development Associate, you need a foundational understanding of early childhood development, child safety, and age-appropriate teaching methods, typically demonstrated by earning a CDA credential. Familiarity with classroom management software, child assessment tools, and health and safety regulations is often required. Strong communication, patience, and creativity are critical soft skills for building relationships with children and families. These skills and qualifications ensure the delivery of high-quality early childhood education and foster a safe, supportive learning environment.

Is it worth getting a child development associate certification?

A Child Development Associate (CDA) certification can enhance job prospects and demonstrate competence in early childhood education. It is often required or preferred by employers and involves completing coursework, a portfolio, and a supervised work experience, which can lead to higher earning potential and career advancement in the field.

What kind of jobs can I get with a Child Development Associate?

A Child Development Associate (CDA) credential qualifies individuals for roles such as preschool teacher, childcare provider, early childhood educator, or daycare director. These jobs typically involve working with young children in educational or care settings and often require knowledge of child development principles and safety standards.

What are the most commonly searched types of Child Development jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Child Development jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to Child Development Associate jobs in Colorado?

For Child Development Associate jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Child Development Associate jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Child Development Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Child Development Associate job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,170 per year, or $27 per hour.

Hourly Child Development Leader - Eaglecrest High School

Cherry Creek School District

Centennial, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 5 days ago


Cherry Creek School District rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

183rd of 641 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description


Profile
Hourly Child Development Leader
Association Date
1951-01-01 -
Code
TP262
Profile Description
Implements the child care program, assumes director's responsibilities in their absence. Develops and promotes good community relations among various community and school clientele.
Requisition Job Description
FLSA:
Non-Exempt
COMPENSATION SCHEDULE:
Link to https://www.cherrycreekschools.org/Page/2906
Educational Support Personnel Compensation
PAY GRADE:
HOURLY
BENEFITS:
Our employee benefits package includes medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, long term disability, critical illness insurance, and accident insurance. Visit our website for full details.
SUPERVISOR:
Director or designee.
SUMMARY:
Implements the child care program, assumes director's responsibilities in their absence. Develops and promotes good community relations among various community and school clientele.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following tasks describe the basic functions of the job; not all tasks may be performed by each employee. Duties and assignments may vary based on academic year. The following frequencies and percentage of time spent are approximations only.
1. Assists the director with completing requirements for the child care licensing; follows and enforces Rules Regulating Child Care Centers.
2. Follows and enforces procedures as stated in the ECS Procedures Manual.
3. Assists director to manage and direct the child care program.
4. Assists the director with program operations, planning, equipment, supplies and safety.
5. Assists the director with supervision of the child care program staff.
6. Uses effective discipline and management techniques.
7. Maintains a safe and clean environment for children.
8. Plans and implements daily activities.
9. Demonstrates excellent communication with parents, children, school and district staff and coworkers.
10. Follows district policies and goals and uses district facilities with care.
11. Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Education Requirement - All college course grades must be "C" or better and be from a regionally accredited college/university.
2. The Child Development Leader must be at least 18 years of age and must meet at least one of the following qualifications:
A. A Bachelor's (4 year) degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Special Education, Family and Child Development or Child Psychology. No additional experience required.
B. A Bachelor's (4 year) degree in an area other than those listed above must have two (2) three semester hour Early Childhood Education college courses with one course being either Introduction to Early Childhood Education or Guidance Strategies. No additional experience required.
C. Current early childhood professional Credential Level III Version 2.0. No additional experience required.
D. Current certification as a Child Development Associate (CDA or other Department approved credential. No additional experience required.
E. A 2-year college degree (60 semester hours) in Early Childhood Education, which must include at least two (2) three-semester hour ECE courses, one of which must be either Introduction to Early Childhood Education or Guidance Strategies. ** Must have at least six (6) months (910 hours) of satisfactory experience.
F. Twelve semester hours in college-level credits in Early Childhood Education, one of the three (3) semester hour courses must be either Introduction to Early Childhood Education or Guidance Strategies. ** Must have at least nine (9) months (1,395) of satisfactory experience.
G. Completion of a vocational or occupational education sequence in child growth and development. Must have at least twelve (12) months (1,820) of satisfactory experience.
H. Completion of a Department approved course of training: Montessori Training approved for MECR, Montessori Centre International, AMI, or AMS, Delta Montrose Technical Center/Technical College of the Rockies, Buell Early Childhood Leadership Institute and RRC Intro to Childcare Development Specialist. Must have at least twelve (12) months (1,820) of satisfactory experience. 3. Experience in a paid child care program, any para-educator experience, or any licensed teaching experience.
4. Must demonstrate ability to supervise young children between 6 weeks and 5 years.
5. Each year of employment (June 1 through May 31), the leader must complete at least 15 clock hours of training.
6. Thorough and current knowledge of all aspects of childcare.
7. Strong leadership and management skill.
8. Excellent ability in problem solving and decision-making.
9. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:
All certifications, licenses, and registrations must be valid and unexpired.
1. The Child Development Leader must have satisfactory experience in the care and supervision of four (4) or more children less than six (6) years of age, who are not related to the applicant. Experience may include being a licensee of a Colorado family child care home, teacher's aide or teacher in a child care center, preschool, or elementary school.
2. Current First Aid and CPR certification or the ability to obtain within thirty (30) days.
3. A current Colorado Level I credential (version 1.0); or, two (2) three-semester hour college courses, one of which must be Introduction to Early Childhood education or Guidance Strategies. ** Must have at least twenty-four (24) months (3,640 hours) of satisfactory experience.
**Expanding Quality in Infant-Toddler Care (EQIT) may be substituted for Infant and Toddler Theory and Practice, and Pyramid Plus training may be substituted for Guidance Strategies, with a verification certificate from the trainer.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
1. Occasional lifting, pulling, and/or pushing.
2. Moderate effort may be required to lift up to 25 pounds.
3. Frequent bending, reaching, climbing.
4. Visual concentration.
5. Squatting.
6. Working with others.

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