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Child Development Associate Jobs in Benton, AR (NOW HIRING)

Preschool Teacher

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$16.30 - $20.30/hr

CDA - Must be obtained within 12 months of hire, Child Development Associate (CDA) - Council for Professional Recognition Description 1. Provide attentive and nurturing care to children, ensuring ...

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Child Development Associate information

See Benton, AR salary details

$24.6K

$45.4K

$68.8K

How much do child development associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for child development associate in Benton, AR is $45,353.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,100.00 and $50,900.00 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 job categories do people searching Child Development Associate jobs in Benton, AR look for?

The top searched job categories for Child Development Associate jobs in Benton, AR are:

What cities near Benton, AR are hiring for Child Development Associate jobs?

Cities near Benton, AR with the most Child Development Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Child Development Associate job openings in Benton, AR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,353 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

$14 - $17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Job Description Kindergarten Readiness Teacher As a Kindergarten Readiness Teacher at Child Development Schools, you will prepare children for a confident and successful transition to kindergarten by creating a classroom where curiosity, independence, and a love of learning thrive. Through intentional instruction, meaningful play, and engaging hands-on experiences, you will help children develop the academic, social-emotional, and life skills needed for success in elementary school and beyond. Each day, you will create an engaging learning environment that inspires children to explore, ask questions, solve problems, and build confidence.

From early literacy and math experiences to science, creative exploration, and social development, you will provide high-quality instruction that helps every child reach their fullest potential. You will serve as a trusted partner to families, a positive role model for children, and a leader within our teaching team who is committed to excellence in early childhood education. Your classroom will reflect the highest standards of learning, organization, professionalism, and school readiness.

What Your Day Looks Like Plan and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons focused on kindergarten readiness and aligned with curriculum standards. Foster children's growth in literacy, math, language, science, social-emotional development, problem-solving, and independence. Create a structured, organized classroom that encourages exploration, creativity, and confidence while meeting all licensing and ratio requirements.

Prepare children for kindergarten routines by teaching independence, responsibility, classroom expectations, and self-help skills. Observe, assess, and document each child's developmental progress, using data to guide instruction and support individual learning goals. Build strong partnerships with families through daily communication, progress updates, and scheduled conferences.

Maintain accurate documentation, including attendance, assessments, developmental records, and incident reports. Collaborate with school leadership and fellow educators to continuously improve classroom quality and student outcomes. Create a warm, welcoming classroom environment where every child feels safe, valued, challenged, and excited to learn.

#CDSC Requirements Pay And Benefits Pay: $14.00--$17.00 per hour, based on experience and education. Full-time Employees Receive Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short- and long-term disability 401(k) 9 company-paid holidays and 8 days of PTO 50% tuition discount for your own children enrolled at a CDS center Up to $5,250 in annual tuition reimbursement for continued education Access to PerkSpot for discounts on major brands and services Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering professional and confidential support for employees and their families Coaching, mentoring, and ongoing professional development What We're Looking For Minimum of 2 years of classroom teaching experience in an early childhood, preschool, pre-kindergarten, or kindergarten setting. Child Development Associate (CDA) credential required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field preferred

Passion for preparing young children for kindergarten success. Strong classroom management and organizational skills. Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and team members.

Commitment to maintaining a high-quality learning environment and continuously growing as an educator. A positive attitude, collaborative spirit, and genuine love for helping children learn and succeed. Apply.