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Entry Level Cda Credential Jobs (NOW HIRING)

A qualified candidate possesses the following: Entry Level (CY-1702-01) * Ability to communicate ... OR A valid Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Military School-Age (MSA) credential; OR ...

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Entry Level Cda Credential information

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$19.5K

$42.1K

$69K

How much do entry level cda credential jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level cda credential in the United States is $42,093.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,000.00 and $47,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level CDA Credential holder, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level CDA (Child Development Associate) Credential holder, you need a solid understanding of early childhood development, basic teaching principles, and completion of the CDA training and assessment process. Familiarity with classroom management systems, child observation tools, and state licensing regulations is also important. Strong communication, patience, and a nurturing attitude help you effectively support young children's learning and build positive relationships with families. These skills and qualifications are crucial for creating safe, developmentally appropriate environments that foster children's growth and school readiness.

What is the difference between Entry Level Cda Credential vs Child Care Assistant?

AspectEntry Level Cda CredentialChild Care Assistant
Required CredentialsChild Development Associate (CDA) CredentialMay require a high school diploma and on-the-job training, but often no formal certification
Work EnvironmentPreschools, daycare centers, early childhood education settingsDaycare centers, preschools, early childhood programs
Employer & Industry UsageEarly childhood education providers, childcare agenciesChildcare facilities, early learning centers

The Entry Level Cda Credential is a formal certification demonstrating specialized early childhood education training, often required for teaching roles. A Child Care Assistant may work in similar environments but typically does not require formal certification. The credential can enhance job prospects and earning potential, whereas the assistant role may serve as an entry point into the industry.

What types of support or mentorship are typically available for entry-level professionals pursuing their CDA Credential in early childhood education settings?

Entry-level professionals working toward their CDA Credential often benefit from structured mentorship and support programs offered by their employers, such as regular feedback from experienced teachers, access to professional development workshops, and guidance from supervising staff. Many childcare centers foster collaborative environments where new hires can observe best practices, participate in team meetings, and receive assistance with the CDA application process. Additionally, supervisors or lead teachers may provide ongoing coaching to help candidates develop classroom management skills and meet competency standards required for credentialing.

What is an Entry Level CDA Credential?

An Entry Level CDA Credential refers to the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, designed for individuals starting their careers in early childhood education. It certifies that the holder possesses the foundational skills and knowledge necessary to work effectively with young children, usually from birth to age five. Earning the CDA credential involves completing specific training hours, gaining work experience, and passing an assessment. This credential is recognized nationwide and can help individuals qualify for entry-level positions in preschools, daycare centers, and other child care settings.
More about Entry Level Cda Credential jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Cda Credential jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Cda Credential job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cda Credential jobs? The most popular types of Cda Credential jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cda Credential job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Locum Tenens, 2% Internship, 17% As Needed, 51% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,093 per year, or $20.2 per hour.
Preschool Lead Teacher

Preschool Lead Teacher

Granite School District

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Granite School District (Utah) rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

404th of 545 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Please note that this posting closes at 3:00 pm on the date listed above.
If you have questions regarding this position, please contact Emily Haymond at (385)-646-4670 or email ehaymond@graniteschools.org
Hours per week: 29
Lead Teacher CDA  - entry level position.
Lead Teacher E.C. - Bachelor's or Master's degree required.













Job Title  Preschool Lead Teacher - CDA or E.C. Department  Preschool Supervisor  Director Salary Schedule  ESP Hourly (72) Lane Placement  hh or kk Contract Length  Hourly Only FLSA Classification  Non-exempt Last Review Date  November 2020

 
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodations.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, training, education, responsibilities, abilities; the machines, tools and equipment used; background; and any licenses or certifications required.  Physical, punctual, reliable, and predictable regular attendance is an essential job function to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Job Summary
This position requires a dependable, patient, and nurturing individual to work with 3-5-year-old children in a preschool classroom setting under the direction of the Leadership Team. Attendance, physical presence, and timeliness are required and are essential functions of this position.
Essential Functions





  • Has basic computer skills to create newsletters, calendars, check email, complete online surveys, and trainings.
  • Attends and implements all monthly Professional Development training.
  • Collaborates and shares responsibilities with all team members.
  • Attends monthly team meetings.
  • Utilizes district assessment procedures for students.
  • Arranges for a substitute when absent and notifies team and coordinator.
  • Follows district policy for attendance.
  • Builds positive relationships with students, parents, and staff.
  • Follows preschool professionalism policies (e.g. cell phones, dress code, tardiness, timeliness).
  • Creates daily lesson plans from the GSD scope and sequence of Essential Preschool Skills (EPS).
  • Provides direct instruction in small and large groups daily.
  • Uses We Can! Management system to enable independence and responsibility
  • Engages children with enthusiasm, variety, and novelty across the whole day.
  • Provides supervision in all activities and settings.
  • Gives specific, immediate, and frequent positive reinforcement (at least 4:1).
  • Assists in the personal management needs of the students as needed (e.g., feeding, dressing, toileting/diapering, grooming, lifting, positioning, etc.)
  • Attends and actively participates in IEP meetings.
  • Trains assistants and works with classroom coach to improve teaching skills.

Non-Essential Functions

  • Other duties as assigned

Required Education and Qualifications

  • Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Requires one of the following:
    • willingness to obtain a CDA credential within one year of hire date;
    • a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential;
    • an associate degree or higher in a closely related field; or
    • an associate degree or higher and willing to obtain a CDA credential within one year of hire date.
  • Requires a Food Handler permit from a Utah Department of Health approved entity or willingness to obtain within 3 months of hire.
  • May require a current CPR certification depending on assigned duties.


Required Prior Experience
No prior experience required
Required Knowledge and Skills




  • Basic computer skills
  • Ability to collaborate and share responsibilities
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Displays patience and positivity


Assigned Decision Making
Makes decisions concerning the best way to accomplish tasks assigned by the classroom teacher and related service professionals.  Must take directions well and be able to work within specific guidelines.  Makes suggestions but must be willing to follow directions. Concerns for safety of self and others.
Interactions with Others
Interacts positively with students, parents, staff, teachers, administration, and other district personnel.
Supervisory Responsibility
Oversees the safety of students.
Budget Responsibility
NA
Working Environment
Work setting is mainly in the classroom.  The noise level is usually moderate to loud.  May be exposed to bodily fluids.  May be asked to work inside or outside the building to accomplish assigned tasks.  Working conditions can be in hot and cold weather.  May experience stress from disruptive students and/or groups of students.
Physical Requirements Not limited to the following:















  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to speak and/or hear.  Frequently required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, and crouch.  Occasionally required to use hands to handle or feel and must occasionally climb or balance.
  • Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
  • Must be able to stand/sit for long periods of time.
  • Spend long periods of time of the floor.
  • Able to run short distances
  • Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.

Note:  The list of essential and marginal functions and of physical requirements is not exhaustive and may be supplemented in accordance with the requirements of the job.







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