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Child Development Jobs in Springfield, MO (NOW HIRING)

Mercy

Child Life Specialist Full Time

Springfield, MO

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Strong background in child development and Medical terminology Why Mercy? From day one, Mercy ... offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off ...

Mercy

Child Life Specialist Full Time

Springfield, MO · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Strong background in child development and Medical terminology Why Mercy? From day one, Mercy ... offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off ...

Mercy

Child Life Specialist Full Time

Springfield, MO · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Strong background in child development and Medical terminology Why Mercy? From day one, Mercy ... offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off ...

Mercy

Child Life Specialist Full Time

Springfield, MO

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Strong background in child development and Medical terminology Why Mercy? From day one, Mercy ... offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off ...

Brightli

Child Care Assistant

Springfield, MO · On-site

$15 - $17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You will be responsible for implementing structured activities and facilitating developmental ... As a Child Care Assistant, you will provide supervision and support to children enrolled in our ...

Isabel's House

PRN Child Advocate

Springfield, MO

Implement developmentally appropriate practices and therapeutic curriculum * Follow agency policies, licensing regulations, and approved behavior guidance techniques * Maintain required child-to ...

Isabel's House

PRN Child Advocate

Springfield, MO · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Implement developmentally appropriate practices and therapeutic curriculum * Follow agency policies, licensing regulations, and approved behavior guidance techniques * Maintain required child-to ...

Brightli

Child Care Assistant

Springfield, MO · On-site

$15 - $17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Child Development Associate (CDA)required. Additional Qualifications: Must have the ability to pass a background check (includesfingerprinting) to include criminal history, abuse/neglect, and driving ...

Isabel's House

Day Shift Child Advocate

Springfield, MO · On-site

$17/hr

Implement developmentally appropriate practices and therapeutic curriculum * Follow agency policies, licensing regulations, and approved behavior guidance techniques * Maintain required child-to ...

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Child Development information

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How much do child development jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for child development in Springfield, MO is $17.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $18.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 do you do in child development?

A child development professional works to support the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social growth of children through assessments, activities, and interventions. They often collaborate with families, educators, and healthcare providers, and may use tools like developmental screenings to monitor progress. Certification or specialized training in early childhood development is typically required.

Is child development a good career?

Child development is a rewarding career that involves supporting children's growth, learning, and well-being. It often requires a relevant degree or certification, strong communication skills, and patience, with job opportunities available in schools, daycare centers, and social services. The field offers opportunities for specialization and career advancement based on experience and education.
What are the most commonly searched types of Child Development jobs in Springfield, MO? The most popular types of Child Development jobs in Springfield, MO are:
What are popular job titles related to Child Development jobs in Springfield, MO? For Child Development jobs in Springfield, MO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Child Development jobs in Springfield, MO look for? The top searched job categories for Child Development jobs in Springfield, MO are:
What cities near Springfield, MO are hiring for Child Development jobs? Cities near Springfield, MO with the most Child Development job openings:
Child Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Child Development job openings in Springfield, MO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,386 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Child Life Specialist Full Time

Mercy

Springfield, MO

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Mercy rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 208 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

605th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Find your calling at Mercy! Provide intervention to educate, prepare and support children through tests and procedures. Plan, implement and supervise activities and special events to normalize hospital environment and promote socialization and normal development. Advocate for special of families and patients. Promote the role of parents and the philosophy of patient and family centered care. Supervise students and volunteers. Position Details:
A Child Life Specialist degree refers to the college education and training needed to become a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS)—a healthcare professional who helps children and families cope with illness, injury, hospitalization, and medical procedures. This is a requirement to apply for the role.

** A completed child life internship is required.

Required Education:

  •     Bachelors of Science or Bachelors of Arts in related Child Life field and internship in appropriate area required.

Experience:

  •     2 years experience in child related education or medical care facility is preferred. 

Certifications:

  •     BLS (Basic Life Support) through American Heart Association is required upon hire.
  •     Must possess or acquire certification through Association for Child Life Professionals as a Certified Child Life Specialist within 1 year of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment.

Other Skills:

  •     Strong background in child development and Medical terminology
Why Mercy?

From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period.

Join a caring, collaborative team where your voice matters. At Mercy, you'll help shape the future of healthcare through innovation, technology, and compassion. As we grow, you'll grow with us.


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Child Life Specialist

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About Mercy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our mission is clear. We bring to life a healing ministry through our compassionate care and exceptional service. At Mercy, we believe in careers that match the unique gifts of unique individuals - careers that not only make the most of your skills and talents, but also your heart.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chesterfield, MO, US

Year founded

1827

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