The term “child development associate” can refer to a variety of positions. This title, for example, could be given to someone who works to support children’s development and their families. A person who supervises a group of children, such as in a daycare or preschool setting, is also referred to as a nanny. It’s even been used to refer to someone who instructs children, particularly those who are very young and at a critical developmental stage.
A child development associate sometimes works with children and their families to help them reach developmental milestones. This person may meet with children and their families in an office or visit them at home to provide assistance, support, and guidance. In many cases, a person’s goals for these types of visits are not only to assist and stimulate the child’s development, but also to assist and stimulate the child’s parents. Additionally, a person with this title frequently has the goal of assisting children in preparing for eventual school enrollment.
A child development associate is a person who works in a facility that provides care for young children in some cases. This professional may have the primary responsibility of supervising small children in this situation. His job may also require him to keep the kids occupied throughout the day and to attend to their personal needs, such as eating, going to the bathroom, getting physical exercise, and sleeping, as appropriate for their age. This person may also assist children in developing on a regular schedule and providing mentally stimulating activities to help them prepare for school.
A person who works in the field of child development may also work as a teacher. Child development associates in the teaching field frequently work with young children, such as those in daycare, preschool, kindergarten, or early elementary school. This job entails not only educating students but also monitoring their developmental needs.
The education required to become a child development associate may vary depending on the job requirements and employer preferences. In many cases, a person with a high school diploma or a General Educational Development® (GED®) diploma can work in this field. Others may require a certificate in a related field. An associate’s or bachelor’s degree may be required in some cases, particularly when jobs require more responsibility or teaching beyond the preschool level.