1

Child Development Associate Jobs in Mississippi (NOW HIRING)

Teacher Assistant

Vancleave, MS ยท On-site

$11.25 - $14.25/hr

Completion of an Early Childhood Training Program includes the Child Development Associate (CDA), National/State Director's Credential, Montessori Credential, and the MDE's intensiv,e specialized ...

Showing results 41-60

Child Development Associate information

See Mississippi salary details

$27.5K

$50.6K

$76.7K

How much do child development associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for child development associate in Mississippi is $50,590.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,200.00 and $56,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What can I do with a child development associate?

A Child Development Associate (CDA) credential qualifies individuals to work as early childhood educators, preschool teachers, or childcare providers. With this credential, you can work in daycare centers, preschools, or early learning programs, often requiring knowledge of child development principles and basic caregiving skills. It can also serve as a stepping stone for advanced roles in early childhood education or pursuing further certifications.

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.

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 can lead to higher wages and career advancement in childcare settings. The certification involves completing training, gaining experience, and passing an exam, making it a valuable credential for those seeking to work with young children.

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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Child Development jobs in Mississippi? The most popular types of Child Development jobs in Mississippi are:
What are popular job titles related to Child Development Associate jobs in Mississippi? For Child Development Associate jobs in Mississippi, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Child Development Associate jobs in Mississippi look for? The top searched job categories for Child Development Associate jobs in Mississippi are:
What cities in Mississippi are hiring for Child Development Associate jobs? Cities in Mississippi with the most Child Development Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Child Development Associate job openings in Mississippi as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, and 44% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,590 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Early Head Start Teacher

Delta Health Alliance

Drew, MS โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

The purpose of this position is to ensure our youngest children have a solid foundation for life and encourage the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of Head Start children. The EHS teacher will attend to the children's safety and welfare, while meeting requirements of Federal Head Start Performance Standards and any local, state and/or agency policies and procedures.

MIMIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

  • Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Prefer an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education.
  • Minimum one year experience working with children.
  • Must have flexible schedule to accommodate occasional evening or weekend hours.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Bilingual English/Spanish skills highly desirable.
  • Must havea valid Mississippi Driver's License and proof of insurance and must provide own vehicle for home visits.
  • Must pass Mississippi State requirements for early child educators: Letter of Suitability, Health Screening, and DHA required background check.
  • Intermediate to advanced computer skills, internet, and e-mail.
  • Ability to work as a team member collaborating with staff, families, and community resources.
  • Ability to supervise and monitor children at all times to ensure a safe environment. This includes the physical ability to monitor and move quickly in order to respond to children who are very active and may need restraint or redirection in order to ensure their safety or the safety of others and includes occasional lifting.
  • Ability to respond appropriately to an emergency or a crisis situation.
  • Regular kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor to attend to children's needs.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Supervise and monitor children at all times and respond appropriately to crisis or emergency situations that may occur.
  2. Establish a positive classroom climate.
  3. Guide the behavior of children in positive, effective ways.
  4. Follow a consistent schedule which includes small and large group experiences, choice time, music and movement, large and small motor activities, skill development, meals, and effective transitions between activities.
  5. Encourage experimentation, exploration, problem solving, cooperation, socialization, and choice-making; ask open-ended questions and follow-up questions to promote further learning and thinking.
  6. Follow agency-adopted curricula, using effective strategies to guide learning.
  7. Prepare the classroom environment and materials to support developmentally appropriate curriculum plans and learning experiences.
  8. Coordinate with support staff when indicated, developing a collaborative approach that benefits all children in the classroom.
  9. Adapt curriculum to address and meet individual goals for children as identified in their individualized family service plans (IFSP).
  10. Participate in integrated service meetings to plan for and delivery collaborative services across all components.
  11. Utilize agency adopted tools for ongoing assessment and documentation.
  12. Monitor and report child abuse.
  13. Attend and participate in training and appropriate professional development activities.
  14. Other Duties as Assigned

Statement of Non-Inclusivity:This job description is not to be construed as a complete listing of the duties and responsibilities that may be given to any employee. The duties and responsibilities outlined in this position may be added to or changed when deemed appropriate and necessary by the supervisor.