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Child Development Internship Jobs in Chicago, IL

LIFT Coach

Chicago, IL · On-site

$5.2K/wk

... child development, and government organizations to deliver LIFT's model and influence change in ... Summer internship - $22 per hour for 15-week internship ($5,280 estimated gross pay for summer ...

... child development, and government organizations to deliver LIFT's model and influence change in ... Summer internship - $22 per hour for 15-week internship ($5,280 estimated gross pay for summer ...

Internship Opportunity This internship will provide a comprehensive experience in recreation ... Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities to ...

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Child Development Internship information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$20

$30

How much do child development internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for child development internship in Chicago, IL is $20.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $23.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a child development internship?

A Child Development Internship is a supervised work experience designed for students or recent graduates interested in learning about early childhood education and development. Interns typically assist teachers and caregivers in classrooms, childcare centers, or community programs while gaining hands-on experience with children. The internship provides an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge, observe child behavior, and develop practical skills in supporting children's growth and learning. It is valuable for those considering a career in teaching, child psychology, or related fields.

What types of hands-on experiences can I expect during a child development internship?

During a Child Development Internship, you can expect to engage in a variety of hands-on activities, such as assisting with classroom management, observing child behavior, supporting lesson planning, and facilitating play-based learning. Interns often work closely with experienced educators, gaining practical experience in child assessment and communication with both children and families. This collaborative environment provides valuable exposure to real-world challenges and best practices, helping you build essential skills for a future career in child development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a child development intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Child Development Intern, you need foundational knowledge of child growth, learning theories, and basic coursework in early childhood education or psychology. Familiarity with observation tools, developmental screening checklists, and basic computer applications is commonly required. Strong communication, patience, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for working effectively with children and supporting educators. These skills and qualities ensure the intern can create positive learning environments, support healthy development, and contribute meaningfully to childcare teams.

What is the difference between Child Development Internship vs Child Care Assistant?

AspectChild Development InternshipChild Care Assistant
Required CredentialsUsually pursuing or completed relevant coursework or degreeHigh school diploma or equivalent; some experience preferred
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, research projects, or non-profit organizationsDaycare centers, preschools, or childcare facilities
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, research organizations, non-profitsPrivate and public childcare providers
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding internship opportunities in child developmentLooking for entry-level childcare roles

Child Development Internships focus on gaining educational experience, often involving research or observation, while Child Care Assistants provide direct care and supervision to children. Both roles are essential in child-related fields but serve different purposes in career development and daily responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Child Development jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Child Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Child Development Internship jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Child Development Internship jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Child Development Internship jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Child Development Internship job openings:

Infographic showing various Child Development Internship job openings in Chicago, IL 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 $42,015 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Lead Teacher (Early Childhood 0-3)

Children's Home & Aid

Chicago, IL • On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

El Hogar del Niño, now part of Brightpoint, has been a leader in providing high-quality early childhood care and education services, with an expert focus on the needs of Latinx and newly arriving families in the Pilsen community for 50 years. Brightpoint and El Hogar Del Niño believe that family is the most important asset for child and youth wellbeing, which is rooted in each organization's commitment to early childhood care and education. Our greatest strength is our shared commitment to support strong families which create thriving children and communities.
As Lead Teacher, you will implement Head Start standards for children, age 0-3, and their families, ensuring that services are individualized and meet the social, emotional, developmental, and intellectual needs of your students. As an Early Childhood Education Center with both COA and NAEYC accreditation and ExceleRate Gold Circle of Quality designation, you'll be proud to be part of the El Hogar del Niño team, and with our cohesive team style and supportive, high-quality supervision, you'll look forward to coming back each day.
Candidate qualifications:
For Lead Teacher 0-3 year olds:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with a minimum of 24 hours of Early Childhood Education classes required.
  • Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Early Childhood Education Level 5 Credential required and Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Infant Toddler Level 5 Credential required.
  • A minimum of two years working with children and/or families required.
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

(Candidates without the required degree/credentials may be considered with an approved educational plan).
Job Responsibilities:
  • Develops and implements individualized learning that meets the social, emotional, developmental, and intellectual needs of all children in the classroom.
  • Maintains knowledge of Center philosophy and classroom operations, including Head Start program performance standards, ISBE requirements, and NAEYC requirements, when applicable.
  • Implements classroom curriculum to support high quality teaching and learning practices which reflect mandated elements and components, and parental and cultural influences, as well as promote the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of children.
  • Conducts developmental screenings and regular assessments and uses information for lesson planning.
  • Enters all required information on children, including assessment results, into data management system.
  • Identifies children who may require additional assistance and works with supervisor to make appropriate referrals.
  • Completes weekly child observations and enters them into the organization's assessment tool; ensures that observations are completed by classroom staff and assists them as needed.
  • Meets weekly with classroom and other staff as required to review lesson plans, share teaching strategies, and discuss children's progress.
  • Mentors and trains Teachers, Classroom Support Aides, student interns, and volunteers assigned in the classroom in basic child development and classroom techniques.
  • Assists supervisor in completing annual performance reviews and other performance management activities for classroom staff
  • Leads integration of supplemental learning initiatives for parents and children into classroom and plans and implements regular activities for parents to connect home and classroom learning.
  • Completes and submits required monthly reports, monitoring reports, and all other documentation to supervisor, as assigned.

Job details:
  • Compensation: Salary range is between $45k-$55k; offers are commensurate on experience and bilingual candidates may receive additional compensation. The salary range provided represents our current estimate for this role at the time of posting and is subject to change. The final salary will be determined based on a range of factors, including but not limited to, a candidate's relevant experience, education, qualifications, skills, certifications, and alignment with organizational needs. We are dedicated to fair and equitable compensation practices and are committed to fostering a diverse workforce while providing equal opportunities for all candidates.
  • Benefits: Medical/dental/vision insurance, three scheduled weeks of paid time off each year (Spring, Summer, Winter), and additional flexible paid leave that accrues based on tenure; 11 paid holidays, supplemental insurance options, 401(k) with match, (more benefit details here).
  • Location: Classroom setting at El Hogar del Niño.
  • Schedule: Full-time, salaried; center is open Mon-Fri, 7:30am-5:30pm; assigned shifts will vary.
  • Student Loan Forgiveness: Brightpoint is an approved agency for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.