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Child Development Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Child Care Center Cook

Troy, MI · On-site

$12.25 - $16.50/hr

From infants to school-age students, our comprehensive, research-based curriculum supports holistic child development in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment. As experts in childcare and early ...

Child Care Center Cook

Southfield, MI · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

From infants to school-age students, our comprehensive, research-based curriculum supports holistic child development in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment. As experts in childcare and early ...

Child Care Center Cook

New Hudson, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

From infants to school-age students, our comprehensive, research-based curriculum supports holistic child development in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment. As experts in childcare and early ...

Child Care Center Cook

New Hudson, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

From infants to school-age students, our comprehensive, research-based curriculum supports holistic child development in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment. As experts in childcare and early ...

Child Care Center Cook

Westland, MI · On-site

$12 - $16/hr

From infants to school-age students, our comprehensive, research-based curriculum supports holistic child development in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment. As experts in childcare and early ...

Child Care Center Cook

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$12.50 - $16.50/hr

From infants to school-age students, our comprehensive, research-based curriculum supports holistic child development in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment. As experts in childcare and early ...

Child Care Center Cook

Southfield, MI · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

From infants to school-age students, our comprehensive, research-based curriculum supports holistic child development in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment. As experts in childcare and early ...

Child Care Center Cook

Troy, MI

$12.25 - $16.50/hr

From infants to school-age students, our comprehensive, research-based curriculum supports holistic child development in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment. As experts in childcare and early ...

Child Care Center Cook

Westland, MI · On-site

$12 - $16/hr

From infants to school-age students, our comprehensive, research-based curriculum supports holistic child development in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment. As experts in childcare and early ...

Utilizing developmentally appropriate play, preparation, education and creative expression activities, the Child Life Specialist provides support to children and families in order to lessen the ...

Preschool Teacher

Bay City, MI · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

Must hold a Bachelor's degree or higher in early childhood education or child development OR Any bachelor's degree or higher and a ZA or ZS endorsement issued by the Department of Education in ...

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Child Development information

See Michigan salary details

$11

$16

$22

How much do child development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for child development in Michigan is $16.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Child Development position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Child Development roles, a background in early childhood education, child psychology, or a related field is essential, often accompanied by relevant degrees or certifications such as a CDA (Child Development Associate) credential. Familiarity with educational assessment tools, curriculum planning software, and child behavior observation systems is commonly required. Strong communication, patience, creativity, and the ability to build trusting relationships with children and families make professionals stand out. These skills and qualifications are vital for fostering healthy growth, learning, and emotional well-being in young children.

What is a Child Development job?

A Child Development job involves working with children to support their physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth. Professionals in this field may work as teachers, childcare providers, social workers, or developmental specialists. They observe and assess children's progress, develop age-appropriate activities, and provide guidance to families. These jobs often require knowledge of child psychology, education, and developmental milestones.

What is the highest paying job in child development?

The highest paying jobs in child development typically include pediatric healthcare professionals such as pediatric surgeons, pediatric anesthesiologists, and child psychiatrists, who require advanced medical degrees and specialized training. Administrative roles like director of a child development center or clinical director can also offer high salaries, especially with extensive experience and certifications. These positions often involve leadership responsibilities and require advanced education and licensure.

What degree does a child development specialist need?

A child development specialist typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in child development, early childhood education, psychology, or a related field. Some positions may require a master's degree or additional certifications, such as the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, to advance in the field.

What does a typical day look like for professionals working in Child Development?

A typical day for Child Development professionals involves planning and implementing age-appropriate educational activities, observing and tracking each child's progress, and maintaining a safe, supportive environment. They frequently collaborate with parents, teachers, and other specialists to address individual developmental needs and create tailored strategies for growth. Daily responsibilities may include documenting observations, conducting developmental screenings, and attending team meetings to discuss child progress. The variety in daily tasks helps maintain an engaging work environment and directly contributes to the positive development and well-being of children.

What is a career in child development?

A career in child development involves working with children to support their physical, emotional, cognitive, and social growth. Professionals in this field may include early childhood educators, child psychologists, or developmental specialists, often requiring relevant degrees and certifications. The work environment typically includes schools, daycare centers, clinics, or research settings.

Is child development a good career?

Child development is a rewarding career that involves supporting children's growth, learning, and well-being. It typically requires a relevant degree or certification, strong communication skills, and patience, with job opportunities available in schools, daycare centers, and community programs. The field offers opportunities for specialization and professional growth, making it a stable choice for those passionate about working with children.
What are the most commonly searched types of Child Development jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Child Development jobs in Michigan are:
What job categories do people searching Child Development jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Child Development jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Child Development jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Child Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Child Development job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,868 per year, or $16.8 per hour.
Child Life Specialist

Child Life Specialist

Corewell Health

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago


Corewell Health rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 765 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

449th of 885 rated healthcare providers


Job description

About the Team
Our Child and Family Life Team provides developmentally based therapeutic interventions for pediatric patients and families which support coping skills, medical insights and socialization. By providing psychosocial care to 25+ pediatric units/departments, we serve hundreds of families every day.
About Helen DeVos Children's Hospital
We fight for every child. With 350+ pediatric specialists and subspecialists, 12 years of U.S. News & World Report national rankings and innovations that draw patients from all over the world, we're driven to replace fear with hope and doubt with answers. We believe in the possibility of every child's future. Because it's only impossible until it isn't. We have both inpatient and ambulatory spaces as well as a Level 1 trauma Emergency Department designated to children.
Scope of Work
As an integral member of the multi-disciplinary health care team, the child and family life department holds professionalism in the highest regard. How you represent yourself and our hospital is extremely important.
Responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating individual and group child life services provided to patients through Helen DeVos Children's Hospital (HDVCH) in a manner which promotes age appropriate growth and development. Provides diversional and therapeutic play activities and collaborates with the multidisciplinary team to provide an integrated approach.
This role serves a variety of patients from General Medical to Psychiatric Pediatric/Adolescent patients.
Qualifications
  • Required Bachelor's Degree child life, child development, child psychology, early childhood education, recreational therapy or related degree
  • Completion of a 600-hour Child Life Internship Required to qualify
  • Certification as Child Life Specialist (CCLS) - CLCC through the Child Life Certification Commission, Required within 1 Year (preferred upon hire)
  • AHA or ARC Basic Life Support (BLS) Required within 90 days

How Corewell Health cares for you
  • Comprehensive benefits package to meet your financial, health, and work/life balance goals. Learn more here.
  • On-demand pay program powered by Payactiv
  • Discounts directory with deals on the things that matter to you, like restaurants, phone plans, spas, and more!
  • Optional identity theft protection, home and auto insurance
  • Traditional and Roth retirement options with service contribution and match savings
  • Eligibility for benefits is determined by employment type and status

Primary Location
SITE - Helen Devos Childrens Hospital - 100 Michigan St NE - Grand Rapids
Department Name
Child and Family Life HDVCH - Grand Rapids Hosp
Employment Type
Full time
Shift
Day (United States of America)
Weekly Scheduled Hours
40
Hours of Work
Days Worked
Weekend Frequency
CURRENT COREWELL HEALTH TEAM MEMBERS - Please apply through Find Jobs from your Workday team member account. This career site is for Non-Corewell Health team members only.
Corewell Health is committed to providing a safe environment for our team members, patients, visitors, and community. We require a drug-free workplace and require team members to comply with the MMR, Varicella, Tdap, and Influenza vaccine requirement if in an on-site or hybrid workplace category. We are committed to supporting prospective team members who require reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application process, to perform the essential functions of a job, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment due to a disability, pregnancy, or sincerely held religious belief.
Corewell Health grants equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, genetic information, marital status, height, weight, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other legally protected category.
An interconnected, collaborative culture where all are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work, is vital to the health of our organization. As a health system, we advocate for equity as we care for our patients, our communities, and each other. From workshops that develop cultural intelligence, to our inclusion resource groups for people to find community and empowerment at work, we are dedicated to ongoing resources that advance our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. We invite those that share in our commitment to join our team.
You may request assistance in completing the application process by calling 616.486.7447.

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