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Child Development Jobs in DeLand, FL (NOW HIRING)

Maintain records on each child's progress and development for the purpose of planning and compliance with Head Start Standards. * Responsible for recording and record keeping of observations, parent ...

VPK Lead Teacher

Sorrento, FL · On-site

$17.50 - $19.50/hr

Knowledge of child development principles and early childhood education standards. * Ability to pass background screening and meet health and safety requirements. * The ability to love all children ...

Childcare teachers

Apopka, FL · On-site

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

Must have or be willing to obtain Child Development Associate credential (lead teachers) * Must be a team player with positive attitude with strong verbal communication skills * Must be able to clear ...

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Child Development information

See DeLand, FL salary details

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How much do child development jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for child development in DeLand, FL is $17.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $18.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a child development?

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 does a typical day look like for a child development professional?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in child development, 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.

Is child development a good career?

Child development is a rewarding career that involves supporting the growth and learning of children through roles such as early childhood educators, childcare providers, or developmental specialists. It typically requires relevant education or certifications and offers opportunities in educational, healthcare, and social service settings. The field can provide stable employment and the chance to make a positive impact on children's lives.

What does a child development job entail?

A child development job involves supporting the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth of children through activities, education, and care. Professionals in this field often work in settings such as daycare centers, preschools, or clinics, and may require knowledge of child development theories and certifications like CPR or early childhood education credentials.

What job categories do people searching Child Development jobs in DeLand, FL look for?

The top searched job categories for Child Development jobs in DeLand, FL are:

What cities near DeLand, FL are hiring for Child Development jobs?

Cities near DeLand, FL with the most Child Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Child Development job openings in DeLand, FL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,618 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Certified Child Life Specialist - Pediatric Emergency & Inpatient Services

Halifax Health

Daytona Beach, FL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provide developmentally appropriate psychosocial support, education, and preparation to pediatric patients and their families during emergency visits, hospitalizations, procedures, and care transitions.

  • Offer procedural preparation and support for interventions such as IV starts, imaging, wound care, sedation, and surgical procedures, collaborating with medical staff to promote trauma-informed, family-centered care.

  • Document child life interventions and assessments in the electronic medical record, and participate in quality improvement initiatives related to patient experience and family satisfaction.


Halifax Health rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

750th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Day (United States of America)Certified Child Life Specialist - Pediatric Emergency & Inpatient ServicesThe Child Life Specialist (CLS) is an integral member of the pediatric healthcare team who provides developmentally appropriate psychosocial care to infants, children, adolescents, and their families in the Pediatric Emergency Department and inpatient pediatric units. The CLS promotes coping, reduces fear and anxiety, and supports optimal adjustment to illness, injury, and hospitalization through evidence based child life interventions.
This role supports a mixed acuity pediatric environment, including emergency care, observation, inpatient, and intermediate care levels, and collaborates closely with physicians, nurses, social work, child protective services, and ancillary staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Patient & Family Support

  • Provide developmentally appropriate preparation, education, and emotional supportto pediatric patients and their families during emergency department visits, hospitalizations, procedures, and transitions of care.
  • Utilize therapeutic and medical play, coping strategies, and normalization activities to reduce stress, fear, and trauma.
  • Support children and families during invasive procedures, acute illness, injury, and resuscitation events, as appropriate.
  • Assess psychosocial and developmental needs and tailor interventions based on age, diagnosis, cultural background, and family dynamics.

Procedural Support

  • Offer procedural preparation and support for interventions such as IV starts, imaging, wound care, sedation, and surgical procedures.
  • Collaborate with nursing and medical staff to promote traumainformed, familycentered care.
  • Coach patients in coping techniques (e.g., distraction, guided imagery, breathing).

Family-Centered & TraumaInformed Care

  • Provide support and education to caregivers, including siblings of hospitalized children.
  • Assist families during emotionally difficult situations such as unexpected diagnoses, critical illness, or prolonged hospital stays.
  • Support bereavement and endoflife situations in coordination with interdisciplinary teams as needed.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

  • Participate in multidisciplinary rounds and communicate psychosocial needs to the care team.
  • Collaborate with nursing, physicians, social work, case management, chaplaincy, and behavioral health services.
  • Advocate for pediatricfriendly environments and practices within the ED and inpatient units.

Simulation, Education, & Program Development

  • Participate in pediatric simulation activities by assisting with realism, family roleplay, and developmental context.
  • Educate staff, students, and volunteers on child development, coping strategies, and familycentered care principles.
  • Assist in developing ageappropriate educational materials and programming for pediatric patients.

Documentation & Quality

  • Document child life interventions and assessments in the electronic medical record (Epic).
  • Participate in quality improvement initiatives related to patient experience, pediatric trauma reduction, and family satisfaction.
  • Track metrics and outcomes related to child life services as requested for program evaluation or grant reporting.

Qualifications

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, or a closely related field
  • Completion of a Child Life Internship(minimum 480 hours) in an acute care pediatric setting
  • Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS)credential or eligibility to sit for the certification exam
  • Ability to work effectively in a fastpaced Pediatric Emergency Department
  • Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills

Preferred

  • Master's degree in Child Life or related field
  • Experience working in pediatric emergency medicine, inpatient pediatrics, or trauma settings
  • Experience with simulation, traumainformed care, or highacuity pediatric patients
  • ACLS/PALS or willingness to obtain per hospital policy

Physical & Emotional Demands

  • Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout clinical areas for extended periods
  • Occasional lifting of toys, equipment, or supplies
  • Emotional resilience when supporting patients and families during medical crises, trauma, or loss

Work Schedule

  • Schedule may include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays, depending on clinical needs
  • Coverage shared between the Pediatric Emergency Department and inpatient pediatric units

Core Competencies

  • Familycentered care
  • Traumainformed care
  • Cultural sensitivity
  • Crisis intervention
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Pediatric development expertise

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