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Child Development Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Head Start Assistant Teacher

Broadview, IL · On-site

$19.22 - $26.01/hr

Must be at least 19 years old, hold at minimum a high school diploma/GED plus Preschool Child Development Associate Life at Ascension: Where purpose meets opportunity Ascension is a leading nonprofit ...

Teacher Aide

Chicago, IL

$18.56 - $19.25/hr

Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential required * Gateways Level 2 Credential or higher preferred * Minimum of one year of experience working with young children, preferably in a childcare ...

Teacher Aide

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.56 - $19.25/hr

Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential required * Gateways Level 2 Credential or higher preferred * Minimum of one year of experience working with young children, preferably in a childcare ...

Showing results 41-60

Child Development Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$29.9K

$55K

$83.4K

How much do child development associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for child development associate in Chicago, IL is $55,028.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,800.00 and $61,800.00 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Child Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Child Development Associate jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Child Development Associate jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Child Development Associate jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Child Development Associate jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Child Development Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Child Development Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,028 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Teacher (Early Childhood 3-5)

Carpentersville, IL

Children's Home and Aid
Individual, Family and Community Social Assistance • 501 - 1,000 employees

$42K - $46K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Brightpoint invites you to join our team of mission-driven staff who share a common vision: an equitable world where all children and families thrive in strong communities. As a leader in the human services sector for 140 years, we aim to advance the well-being of children by investing in families and strengthening communities through data-informed, collaborative, and preventative solutions.

The Early Childhood Teacher is a critical member of the Brightpoint Child & Family Center in Carpentersville team, using Head Start, Early Head Start, and Creative Curriculum® to enhance the physical, emotional, and cognitive growth of children through play and hands-on experiences. As an Early Childhood Teacher, you will develop individualized lesson plans and meet with parents to support the best outcomes for your students. As an Early Childhood Education Center with NAEYC accreditation and ExceleRate Gold Circle of Quality designation, you’ll be proud to be part of the Brightpoint Child & Family Center in Carpentersville team, and with our cohesive team style and supportive, high quality supervision, you’ll look forward to coming back each day.

Candidate qualifications:

For Teacher 3-5 year olds:

  • Associate's Degree in Child Development or a closely related field with 18+ hours of ECE credits required OR Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) and enrollment in a college program in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or closely related field with at least 30 credit hours completed, including 12 hours in Early Childhood Education.
  • Ability to obtain an Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Early Childhood Education Level 4 credential within 12 months of employment required.
  • A minimum of 1 year experience working with children and/or families required.

(Candidates without the required degree/credentials may be considered with an approved educational plan).

Job details:

  • Compensation: Salary range is between $42k-$46k; offers are commensurate with experience and bilingual candidates may receive additional compensation. The salary range provided represents our current estimate for this role at the time of posting and is subject to change. The final salary will be determined based on a range of factors, including but not limited to, a candidate's relevant experience, education, qualifications, skills, certifications, and alignment with organizational needs. We are dedicated to fair and equitable compensation practices and are committed to fostering a diverse workforce while providing equal opportunities for all candidates.
  • Benefits: Medical/dental/vision insurance, three scheduled weeks of paid time off each year (Spring, Summer, Winter), and additional flexible paid leave that accrues based on tenure; 11 paid holidays, supplemental insurance options, 401(k) with match, (more benefit details here). 
  • Location: Classroom setting (Brightpoint Child & Family Center in Carpentersville).
  • Schedule: Full-time, salaried; center is open Mon-Fri, 7:30am-5:30pm; assigned shifts will vary.
  • Student Loan Forgiveness: Brightpoint is an approved agency for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).