ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Child Development Associate Jobs in Wells, ME (NOW HIRING)

Bright Horizons

Child Care Center Director

Portland, ME

$73K - $91K/yr

Associate or higher degree in early childhood education, education, or child development related field is required; bachelor's degree is preferred * At least four years of leadership experience in ...

Bright Horizons

Child Care Teacher

Stratham, NH

$21.25 - $25.95/hr

CDA, Associate, or bachelor's degree in early education or related field is preferred * 9 credits including child growth and development OR child growth and development, and 1,000 hours in a center ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsChild Development Associate JobsChild Development Associate Jobs in Wells, ME

Child Development Associate information

See Wells, ME salary details

$30.5K

$56.3K

$85.3K

How much do child development associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for child development associate in Wells, ME is $56,264.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,800.00 and $63,200.00 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.
Child Development Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Child Development Associate job openings in Wells, ME as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,264 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

Early Head Start Infant/Toddler Lead Teacher

The Opportunity Alliance

Portland, ME • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

The Opportunity Alliance is seeking an Early Head Start Lead Teacher in our Infant/Toddler classroom. This position will join the Head Start team and make a difference in the lives of children and families in your community.
Head Start promotes the school readiness of young children from low-income families through high quality, culturally appropriate early care, and education experiences. Classrooms implement a responsive curriculum with a strong focus on social-emotional well-being with a low teacher to child ratio to support growth and learning in all domains. Head Start centers families in their children's education and care through meaningful engagement. All staff are supported to identify and work towards their professional goals through a combination of ongoing supervision, coaching and training.
The Lead Teacher-Infant/Toddler is responsible for providing and overseeing a safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment, primarily in a center-based classroom, for the overall growth and development of children & families in accordance with the Family and Early Childhood Education program plan, Head Start Performance Standards, State of Maine licensing rules, and NAEYC Accreditation Standards.
Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, year-round
Location: Portland, ME
Qualifications:
  • An Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and have been trained (or have equivalent coursework) in early childhood development with a focus on infant and toddler development, required.
  • An associate, baccalaureate or advanced degree in early childhood education or; an associate degree in a field related to early childhood education and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education or; a baccalaureate or advanced degree in any field and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education preferred.
  • 1-3 years of supervisory experience preferred.
  • 2-4 years of center-based teaching, early intervention, home visiting or community based work related to infants/toddlers & their families preferred.
  • Knowledge of the important role that culture plays in child & family development.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with complex information to address challenging situations.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with teams.
  • Commitment to social justice and the mission of Head Start
  • Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background, child protective service check & sex offender check
  • Must not be on the state or federal suspension and disbarment list.
  • If MHRT is required for position you must pass CNA registry check.
  • ECE employee must be able to pass pre-employment physical and TB screen.
  • ECE must be current on MMR and TDAP immunizations
  • Must be able to exert significant physical effort with frequent standing, walking, reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, typing and frequently lift and carry small children or material weighing up to 25 pounds.
  • Driving may be necessary to attend meetings and trainings but is not a primarily and essential job responsibility.

Benefits: Our benefits include but are not limited to:
(offered to full-time and part-time employees)
  • Generous paid time off accrual
  • 9 paid holidays per calendar year and up to 3 floating holidays per calendar year
  • Excellent medical benefits at very reasonable cost
  • Dental and Vision insurance options
  • Agency paid basic life insurance and STD & LTD disability insurances
  • 403(b) retirement with a generous agency match (all employees are eligible)
  • Tuition Reimbursement - offered once per year through an application process
  • The Opportunity Alliance (TOA) is a qualified employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

To learn more about our benefits please visit, https://www.opportunityalliance.org/explore-our-benefits
Who we are
The Opportunity Alliance is "Helping People Reach for a Brighter Future".
Mission: The Opportunity Alliance works with people to build better lives and stronger communities. We provide advocacy, leadership, and support to identify the goals and address the needs of individuals, families, and communities.
The Opportunity Alliance (TOA) is a dynamic, results-focused Community Action Agency providing approximately 50 integrated community-based and clinical programs serving more than 20,000 people annually throughout the state of Maine. With over 50 years of experience, TOA draws from a comprehensive set of programs which address issues such as mental health, substance use, homelessness, lack of basic needs, and access to community supports. Through an extensive array of services, TOA provides opportunities for individuals to stabilize fragile situations and then works with them to achieve self-sufficiency. TOA is client-focused with extensive experience working with diverse client populations. TOA programming includes four key sectors of service:
  • Mental Health & Wellness
  • Community Building
  • Family & Early Childhood Education
  • Economic Resources

If you are viewing this posting on a third-party site, please visit our website at https://opportunityalliance.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Careers to apply.
Please submit a cover letter and resume along with your application.
Thank you!

Apply