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Child Development Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

The Child Development Teacher promotes an environment of care for children that is safe and ... Provides direct supervision of children at all times. * Warmly interacts with children using ...

Child Development Behavior Technician

Atlantic, IA · On-site

$18.25 - $23.75/hr

Serve as an integral member of our clinical team, responsible for the direct implementation of ... Education or early childhood development * Childcare, babysitting, or youth mentorship * Teaching ...

Child Care Center Cook,

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$12 - $16/hr

Follow the daily menu provided by the Director which incorporates USDA, licensing, and/or health ... development in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment. As experts in childcare and early ...

Child Care Center Cook,

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$12 - $16/hr

Follow the daily menu provided by the Director which incorporates USDA, licensing, and/or health ... development in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment. As experts in childcare and early ...

Child Care Center Cook

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$11.25 - $15/hr

Follow the daily menu provided by the Director which incorporates USDA, licensing, and/or health ... development in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment. As experts in childcare and early ...

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Child Development Director information

See Iowa salary details

$15K

$89.9K

$167.2K

How much do child development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for child development director in Iowa is $89,896.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $107,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do you need your CDA to be a director?

A Child Development Director typically does not need a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential to hold the position, but many employers prefer or require a higher level of education such as an associate or bachelor's degree in early childhood education. Additionally, state licensing requirements or organizational policies may specify specific certifications or experience needed for director roles, which often include supervisory skills and knowledge of child development standards.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Child Development Director typically earns a salary that varies based on experience and location, but reaching $10,000 a month without a degree is uncommon in this role. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree often include sales, real estate, entrepreneurship, or specialized trades like commercial diving or certain tech roles with certifications. Success in these fields usually depends on skills, experience, and performance rather than formal education.

What does a Child Development Director do?

A Child Development Director oversees the daily operations of early childhood education programs, such as preschools or daycare centers. They are responsible for managing staff, developing curriculum, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering a safe and supportive learning environment for young children. Their role also includes communicating with parents, setting policies, and maintaining the overall quality of the program. In addition, Child Development Directors often handle budgeting and enrollment processes to ensure the center runs smoothly.

What are some common challenges faced by a Child Development Director, and how can they be effectively managed?

A Child Development Director often navigates challenges such as balancing administrative duties with fostering a positive, engaging environment for both children and staff. Managing staff turnover, maintaining compliance with state regulations, and ensuring high-quality curriculum implementation can also be demanding. Effective communication, ongoing staff training, and building strong relationships with parents and the community are essential strategies to address these challenges. Staying organized and proactive in problem-solving helps create a supportive and thriving learning environment.

What is the highest paying job in child development?

The highest paying roles in child development typically include senior leadership positions such as Child Development Director or Executive Director, which can earn six-figure salaries. These roles often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and strong management skills, and they oversee large programs or organizations focused on child welfare, education, or healthcare.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Child Development Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Child Development Director, you need expertise in early childhood education, program management, and a relevant degree—often with state-specific director credentials. Knowledge of child assessment tools, curriculum planning software, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Leadership, strong communication, and relationship-building skills help foster positive environments for children, staff, and families. These abilities ensure high-quality programming, regulatory adherence, and supportive learning environments that promote healthy child development.

What is the difference between Child Development Director vs Preschool Director?

AspectChild Development DirectorPreschool Director
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's or master's in early childhood education or related field, along with experience in child developmentOften requires a high school diploma or associate's degree, with experience in preschool management
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple programs or facilities, focusing on child development policies and staff supervisionManages daily operations of a preschool, including staff, curriculum, and parent relations
Industry UsageUsed in non-profit, government, or large childcare organizationsCommon in private preschools and daycare centers

The Child Development Director typically has a broader scope, focusing on program development and child welfare across multiple settings, while the Preschool Director manages daily operations within a specific preschool. Both roles require early childhood education credentials but differ in scale and responsibilities.

What is the highest paying job in childcare?

The highest paying roles in childcare often include Child Development Directors, who oversee early childhood programs and typically hold advanced degrees and certifications. These positions can offer salaries exceeding $70,000 annually, especially in large organizations or private settings. Senior administrative or specialized roles such as childcare center owners or early childhood education consultants may also command higher compensation.
What are the most commonly searched types of Child Development jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Child Development jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Child Development Director jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Child Development Director job openings:

Child Development Teacher

Imh

George, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Job Description:

The Child Development Teacher promotes an environment of care for children that is safe and nurturing. The Child Development teacher interacts with children using developmentally appropriate practice to support their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
Posting Specifics
  • Pay Rate: Based on experience

  • Shift Details: Full-time positions (36 hrs/wk)
    Hours of operation at the Center are Monday-Friday from 5:30am - 7:30pm. The position involves working varied hours within this timeframe to support departmental needs.

  • Location: Child Development Center associated with the St. George Hospital.

  • Additional Details:
    The Child Development Center is currently offering an opportunity in the following areas:
    Early Childhood Educator (Pre-K experience preferred)
    Infant/Toddler Teacher

Minimum Qualifications

  • Six months experience working in an early childhood program
  • Pediatric CPR, First Aid Certification within 60 days of hire
  • Food Handlers Permit within 60 days of hire

Preferred Qualifications

  • Associate degree in Early Childhood Development/Education or a closely related field (Elementary Education, Family-Life Studies, Child Psychology). Education must be obtained from an accredited institution. Degree will be verified.
  • Certificate in Early Childhood Development (CDA - Child Development Associate)

Essential Functions

This position works under broad guidelines dependent on the age, development, and classroom regulations for each group of children. Teachers must have great flexibility in providing care and activities for children.

  • Establishes a developmentally appropriate room environment that is safe, welcoming, clean, nurturing, and that stimulates learning and discovery.
  • Provides direct supervision of children at all times.
  • Warmly interacts with children using approved early childhood education standards and immediately attends to their physical and emotional needs.
  • Follows all regulatory standards and best practices as outlined by Utah Department of Health, Child Care Licensing. Completes 20 hours of training to review these required standards annually.
  • Accurately and professionally maintain daily records as required by State Licensing including incident reports, attendance sheets, and daily record sheets.
  • Organizes engaging and educational activities, materials, and daily schedules that meet the developmental goals for each child in care.
  • Maintain observation notes, conduct formal assessments, and provide other portfolio documentation to assess children's progress in achieving developmental milestones and behaviors. Information on each child's development will be shared with parents regularly, with two formal parent conferences annually.
  • Observes and recognizes obvious difficulties individual children are having mastering developmentally appropriate milestones or behavior and discusses follow-up actions with leader and parents if needed.
  • Is a team player and a continuous learner

Skills

  • Knowledge of child development and experience caring for children
  • Love children. Flexibility to follow children's interests/needs, have patience and be kind.
  • Ability to proactively resolve conflict and keep calm under stress
  • Good organizational skills and time management
  • Excellent customer service
  • Professional verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to react quickly in emergencies to keep children safe
  • Basic computer knowledge (Outlook Email, Microsoft Word, Internet navigation, uploading documentation) to maintain records, complete required training, communicate with parents/staff, plan curriculum

    Physical Requirements

    • Ongoing need for employees to see and read information, documentation, monitors, identify equipment and supplies, and to be able to assess children's needs.
    • Frequent interactions with children, colleagues, clients, and visitors that require employee to verbally communicate as well as hear and understand spoken information, alarms, needs, and issues quickly and accurately, particularly during emergency situations.
    • Manual dexterity of hands and fingers to manipulate supplies and equipment with precision and accuracy. This includes manual writing, frequent use of computer/tablet (typing, documenting), performing routine care duties (changing diapers, sanitizing/cleaning, preparing/serving food, medication/bottle preparation), and engaging with children in fine-motor play. Dexterity and strength of hands and arms is needed to frequently lift and carry children up to 35 pounds.
    • Expected to utilize full range of movement to safely care for children. Full range of movement includes the ability to walk, bend to retrieve, push, pull, and lift/carry children and equipment weighing up to 35 pounds. Employees must interact with children at the child's level, which requires the ability to frequently lean over, bend, squat/crouch, kneel, work on hands and knees, get down and back up from floor level, and sit on the floor or at a low level.
    • Expected to be able to quickly respond to an emergency by running after a child in danger and perform all CPR/First Aid actions.

    Location:

    Intermountain Health St George Regional Hospital

    Work City:

    St George

    Work State:

    Utah

    Scheduled Weekly Hours:

    36

    The hourly range for this position is listed below. Actual hourly rate dependent upon experience.

    $18.30 - $23.79

    We care about your well-being - mind, body, and spirit - which is why we provide our caregivers a generous benefits package that covers a wide range of programs to foster a sustainable culture of wellness that encompasses living healthy, happy, secure, connected, and engaged.

    Learn more about our comprehensive benefits package here.

    Intermountain Health is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

    At Intermountain Health, we usethe artificial intelligence ("AI") platform, HiredScore to improve your job application experience.HiredScore helps match your skills and experiences to the best jobs for you. WhileHiredScore assists in reviewing applications, all final decisions are made byIntermountain personnel to ensure fairness. We protect your privacy and follow strict data protection rules. Your information is safe and used only for recruitment. Thank you for considering a career with us and experiencing our AI-enhanced recruitment process.

    All positions subject to close without notice.