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Child Development Associate Jobs in Fort Smith, AR

Kids Unlimited Learning Academy

Teacher

Fort Smith, AR · On-site

A current Child Development Associate Certificate * 12 hours of completed college courses in one of the following areas-early childhood, child development, special education/elementary education or ...

Kids Unlimited Learning Academy

Teacher

Fort Smith, AR · On-site

$12 - $15.25/hr

Current Arkansas Certification in Early Childhood Special EducationA current Child Development Associate Certificate12 hours of completed college courses in one of the following areas-early childhood ...

Save the children

Teacher Early HS I

Poteau, OK · On-site

$15.85/hr

Required Qualifications Minimum of a CDA or an associate degree in child development, early childhood education or a related degree with early childhood equivalent coursework equivalent to a major ...

Save the children

Teacher Early HS I

Spiro, OK · On-site

$16/hr

Required Qualifications Minimum of a CDA or an associate degree in child development, early childhood education or a related degree with early childhood equivalent coursework equivalent to a major ...

The Goddard School

Infant Teacher

AR · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

High school diploma required; associate or bachelor's in Early Childhood Education preferred ... Basic understanding of child development * Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. in connection with the ...

The Goddard School

Preschool Teacher

AR · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

High school diploma required; associate or bachelor's in Early Childhood Education preferred ... Basic understanding of child development * Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. in connection with the ...

The Goddard School

Assistant Toddler Teacher

AR · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

... associate or bachelor's in Early Childhood Education preferred * Shows empathy and compassion for young children * Works productively without supervision * Basic understanding of child development

TJX Companies

Merchandise Associate

Fort Smith, AR · On-site

$13 - $13.50/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

Fort Smith, AR

$13 - $13.50/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 Companies

Merchandise Associate

Fort Smith, AR

$13 - $13.50/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 Fort Smith, AR

Child Development Associate information

See Fort Smith, AR salary details

$28K

$51.6K

$78.2K

How much do child development associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for child development associate in Fort Smith, AR is $51,552.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,000.00 and $57,900.00 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 are popular job titles related to Child Development Associate jobs in Fort Smith, AR?

For Child Development Associate jobs in Fort Smith, AR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Child Development Associate jobs in Fort Smith, AR look for?

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

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

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

Child Development Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Child Development Associate job openings in Fort Smith, AR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,552 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Teacher

Kids Unlimited Learning Academy

Fort Smith, AR • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

We are seeking enthusiastic educators to create an exciting & challenging experience for children with special needs. Help prepare young children for meaningful lives by teaching cognitive, social-emotional and motor skills throughout the day. Join our culture of patient-centered care.
Kids Unlimited Learning Academy (KULA) is an early intervention day treatment clinic for children with special needs. Once children are referred to KULA by their primary care physicians, they must receive a developmental screening. Then, they may be scheduled for therapy evaluations at KULA or bring recent therapy evaluation reports done elsewhere. To receive Early Intervention Day Treatment habilitation services, a child must have a documented developmental disability or delay, as shown on the results of an annual comprehensive developmental evaluation and qualify for at least one therapy service. Those services include (but are not limited to) fine motor delays, sensory disorders, gross motor delays, speech-language delays, hearing disorders, feeding disorders, developmental delays, cognitive delays and medical needs.
Children are placed in treatment rooms based on their developmental needs and ages. Our treatment rooms are adequately staffed with teachers and teachers' assistants and are designed to celebrate the cultural differences of the children and families we serve. KULA has many licensed , , and on staff to provide needed care to the children who qualify for therapy services. And, KULA has nurses on staff to serve children with medical needs.
KULA's services also include developmental/psychological testing by a licensed psychologist, nutritional evaluations and consultations, and audiological evaluations. Our whole treatment team works together and with our patients' families to make sure each child's needs are met.
KULA typically treats children from birth to Kindergarten. However, we try to expand our services during the summer months to include elementary school-aged children with special needs. If you have a child who may benefit from our services, we would love to .
QUALIFICATIONS
Education/ Certification:
  • A Bachelor's Degree plus one of the following:
  • Current Arkansas Certification in Early Childhood Special Education
  • A current Child Development Associate Certificate
  • 12 hours of completed college courses in one of the following areas-early childhood, child development, special education/elementary education or child and family studies and documented experience in working with children with special needs

Experience/ Knowledge required:
  • Prefer at least one year of successful experience in a classroom setting working with developmentally at-risk children or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills/ Abilities:
  • Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with a wide variety of people
  • Must be able to work with children birth to age 7 and families who are at risk
  • Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy
  • Basic computer skills which includes a working knowledge of database, word processing, spreadsheet, and Internet software
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks in a very busy environment
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, policies, and other company documents. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of families or employees of organization
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, in all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form
  • Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standard situations

Miracle Kids Success Academy/Kids Unlimited Learning Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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