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Child Development Associate Jobs in Chula Vista, CA

Preschool Associate Teacher

Poway, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $22.50/hr

Verification of your Child Development/Early Childhood Education coursework is required before we ... Has an Associate Teacher Permit or higher. * HS/EHS/MSHS/State-Braided Associate Teachers must also ...

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Child Development Associate information

See Chula Vista, CA salary details

$30.1K

$55.4K

$84K

How much do child development associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for child development associate in Chula Vista, CA is $55,373.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,100.00 and $62,200.00 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 popular job titles related to Child Development Associate jobs in Chula Vista, CA?

For Child Development Associate jobs in Chula Vista, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Child Development Associate jobs in Chula Vista, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Child Development Associate jobs in Chula Vista, CA are:

What cities near Chula Vista, CA are hiring for Child Development Associate jobs?

Cities near Chula Vista, CA with the most Child Development Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Child Development Associate job openings in Chula Vista, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,373 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT COACH

Neighborhood House Association

San Diego, CA • On-site

$24.03 - $26.83/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Neighborhood House Association rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Career Opportunities with Neighborhood House Association
About NHA:
The Neighborhood House Association is a non-profit organization. Head Start positions are funded in whole or in part by money provided through the State and Federal Government. Additionally, some Social Service Program positions may be funded in whole or in part through grant funds. Because positions and salaries may be funded through grants, and State and Federal funds ongoing employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these funds.
Our EEO Policy:
Neighborhood House Association is an equal opportunity employer (Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veterans). We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law. To read more about this, view the EEO is the Law poster and this EEO is the Law Poster Supplement.
Benefits:
Eligible employees receive the following benefits:
  • 15 Holidays Days
  • 401(K) Retirement 6% Match
  • Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
  • Tuition Reimbursement up $2,500
  • 2 Personal Days
  • Group Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance Agency-Paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Live Well Program
  • 4 Paid Days Annual Bereavement (Note Total of 5 days of bereavement leave per loss)
  • Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSAs)
  • Voluntary Benefits: Life and AD&D Accident, Short-Term Disability, and Critical Illness Insurance
  • Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

**Medical and dental benefits are provided to regular employees who work a minimum of 30 hours per week.**
Basic Job Assignment:
Under the supervision of designated Head Start Coordinator(s), candidate will provide in-depth support to students with social-emotional and behavioral issues; implement comprehensive positive social-emotional and behavioral support plans and effective instructions; participate as a member of the Comprehensive Services and Quality Improvement team; and help design and implement all components of the student's individual program.
Employment Requirements:
Training and Experience:
A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined above is through attaining an Associate's Degree in Child Development, Psychology, or a related field with 12 ECE credits (to include 3 units in infant/toddler course); plus, a minimum of one (1) year of increasingly responsible experience working directly with infant through 5-year-old children which includes working with children with Special Needs. Bilingual in Spanish is highly desired.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS, LICENSES & CERTIFICATES:
A valid California driver's license and use of an automobile; certification in pediatric first aid, CPR must be met within 90 days of employment. Must meet and maintain state law and county licensing requirements regarding employment in a childcare center (fingerprints, TB, physical, immunizations).
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:
The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
While performing the duties of this class, an employee is regularly required to sit, stand and walk; talk or hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands to operate, finger, handle or feel office equipment; reach with hands and arms; bend, kneel, grasp; and lift up to fifty (50) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus to view documents.
Qualifications:
DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge of:
  • Basic concepts of child growth and development and developmental behavior characteristics, particularly pertaining to students with individualized learning plans (IEP) and Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
  • Social-emotional and behavior management strategies and techniques relating to students experiencing difficulties with self-regulation.
  • Positive social-emotional and behavioral interventions and applied behavioral analysis.
  • Appropriate English usage, punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
  • Routine record storage, retrieval, and management procedures.

Ability to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude towards students with varied Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with children and families.
  • Implement positive social-emotional and behavior support plans
  • Model appropriate social-emotional and behavioral interventions
  • Learn to utilize a variety of instructional materials and procedures.
  • Communicate effectively in oral and written form
  • Perform routine clerical and operate office related equipment

Examples of Major Job Functions:
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statement of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this position.
  • Coach teacher(s) in implementing daily classroom activities ensuring inclusion of all children;
  • Coach with personalized special services for children with disabilities (i.e. feeding assistance, toileting, diapering, urine bags, physically lifting and carrying the child, etc.);
  • Coach staff in marking referrals for further evaluation or services;
  • Discuss the progress of the child(ren) with supervisor and teacher(s) as needed;
  • Coach teacher(s) in maintaining classroom management by interacting with all the children including children without Special Needs during the classroom routine;
  • Participate in classroom activities including field trips and socializations;
  • Lift, carry and ensure the safety of children as needed;
  • Advocate, as appropriate, for the rights of the children with Special Needs and their families;
  • Support staff in implementation of social-emotional and behavior management techniques as advised by designated Head Start Coordinator(s) or other professionals;
  • Maintain and update assigned center files of children with Special Needs as required;
  • Coach the teacher(s) in completing monthly observations and recording observations on appropriate record keeping forms;
  • Work cooperatively with the Site Supervisor and all other staff to coordinate center responsibilities while on-site; assisting in the classroom or outdoors as needed;
  • Be involved with meal times and provide necessary support if needed;
  • Attend staff in-service, and other required meeting and trainings;
  • Maintain and enhance professional competence through participation in professional organizations and other activities on a voluntary or assigned basis;
  • Assume responsibility for parent involvement as appropriate;
  • Attend not less than 15 hours of professional development per year. Such professional development shall be high-quality, sustained, intensive and classroom focused in order to have a positive and lasting impact on classroom instruction;
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

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