Development Associate Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Location: Wichita, KS

Facility: Ascension Via Christi Hospitals

Department: Child Development Center

Schedule: Year-round, flexible shifts Monday - Friday 6am - 6pm l  PRN

#NextGenHealthcare

Via Christi associates are eligible for tuition discounts and priority placement in select healthcare programs through our academic partnership with Wichita State University.

• Lead the implementation of personalized educational activities that celebrate each child's unique milestones and spark a lifelong love of learning.
• Guide toddlers through critical developmental transitions, including potty training, with a patient and encouraging approach that builds their confidence and independence.
• Document child development milestones and daily care journeys to provide our healthcare-hero families with high-quality, professional insights into their child's progress.
• Create a safe, high-quality learning environment by managing classroom resources and advocating for materials that elevate the student experience.
• Support parent partnerships by integrating family preferences and routines into the curriculum, ensuring a seamless bridge between home and the center.

Licensure / Certification / Registration:

• Child Development Associate credentialed from the Council for Professional Recognition obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date. This state required credential is waived for those who possess a teacher's license, an Associate's Degree, Technical Certificate or Diploma or a BS Degree in early childhood, child development or related degree from an accredited college or university required.
• Food Service Professional credentialed from the ServSafe National Restaurant Association obtained within 1 Month (30 days) of hire date or job transfer date. Will accept Food Handler Card through Food Handler Essentials Course through State Food Safety within 1 Month (30 days) of hire or job transfer date required.
• Heart Saver AED credentialed from the American Heart Association (AHA) obtained within 1 Month (30 days) of hire date or job transfer date. In lieu of Heart Saver, Pediatric CPR and First Aid through ASHI, AHA or LifeSaver Learning, Inc. obtained within 1 Month (30 days) of hire date or job transfer date will be accepted required.
• Certification specializing in Health and Safety Training obtained within 30 days (1 month) of hire or job transfer date, as required by the State of Kansas. KCCTO (Kansas Child Care Training Opportunities) certification, OR, a certificate of completion that includes the following subject areas: 1) Recognizing signs of child abuse or neglect, 2) Basic child development, 3) Safe sleep and SIDS, 4) Recognizing a sick child and the prevention/control of infectious disease, 5) Prevention of and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions, 6) Building and premises safety, 7) Emergency preparedness and response, 8) Handling and storage of hazardous materials, 9) Precautions when transporting children, and 10) Medication administration required.
• Licensed Teacher preferred.

Education:

• Based on Kansas Regulations, one or more of the following is required: 1) A Child Development Associate (CDA) credential issued by the Council For Professional Recognition, renewable every three (3) years, OR; 2) A Technical Certificate/Diploma in Early Childhood, OR; 3) An Associate's Degree or higher degree in Early Childhood, Child Development, or related field. The degree must include three (3) relevant college credits AND three (3) months of practicum experience working in a licensed center providing direct care and supervision of children of the same age range that will be served, OR; 4) An Associate's Degree or higher degree in a related academic discipline, AND, twelve (12) hours of academic study or equivalent training in child development, early childhood education, curriculum resources, nutrition, child guidance, parent education, supervised practicum and administration of early childhood programs, plus six (6) months of teaching experience in a licensed center or preschool.

• Licensed Center Experience: Direct, professional experience working with all ages (birth through 6 years) within a licensed child care facility.
• State Regulatory Compliance: Demonstrated experience working within a center licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).
• Classroom Management Mastery: Proven ability to manage classroom dynamics and develop age-appropriate lesson plans for early learners.

Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care and connection. We empower our 97,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you'll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.

Equal employment opportunity employer

Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, lactation, breastfeeding, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, all as defined by applicable law, and any other legally protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For further information, view the EEO Know Your Rights (English) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) poster.

Fraud prevention notice

Prospective applicants should be vigilant against fraudulent job offers and interview requests. Scammers may use sophisticated tactics to impersonate Ascension employees. To ensure your safety, please remember: Ascension will never ask for payment or to provide banking or financial information as part of the job application or hiring process. Our legitimate email communications will always come from an @ascension.org email address; do not trust other domains, and an official offer will only be extended to candidates who have completed a job application through our authorized applicant tracking system.

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Employer participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program. Please click here for more information.

Paid time off (PTO)Various health insurance options & wellness plansRetirement benefits including employer match plansLong-term & short-term disabilityEmployee assistance programs (EAP)Parental leave & adoption assistanceTuition reimbursementWays to give back to your community

Benefit options and eligibility vary by position. Compensation varies based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, performance, location and salary range at the time of the offer.