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Early Child Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$34K/yr

Knowledge of early child development theory, methodology, and practices relating to physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. * Ability to ensure the safety and hygiene of children ...

$34K/yr

Knowledge of early child development theory, methodology, and practices relating to physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. * Ability to ensure the safety and hygiene of children ...

$34K/yr

Knowledge of early child development theory, methodology, and practices relating to physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. * Ability to ensure the safety and hygiene of children ...

$34K/yr

Knowledge of early child development theory, methodology, and practices relating to physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. * Ability to ensure the safety and hygiene of children ...

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Early Child Development information

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$19

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How much do early child development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for early child development in the United States is $19.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Early Child Development vs Preschool Teacher?

AspectEarly Child DevelopmentPreschool Teacher
Required CredentialsChild development certifications, associate or bachelor’s degree in early childhood educationTypically a preschool teaching certification or associate degree in early childhood education
Work EnvironmentHomes, clinics, early intervention centers, community programsPreschools, daycare centers, private or public educational settings
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare providers, social services, early intervention programsEducational institutions, daycare centers, private preschools

Early Child Development focuses on supporting children's overall growth, including health, social skills, and developmental milestones, often working in healthcare or social service settings. In contrast, a Preschool Teacher primarily educates and cares for children in classroom settings, focusing on early learning and school readiness. Both roles require early childhood education credentials but differ in scope and work environment.

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

To excel in Early Child Development, you need a background in early childhood education, child psychology, and child safety, often supported by relevant degrees or certifications such as CDA or state teaching credentials. Familiarity with curriculum planning tools, developmental assessment software, and educational frameworks like Montessori or Reggio Emilia is typically required. Patience, creativity, strong communication, and nurturing interpersonal skills help professionals engage young children and collaborate with families. These skills ensure a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment that fosters healthy cognitive, emotional, and social development in children.

What is early child development?

Early child development refers to the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth that occurs in children from birth to around eight years old. This period is crucial because it lays the foundation for lifelong learning, health, and well-being. Early experiences, including relationships with caregivers, nutrition, and stimulation, play a significant role in shaping a child's brain and overall development. Supporting early child development can help children reach their full potential and succeed in later life.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Early Child Development, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in Early Child Development often encounter challenges such as managing diverse classroom behaviors, addressing varying developmental needs, and communicating effectively with parents and families. These challenges can be managed by staying updated with evidence-based teaching strategies, collaborating with colleagues for support and idea sharing, and engaging in regular professional development. Building strong relationships with families and fostering a positive, inclusive classroom environment also play a crucial role in overcoming these obstacles and ensuring the best outcomes for children.
More about Early Child Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Early Child Development jobs? Cities with the most Early Child Development job openings:
What states have the most Early Child Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Early Child Development jobs include:
Infographic showing various Early Child Development job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,005 per year, or $19.2 per hour.
Educational Technician (Child Development)

Educational Technician (Child Development)

US Department of the Air Force

On-site

$34K/yr

Other

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
The primary purpose of this position is to provide appropriate, specialized developmental care and instruction for children in the Child Development Center (CDC). Performs basic oversight and supervision for a designated classroom for ages 6 months through 5 years. May be designated as the supervisor on duty, as needed.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the general and/or specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Clerical and Administrative Support Positions.

FOR CONSIDERATION AT THE GS-05 LEVEL
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-04, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience include knowledge of an extensive body of child development program rules and procedures requiring extended training and experience to plan and perform a wide variety of interrelated child care assignments and resolve a wide range of problems; knowledge of early child development theory, methodology, and practices relating to physical, intellectual, social, and nutritional development to effectively interact with the children and design and implement activity plans and specialized programs depending on the individual needs of the child; knowledge of Child Development Center procedures to ensure processes such as receiving children from parents ;maintaining accurate count of children, and seeing children home at the end of the day are properly carried out, and to ensure established procedures for preventing, treating, and reporting all child injury, illness, and/or abuse are adhered to; ability to promote and foster effective working relationships with others to interact effectively and appropriately with the children and ensure effective communication with parents; ability to communicate effectively and be an effective role model to provide technical guidance and leadership to lower graded employees.
OR
EDUCATION:
Successful completion 4-years of education above the high school level, in any field for which high school graduation or the equivalent is the normal prerequisite, obtained in an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college or university. NOTE: you must submit a copy of your transcripts.
OR
COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
A combination of post high-school education in excess of the first 60 semester hours (i.e., beyond the second year) and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. NOTE: You must submit copies of your transcripts.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

  1. Knowledge of training in Early Childhood Education
  2. Knowledge of Child Development Center Regulations, procedures, programs, processes and operations
  3. Knowledge of early child development theory, methodology, and practices relating to physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.
  4. Ability to ensure the safety and hygiene of children through constant supervision, effective arrangement of space, and proper management of equipment.
  5. Ability to develop creative and innovative activity and special program plans
  6. Ability to promote and foster effective working relationships with others and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  7. Ability to gather, maintain and compile pertinent data
FOR CONSIDERATION AT THE GS-06 LEVEL:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-05, or equivalent in other pay systems.
FOR CONSIDERATION AT THE GS-07 LEVEL:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE FOR INTERNAL CANDIDATES: Applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-05, or equivalent in other pay systems.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE FOR EXTERNAL CANDIDATES: Applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-06, or equivalent in other pay systems.
Examples of specialized experience include comprehensive knowledge of child development program rules and procedures extending training and experience to plan and perform a wide variety of interrelated childcare assignments and resolve a wide range of problems. Extensive knowledge of early child development theory, methodology and practices relating to physical, intellectual, social and nutritional development to effectively interact with the children and adapt activities from OSD approved curricula as necessary for the individual needs of the child. Knowledge of child development program procedures to ensure processes such as receiving children from parents, maintaining accurate count of children, seeing children home at the end of the day are properly carried out. Ensure established procedures for preventing, treating and reporting all child injury, illness and/or abuse and neglect are adhered to.
OR
EDUCATION:
1 year of graduate-level education from an accredited college or university which is directly related to the work of the position. NOTE: you must submit a copy of your transcripts.
OR
COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
A combination of graduate-level education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. NOTE: You must submit copies of your transcripts.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
  1. Knowledge of early childhood education, as well as practical knowledge of elementary education/youth development, or related field to promote and foster effective working relationships with children.
  2. Knowledge of physical, intellectual, social, emotional and nutritional stages of development of young children in applying basic child development principles, concepts and practices.
  3. Knowledge of comprehensive child development requirements, policies, procedures, and processes. Knowledge of appropriate early childhood guidance, practices, techniques and programs to include safety and security regulations, practices, and procedures.
  4. Skill in communicating factual and procedural information clearly, orally and in writing.
  5. Ability to ensure the safety and hygiene of children through constant supervision, effective arrangement or space and proper management of equipment.
  6. Ability to analyze, plan, and adjust work operations of one or more organizational segments to meet program requirements and objectives within available resources.
  7. Ability to promote and foster effective working relationships with others and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  8. Ability and skill to lead subordinate employees and foster effective working relationship with others

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible.
  • One year at the GS-05 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-06 level.
  • INTERNAL CANDIDATES: One year at the GS-05 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-07 level.
  • EXTERNAL CANDIDATES: One year at the GS-06 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-07 level.
TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.
Education:IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.Employment Type: OTHER