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Child Development Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Lead Teacher

Chattanooga, TN

$13 - $17.25/hr

Lead Teacher -- Chattanooga, Tennessee Your role As a Lead Teacher at Child Development Schools, you will help create a classroom filled with discovery, creativity, learning, and joy. Each day, you ...

Childcare Lead Teacher

Hixson, TN

$12.50 - $16.50/hr

Lead Teacher -- Hixson, Tennessee Your role As a Lead Teacher at Child Development Schools, you will help create a classroom filled with discovery, creativity, learning, and joy. Each day, you will ...

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Showing results 1-20

Child Development information

See Tennessee salary details

$11

$17

$23

How much do child development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for child development in Tennessee is $17.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $18.75 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 Tennessee? The most popular types of Child Development jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Child Development jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Child Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Child Development job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,309 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Child Development Teacher-Full-Time

St Lukes Community House

Nashville, TN

$21.64/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Pay Based on Education and Experience

  • High School Diploma - $17.00 per hour starting pay
  • Associates Degree - $20.20 per hour starting pay
  • Bachelor's Degree - $21.64 per hour starting pay

This is an excellent full-time career opportunity, working Monday through Friday.

We offer very competitive benefits

Paid time off

Medical, Dental and Vision benefits

Employer paid life insurance

Employer paid short term and long term disability insurance

401(k) retirement plan with employer match

Employees are also eligible for discounted onsite childcare

Meals during work hours are provided at no charge.

Paid Training

Financial support for CDA or ECE Education

Potential for annual merit pay raise

St. Luke's Community House Preschool in West Nashville is seeking an enthusiastic, energetic and motivated Child Development Teacher to join our dedicated staff. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in the community and assist us in our efforts to change and improve the lives of our local families. This role reports to the Child Development Director and is responsible for providing a safe, healthy, learning environment to children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.

If you want to learn a little bit more about St. Luke's, you can visit our website at www.stlch.org

Position Responsibilities

  • Responsible for maintaining best practices as outlined by St. Luke's Child Development Center and NAEYC.
  • Follows all policies and procedures outlined in St. Luke's Employee Handbook and Job Description.
  • Supports the program's philosophy-regarding how children learn through play, positive discipline, making students, families, and co-workers feel safe and loved.

Implementation of the Curriculum

  • Is proficient in the curriculum and the use of Conscious Discipline for children as appropriate.
  • Is responsible for completion, submission, and execution of weekly lesson plans with any necessary assistance from the Instructional Coach, Supervisor, or Child Development Director. Assures children's goals are addressed in lesson plans.
  • Maintains personal file information on assigned groups of children. Responsible that all necessary notes and documentation are made for each child's progress.

Communication

  • Develops and maintains positive partnerships with fellow staff, supervisors, and parents.
  • Arrives to program with a positive attitude.
  • Presents concerns and/or negative information with tact and handles communication with empathy and courtesy with families and staff.
  • Communicates directly, respectfully, and consistently with parents/families and staff.
  • Communicates with parents and teachers about developmental milestones, early learning standards, curriculum, and our social-emotional learning philosophy.
  • Attends all scheduled training, staff meetings, in-service and parent meetings, as directed.

Licensing Requirements

  • Responsible for being knowledgeable and following DHS childcare guidelines.
  • Contributes to annual evaluation of their assigned classroom by maintaining classroom environment and materials in accordance with DHS regulation and NAEYC accreditation.
  • Obtains the minimum number of training hours as required by DHS and/or the Child Development Director.

Classroom Management

  • Is present in the classroom ready to work at the assigned start time of the shift
  • Works with assigned group of children or youth on individual developmental milestone and goals.
  • Shares the day-to-day responsibilities of the classroom with other co-workers.
  • Provides list of supplies as needed to Child Development Director, Supervisor.
  • Maintains a neat and clutter free environment.
  • Performs all emergency drills in accordance with St. Luke's policies and procedures.
  • Maintains first aid kit as specified by DHS.
  • Greets, encourages, and supervises volunteers in attendance of the preschool program and ensures that they follow guidelines established by St. Luke's.

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience

  • High school diploma. Bachelor's degree preferred
  • CDA or CDA in progress preferred.
  • Experience in a licensed, quality childcare, accredited preferred.
  • Personnel supervision skills

Skill Competencies

  • Good organizational and communication skills
  • Commitment to customer service
  • Remains calm in tense situations; maintains a level head and communicates effectively

Physical Requirements

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to communicate with peers/general public.
  • Job performance will require the ability to move throughout the building as well as sit or remain stationary for extended periods of time.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to talk or hear, sit, stand, walk, reach, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, taste or smell.
  • Ability to move 40 pounds.

Other Requirements

The candidate must be able to pass a drug test, have a clear background check and meet the Department of Human Services Requirements for the State of Tennessee.

Send a message to jobs@stlch.org to setup a tour and view our center. We look forward to

speaking with you about this opportunity.

St. Luke's Community House is an equal opportunity employer.