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Child Development Associate Jobs in Chicago Heights, IL

Preschool Teacher-St Stan EC

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Indiana teaching license or CDA (Child Development Associate) required, or currently working toward one of these credentials * Early Childhood Education background preferred * Experience in preschool ...

Preschool Teacher-St Stan EC

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Indiana teaching license or CDA (Child Development Associate) required, or currently working toward one of these credentials * Early Childhood Education background preferred * Experience in preschool ...

Home Visitor - Early Head Start

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.25 - $25.50/hr

Minimum Child Development Associate (CDA) required. Or comparable credential or equivalent coursework as part of an associate's or baccalaureate degree. * Gateway Family Specialist Credential level ...

Showing results 41-60

Child Development Associate information

See Chicago Heights, IL salary details

$28.3K

$52.2K

$79.2K

How much do child development associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for child development associate in Chicago Heights, IL is $52,209.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $58,600.00 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 popular job titles related to Child Development Associate jobs in Chicago Heights, IL? For Child Development Associate jobs in Chicago Heights, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Child Development Associate jobs in Chicago Heights, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Child Development Associate jobs in Chicago Heights, IL are:
What cities near Chicago Heights, IL are hiring for Child Development Associate jobs? Cities near Chicago Heights, IL with the most Child Development Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Child Development Associate job openings in Chicago Heights, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,209 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

$16.20/hr

Other

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Job Description
Job Title: Substitute Teacher
Department: Early Childhood Education
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)
Employment Type: On call
Location: Chicago, IL 60647
Pay: $16.20/hr
SUMMARY
The Substitute Teacher assists Lead Teachers and Assistant Teachers on an as-needed/on-call basis to maintain required teacher/child ratios and provide coverage when teachers are absent. This position helps to ensure proper direct care to children in a group setting as assigned by the team leader in the classroom.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
  • Assists Lead Teacher in daily classroom instruction utilizing best practices as defined by NAEYC and COA accreditation standards, and in meeting state licensing requirements for the program in the structuring of the classroom.
  • Ensures there is appropriate teacher/child ratio in the classroom at all times.
  • Assists Lead Teachers and Assistant Teachers during meal service in the classroom as needed.
  • Assists with diapering in Infant and Toddler classrooms as needed.
  • Rides along and assists Lead Teachers and Assistant Teachers with field trips as needed to ensure appropriate adult/child ratios and supervision of children.
  • Rides along in agency buses and assists Bus Driver with transportation of children to and from the Early Learning Center, including morning and afternoon pick-up of children.
  • Facilitates development of self control in children by using positive guidance techniques.
  • Listens and responds to children and parents positively and with attention and respect.
  • Maintains the confidentiality of information and records related to children and families in the 0-5 early childhood program at all times.
  • Reports any child abuse or neglect to supervisor; informs School Nurse of any change or concern in the medical condition or care of any child.
  • Participates in Children's Place quality assurance initiatives as needed and appropriate to improve service quality and ensure compliance with licensing, accreditation and contractual standards.
  • Performs other duties as necessary to meet new funding requirements or as assigned by the Program Manager.

OTHER EXPECTATIONS
Employees shall respect the diversity of all individuals (e.g., clients, co-workers, stakeholders) and refrain from any form of discrimination and/or harassment based on religious, marital, ethnic, racial, gender, sexual orientation or other differences. Employees share the responsibility of creating and maintaining a welcoming and supportive work environment.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
No supervisory responsibilities.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION, SKILLS, and/or EXPERIENCE
  • High school diploma required. Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or completion of college level study in the field of Child Development preferred.
  • Must have a minimum of one year of professional experience working with young children in a child-care setting.
  • Certifications in Infant/Child CPR, First Aid and Caring for the Mildly Ill Child preferred.
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) written and verbal communication skills preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, physical requirements may include standing, walking, sitting, crouching, kneeling and crawling; seeing; hearing and listening; clear speech; touching, including dexterity and use of hands and fingers; lifting and carrying children up to 35 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment described here is representative of that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but may become loud at times. As appropriate to the job, the work environment may include any or all of the following: working with others, verbal contact with others and face-to-face contact; working inside; working outside.
DISCLAIMER
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all employees so classified.
Pay Range: $16.20 per hour