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Child Development Associate Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Infant Toddler Educator

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$16.19 - $22/hr

We are interested in Infant Toddler Teachers with a minimum of an Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (we can help you get this!) OR a degree in Early Childhood Education/Child Development ...

Infant Toddler Educator

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$16.19 - $22/hr

We are interested in Infant Toddler Teachers with a minimum of an Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (we can help you get this!) OR a degree in Early Childhood Education/Child Development ...

We are interested in Infant Toddler Teachers with a minimum of an Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (we can help you get this!) OR a degree in Early Childhood Education/Child Development ...

Infant Toddler Educator

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$16.19 - $22/hr

We are interested in Infant Toddler Teachers with a minimum of an Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (we can help you get this!) OR a degree in Early Childhood Education/Child Development ...

Applicant must have a High School Diploma/GED, a CDA (child development associate) credential is preferred. A driver's license valid in Missouri, transportation and insurance is required. This ...

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Child Development Associate information

See Missouri salary details

$27.2K

$50.1K

$76K

How much do child development associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for child development associate in Missouri is $50,106.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,900.00 and $56,300.00 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 intervention programs, often requiring knowledge of child development principles and basic caregiving skills.

What is a Child Development Associate (CDA)?

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.

Do you get paid more if you have a CDA?

Child Development Associates (CDAs) are often valued in early childhood education roles, and having a CDA can lead to higher pay or increased job opportunities compared to those without certification. Many employers recognize the CDA as a credential that demonstrates specialized skills and commitment, which can result in higher wages or salary increases. However, actual pay differences vary by employer, location, and experience.

Is a child development associate worth it?

A Child Development Associate (CDA) credential can enhance job prospects and earning potential in early childhood education by demonstrating specialized skills and knowledge. It often requires completing training hours and a portfolio review, making it a valuable credential for those seeking to work in licensed childcare settings or advance their careers. However, the overall value depends on individual career goals and the specific requirements of employers in the field.

What is the highest paying job in child development?

The highest paying roles in child development often include child development director, pediatric healthcare administrator, or specialized clinical psychologist, which require advanced degrees and extensive experience. These positions typically involve leadership, policy development, or clinical expertise and can offer salaries significantly higher than entry-level child care or teaching roles.

How do Child Development Associates 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 Missouri? The most popular types of Child Development jobs in Missouri are:
What are popular job titles related to Child Development Associate jobs in Missouri? For Child Development Associate jobs in Missouri, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Child Development Associate jobs in Missouri look for? The top searched job categories for Child Development Associate jobs in Missouri are:
What cities in Missouri are hiring for Child Development Associate jobs? Cities in Missouri with the most Child Development Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Child Development Associate job openings in Missouri as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,106 per year, or $24.1 per hour.
Assistant Director - Bayer Child Development Center

Assistant Director - Bayer Child Development Center

Bright Horizons Family Solutions

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

$59K - $74K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Bright Horizons rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 294 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

98th of 205 rated education and training


Job description

Step into a leadership opportunity with Bright Horizons as a Child Care Assistant Director, where your work supports a strong, welcoming, and well-run early childhood center. Partnering closely with the Center Director, you'll help guide daily operations while maintaining our high standards for care, learning, and safety. From supporting educational programming and mentoring teachers to building meaningful relationships with families, your leadership will play an important role in shaping a center where children and teams can thrive.
Responsibilities:
  • Uphold our mission, culture, and values to ensure an inclusive environment and strong relationships with families, staff, and clients
  • Monitor program quality, ensuring children's learning is documented and visible
  • Ensure compliance with licensing and accreditation standards, health and safety protocols, and company policies

Qualifications:
Candidates must pass required state and company background checks, and meet state and company minimum education and experience requirements:
  • Associate or higher degree in early childhood education, education, or child development related field is required; bachelor's degree is preferred
  • At least two years of leadership experience in high-quality child care, daycare, or preschool settings is required
  • Strong understanding of center quality, compliance, health, safety and licensing standards is required

Bring your leadership skills and passion for early childhood education to Bright Horizons, and be part of a community where people grow, futures are shaped, and lives are changed. We offer the rewards, opportunities, and support you deserve because making a difference goes both ways. We're changing the world of work and family, and it starts with you. At Bright Horizons, you're the difference.
Physical Requirements:
This leadership role requires work in person in an early education/preschool child care center to provide center supervision, curriculum delivery, business management, and customer and client services per Bright Horizons' policies, procedures and guidance, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations, and in a manner that will ensure safety of children in Bright Horizons care and the employee.
This role has a mixture of duties including office/computer/phone-based work, in-person supervision of care delivery and employees throughout all areas of the center, family/prospective family interactions which may take place in various areas of the center, and the ability to temporarily serve as a supervising caregiver for relatively brief periods of time on an as-needed basis (e.g., covering employee breaks or unscheduled absences).
The full set of physical requirements for this role can be reviewed at https://careers.brighthorizons.com/job-descriptions. Bright Horizons complies with all laws that require reasonable accommodation for qualifying disabilities and/or pregnancy-related limitations.
This position requires in-person work in St. Louis, MO.
Compensation:
The annual salary for this position is between $59,000-$74,000 annually. The pay range listed here is what Bright Horizons in good faith anticipates offering for this job opening. Actual compensation offers within this range will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education and training, certifications, geography, and other relevant business or organizational factors.
Benefits:
Bright Horizons offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid vacation, sick, holiday, and parental bonding leave
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Long-term and short-term disability insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Money-saving discounts and financial planning tools
  • Career development opportunities and free college degrees through our Horizons CDA & Degree Program
  • Caregiving support and resources for the children and adults in your family
  • Learn more at https://careers.brighthorizons.com/us/en/health-and-wellness

Compensation: $59,000-$74,000
Life at Bright Horizons:
At Bright Horizons, you're more than your job title - you're the difference. Whether you're nurturing a child's first steps or supporting the systems behind the scenes, your work creates real impact. We're a community that celebrates individuality, invests in your growth, and supports your whole self. Because when you thrive, so do the children, families, and clients we serve. Join us and help build a brighter future - for yourself and for others.
Bright Horizons provides equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Bright Horizons complies with the laws and regulations described in the following federal government resources: Know Your Rights, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).
If you require assistance or a reasonable accommodation in completing these application materials or any aspect of the application and hiring process, please contact the recruitment helpdesk at 855-877-6866 or bhrecruit@brighthorizons.com. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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