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Child Development Associate Jobs in Columbia, MO

TJX Companies

Merchandise Associate

Columbia, MO · On-site

$15 - $15.50/hr

... and prioritizes your development. Whether you're working in our four global Home Offices ... EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care & cell phone ...

Tjx

Merchandise Associate

Columbia, MO · On-site

$15 - $15.50/hr

... and prioritizes your development. Whether you're working in our four global Home Offices ... EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care & cell phone ...

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All JobsChild Development Associate JobsChild Development Associate Jobs in Columbia, MO

Child Development Associate information

See Columbia, MO salary details

$27.6K

$50.8K

$77.1K

How much do child development associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for child development associate in Columbia, MO is $50,832.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,400.00 and $57,100.00 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 Columbia, MO?

For Child Development Associate jobs in Columbia, MO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Child Development Associate jobs in Columbia, MO look for?

The top searched job categories for Child Development Associate jobs in Columbia, MO are:

What cities near Columbia, MO are hiring for Child Development Associate jobs?

Cities near Columbia, MO with the most Child Development Associate job openings:

Child Development Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Child Development Associate job openings in Columbia, MO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,832 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Child Development Teacher

University of Missouri

Columbia, MO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

University Of Missouri rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

362nd of 621 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Hiring Department
College of Education and Human Development - Adventure Club
Job Description
Supervise Children
  • Provide on-site supervision either 6:40-7:25am and 2:25-5:45pm or 6:40-8:05am and 3:00-5:45pm.
  • Maintain a safe and nurturing atmosphere.
  • Interact and develop positive relationships with all children.
  • Organize programming so the children are active, involved, and successful.
  • Demonstrate and promote positive and developmentally appropriate discipline techniques.
  • Address behavioral concerns consistently and promptly. Document and discuss behaviors with guardians.
  • Develop individualized behavior plans tailored to the unique needs of each child as needed. Collaborate with guardians, teachers, and other relevant stakeholders to support challenging behaviors effectively.
  • Operate the program within licensing, subsidy, and program regulations.

Plan & Implement Activities
  • Determine schedule & curriculum; offer a variety of choices to all age groups.
  • Organize and implement Jumpstart Our Learning Time (JOLT).
  • Check-out & utilize clubs on a weekly basis; develop or revise club curriculum.
  • Communicate with staff to foster completion & implementation of daily curriculum.
  • Plan/work all scheduled Columbia Public School's early release days and Adventure Club's Full-Day Programs
  • Purchase & stock supplies as needed

Supervise/Mentor Staff
  • Supervise, coach, mentor and evaluate 10-20 staff members.
  • Ensure staff complete orientation and training.
  • Communicate daily staff expectations (debrief each day).
  • Educate staff regarding licensing & accreditation regulations.
  • Teach staff conflict resolution strategies with the children.
  • Set example for your staff through modeling. (i.e., be on time, come prepared, etc.).
  • Arrange substitutes as needed at your site. Always maintain staff to child ratio(1:16).
  • Gather finals, break, and school year schedule information.
  • Hold site staff meetings every two weeks.
  • Track staff paperwork to ensure it is turned into the office in a timely manner and is kept current.
  • Provide necessary and appropriate discipline for staff failing to abide by Adventure Club's staff policies & procedures listed in Staff Handbook.
  • Supervise and evaluate STRIVE volunteers, interns, & Service Learner students from various educational programs on campus and within the community.

Communicate with Guardians, School Staff, Adventure Club Administrators, & Licensing
  • Communicate and develop positive relationships with each family.
  • Ensure guardians have received & abide by Family Handbook policies.
  • Enforce & follow up on policy violations/infractions; discuss in timely manner behavior and injury occurrences and document accordingly.
  • Post/display/ distribute flyers, newsletters, & additional paperwork as needed.
  • Maintain positive working relationships with the school administration and inform them of activities and/or problems.
  • Advise & consult with Adventure Club administrative staff as problems, situations, or emergencies arise on site.
  • Vacation/days off need to be approved by Director and Associate Director and need to be planned according to program needs & schedule (i.e., days Columbia Public Schools are not in session, staff must still observe the UMC calendar)

Paperwork
  • Budget Paperwork: Monthly ledger, r eceipts, FSD and Adventure Club scholarship attendance forms
  • Staff Paperwork: Bi-weekly timesheets, evaluations, Employee Conduct Forms, staffing schedule changes, staff demos, etc.
  • Additional Paperwork: Monthly newsletter, additional flyers, self-evaluations, end of the year summary, etc.

Committees, Trainings, Projects, and Other Meetings
  • Standing Committee: Participate in a committee.
  • Attend and Provide Training: Adventure Club will host multiple training sessions each school year. Site Facilitators are required to attend training and may be asked to teach as well.
  • Mandatory HR Trainings: Per University policy, all full-time staff are required to complete a series of trainings.
  • CPR and First Aid Training: Full-time Site Facilitators are required to obtain CPR & 1 st Aid certification. Full-time Site Facilitators are required to become Certified CPR & 1st Aid Instructors during the school year and teach a few times each semester. Both are provided by Adventure Club.
  • Break Projects: During Thanksgiving, winter, and summer breaks, staff choosing to work during that time will be assigned projects to complete by the administrative team.
  • Staff Meetings: Attend and participate in weekly office staff meetings.
  • Special Teams: Will be formed as needed for special projects. The Site Facilitators can volunteer or will be assigned to these teams. Assigned tasks need to be completed; time frames will vary.

Special Events
  • Mandatory Attendance Events (examples include but are not limited to)
  • Open House
  • Assisting with the MU Homecoming Parade
  • Spring Festival
  • SA Recognition Dinner
  • SF Recognition Luncheon
  • Family Events
  • Required training
  • New SFs and CCAs are required to attend the MOSAC PDI

Additional Duties
  • Facilitate difficult conversations with children, staff, families, school personnel, etc. regarding a variety of topics to include behavioral concerns, dismissals, staff conflicts or performance, and policy infractions.
  • Mediate conflicts and disputes among children, staff, and families in a fair and impartial manner. Promote positive communication and cooperation to resolve issues effectively.
  • Accurately document conversations, injuries, behavior issues, staff issues, etc., and outcomes in accordance with policies and procedures.
  • Adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines when managing sensitive information related to children, staff, and families.
  • Attendance at state and national conferences as budget and staffing allows.
  • Communicate with Office Administration: Each Site Facilitator determines when he/she needs to talk with the Director, Associate Director, Program Coordinators, or Business Manager. Obvious reasons (not limited to but could include): serious behavior problems with children, uncooperative staff, questions about school policies or conflict with school staff, and upset parents. The Administrative Staff maintains an open-door policy; however, Site Facilitators are expected to come with suggestions & ideas for possible solutions after using other available resources (i.e., peers, mentors, problem-solving strategies, etc.).
  • Compliance with Licensing & Subsidy Regulations.
  • Other duties to be assigned.

Shift
  • Twelve-month, full-time exempt salaried position with no over-time pay. Occasional evening and weekends worked for site visits, trainings, and/or special events.
  • Flexible work schedule between site shifts.

Summer Programming
  • Typically, Adventure Club operates before and after school summer programs in coordination with CPS's summer school and 4-6 weeks of full day summer camp.
  • Site Facilitators are expected to work the before and after school summer program and several weeks of the full day summer camp. July and early August are good times to take time off.
  • Site Facilitators may lead colleagues and other staff during full day summer camp, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Associate's degree in early childhood education, child development or related area or the equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary
Preferred Qualifications
  • A bachelor's degree
  • Six months of experience working with, and supervising children.
  • Adequate experience with computer programs such as Microsoft Office and Teams
  • The ability to be both tactful and flexible, along with the use of good judgment and utilizing common sense when making decisions involving the Adventure Club program

Anticipated Hiring Range
Salary Range: $45,700-$52,000 annually, dependent upon qualifications and experience
Grade: GGS-008
University Title: Child Development Teacher
Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.
New employees may qualify for a special one-time incentive payment up to $1,500 by agreeing to remain employed by the University during a two-year period. If the employee does not remain employed by the University through the end of the two-year period because employee voluntarily resigns or is terminated by the University for cause, the employee would agree the hiring incentive shall be returned following a schedule based on time worked.
Application Materials
A Facility Director Certification Request Form indicating approval for facility director for 61+ children from the Office of Childhood, resume , transcripts , list of references , and a cover letter must be attached to the University of Missouri application. Contact the Office of Childhood at 573-751-2450 for more information on completing and receiving the Facility Director Certification Request Form .
Other Information
  • Ability to communicate electronically after hours when needed (via text or phone). It is understood that compensation is sufficient to cover the cost of the services. The University does not reimburse for cell phone service charges.
  • If hired, continued employment is contingent upon approval by the Office of Childhood for Facility Director of the site in which you are placed.
  • A completed TB Risk Assessment Form & Physical Form prior to employment.
  • If hired, the Family Care Safety Registry forms must be immediately submitted, along with two FBI background checks. If applicant has lived out of state, additional paperwork may be required and would be at the expense of the employee.

Benefit Eligibility
This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits .
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer .
To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.

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About University of Missouri

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The University of Missouri, based in Columbia, MO, US; is a public, land-grant research institution with an established reputation in academic excellence, industry relevance, and societal impact. Founded in 1839, it was the first public university located west of the Mississippi River. The institution spans various industries in the education sector with its multitude of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across various disciplines. The University's mission is centered on improving lives, enhancing communities, advancing health, and fostering excellence through its teaching, research, and engagement activities. U-M has some significant achievements under its belt including pioneering the world's first school of journalism and being one of the only six public universities in the US that accommodates medicine, veterinary medicine, and law in one campus.

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Education

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbia, MO, US

Year founded

1839

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