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Child Development Consultant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Child Development Therapist

Venice, CA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Child Development Therapist REPORTS TO: Clinical Supervisor SCHEDULE: Sunday-Thursday (9:00am-5 ... The CDT will provide child and family services, education, training, consultation, and referrals to ...

The Child Life Specialist II demonstrates knowledge of Child Life assessments and interventions ... Development Support Consultant a: 1192 North Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91104 USA e: wendy@jba.com ...

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Child Development Consultant information

See California salary details

$43.9K

$77.6K

$111K

How much do child development consultant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for child development consultant in California is $77,598.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,100.00 and $91,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a child development consultant?

Child Development Consultants are professionals who specialize in understanding and supporting the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth of children. They work with families, educators, and organizations to assess developmental progress, identify concerns, and create strategies or interventions that promote healthy child development. Their expertise is often sought for guidance on early childhood education, behavior management, developmental delays, and best practices for nurturing children's growth. Child Development Consultants may also provide training and resources to parents and teachers to ensure children reach their full potential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a child development consultant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Child Development Consultant, you need a solid background in child psychology, early childhood education, and developmental assessment, typically supported by a relevant degree and professional experience. Familiarity with standardized developmental screening tools, educational software, and case management systems is important. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly help consultants build trust with families and collaborate with educators. These skills are essential for accurately assessing children's needs, developing effective intervention plans, and supporting healthy child development outcomes.

What are some common challenges child development consultants face when working with families and educators?

Child Development Consultants often encounter challenges such as varying levels of understanding about child development among parents and educators, as well as resistance to implementing new strategies or interventions. Building trust and clear communication are key to overcoming these obstacles. Additionally, consultants must tailor their recommendations to each child's unique needs while balancing the expectations of families and educational staff. Adapting to diverse environments and continuously updating knowledge about best practices are also essential aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Child Development Consultant vs Child Psychologist?

AspectChild Development ConsultantChild Psychologist
Required CredentialsBachelor’s or Master’s in Child Development, Education, or related field; certifications may varyDoctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in Psychology; licensure required
Work EnvironmentSchools, clinics, community programs, consulting settingsPrivate practice, hospitals, clinics, research settings
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, early childhood programs, consulting firmsHealthcare facilities, private practices, research institutions

Child Development Consultants focus on assessing and supporting children's developmental needs through educational and community-based services, often working in schools or early childhood settings. Child Psychologists diagnose and treat mental health issues, providing therapy and psychological assessments. Both roles require specialized training, but Child Development Consultants typically have a background in education or child development, while Child Psychologists hold doctoral degrees in psychology. Understanding these differences helps parents and educators choose the right professional for specific developmental or mental health concerns.

How to become a child development consultant?

To become a child development consultant, typically a bachelor's degree in child development, psychology, education, or a related field is required, often followed by relevant work experience. Many roles also prefer or require certifications such as the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or specialized training in early childhood education. Developing strong observational, communication, and assessment skills is essential for success in this field.

What are popular job titles related to Child Development Consultant jobs in California?

For Child Development Consultant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Child Development Consultant jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Child Development Consultant jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Child Development Consultant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Child Development Consultant job openings:

Infographic showing various Child Development Consultant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $77,598 per year, or $37.3 per hour.

Child Development Consultant/Child Development Assistant

Department of Social Services

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$8.2K - $10K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

This is a re-post. If you previously applied, there is no need to re-apply as your application is on file and will be considered.
Under the direction of the Bureau Chief /Education Administrator I of the Program Quality and Improvement North Bureau in the CCDD, the Child Development Consultant works cooperatively with program units and managers throughout the CDSS. The incumbent is responsible for working collaboratively with various early child care and development programs funded by federal and/or state funds. The incumbent serves in an educational leadership role for promoting quality child development program implementation at the local, regional, and state levels. Extensive travel exceeding 50% is required for fieldwork in this position to conduct site visits to a region, interact with contracting agencies for assessing programs, monitoring compliance and completing reports in collaboration with other staff, attend meetings to address challenges, present training locally to the field to provide statutory and regulatory guidance, technical assistance and support, and other work related purposes.
If you would like to share how you learned about this career opportunity, please take a moment to complete our brief Recruitment Survey .
Need help with applying for positions, taking an examination, or preparing for interviews? Our team is here to support you, reach out anytime at Recruiter@dss.ca.gov For guidance on applying for a state job, visit Three Steps to a State Job .
Follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date on our latest opportunities.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
This is a statewide recruitment that will be headquartered in one of the following counties: Sacramento, Alameda, and Santa Clara.
This position is eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the Governor's Executive Order N-22-25 and at the sole discretion of the Department of Social Services under California Government Code Section 14200. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be re-evaluated at any time. The incumbent will be expected to report for in office work and attend work related in-person events as deemed operationally necessary. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the CDSS policies. Headquarter location may be designated on the selected candidate's primary residence location, and/or the closest CDSS location in accordance with operational need and available space. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.
Please note: Regular commute is not compensable.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • CHILD DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT
  • CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-524040
Position #(s):
800-361-2834-910
Working Title:
Child Development Consultant/Child Development Assistant
Classification:
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT $8,237.00 - $10,310.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Shall Consider:
CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT
$5,912.00 - $7,396.00 A
$7,138.00 - $8,934.00 B
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
United States
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of fellow Californians while achieving your career goals? Do you set high standards for yourself and enjoy a collaborative and challenging work environment? The mission of the California Department of Social Services is to serve, protect, and support the people of California experiencing need in ways that empower wellbeing and disrupt systemic inequities. The vision of the California Department of Social Services is to provide quality services with a commitment to an inclusive, diverse, and equitable California where all people can thrive.
The mission of the Child Care and Development Division (CCDD) is to build, strengthen, and maintain an equitable, comprehensive, quality, and affordable child care and development system for the children and families in our state; to integrate child care with other California Department of Social Services programs and services that serve the whole child and whole family; to address social determinants of health and adverse childhood experiences which significantly impact long-term outcomes for children; and to provide vital supports to the child care and development workforce and programs for children to have access to equitable and stable child care and development opportunities. The CCDD provides planning, policy direction, and oversight of the majority of state-supported child care and development programs and services in California. These include programs that provide a variety of state-subsidized child care services, quality improvement plan activities, local child care and developmental informed programs and policies, while providing robust technical assistance and support to counties, contractors, and child care partners.
CDSS Guiding Principles
Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Accessibility. Belonging.
We ensure opportunities for everyone to participate in a meaningful way in fulfilling the mission and vision of CDSS.
Community Engagement
We prioritize the lived experiences of community members as a driving force behind the creation, implementation, desired impact, or change of programs and services.
Empowerment
We engage, operate, and advocate from the understanding that each community and person has desires and capabilities to lead in their own life.
Quality Services
We provide services that align intent and impact by ensuring that they are accessible, community driven, interconnected, and continuously improved.
Data Defined Outcomes
We equitably collect and analyze data, take data-driven action, and measure outcomes relevant to those we serve, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Special Requirements
Please Note: A Statement of Qualifications or Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted along with your application to be considered for this position. Applications submitted without an SOQ may be disqualified for this position.
Do not include any confidential information on any documents (i.e., application, resume, or transcripts) you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents include but is not limited to: Social Security Number (SSN), birthday and/or age, photos, student/other ID number, driver's license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, exam results, LEAP status, and marital status. Confidential information submitted via a CalCareer Account (electronic application) is automatically redacted upon submission.
The Statement of Qualifications must be no more than two pages in length, size 12-point Arial font. The Statement of Qualifications must be no more than two pages in length, size 12 point Arial font. Responses should be clear, concise, and based on the applicant's own professional experience. Please include specific examples that demonstrate your role, actions taken, results achieved, collaboration with others, leadership approach, and ability to manage complex or competing priorities.
1. Describe your professional experience in the child care and development field, including your knowledge of subsidized childcare and development programs, program operations, service delivery, and coordination with agencies, contractors' families, or community partners.
2. Describe your experience providing administrative oversight, program leadership, contract monitoring, technical assistance, training or staff development for CDSS- contracted child care and development program types, subsidized child care programs, or comparable publicly funded programs. Include how you support staff or parters in understanding policy guidance, funding terms and conditions, program requirements, compliance expectations, and quality early learning and care environments for young children.
3. Describe your experience reviewing, preparing, or monitoring budgets, enrollment projections, earnings, audits, internal controls, documentation, program quality, continuous improvement plans, or other accountability-related information. Include how you identified issues or risks, provided guidance to staff or partners, and supported resolution.
You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD 678). You may be disqualified from the hiring and selection process if the employment history is not complete. Resumes will not take the place of employment history.
If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts for verification. If selected, you may be required to provide official transcripts at the time of hire.
Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview, but they must provide proof of residence in California prior to being eligible for appointment.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 9/6/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Social Services
California Department of Social Services
Attn: Classification & Pay Unit
P. O. Box 944243 - MS 8-15-58
Sacramento , CA 94244-2430
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Social Services
California Department of Social Services
Classification & Pay Unit
744 P Street, MS 8-15-58
Sacramento , CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
  • Statement of Qualifications -
    (SOQ) Please see the Special Requirements section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
50% or more travel is a requirement for this position.
Desirable Qualifications:
• Knowledge of early childhood education, and the state system for subsidized child care and development programs Professional oral and written communication skills
• Effective Project Management Skills
• Effective Public Speaking Skills
• Effective relationship building
• Experience problem solving and providing customer service
Benefits
There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California has a generous benefits package that includes medical coverage, CalPERS pension upon retirement, two weeks paid vacation per year, two weeks paid sick leave per year, two paid Professional Development Days, one paid Personal Holiday, pre-tax parking fee program.
TRANSPORTATION REIMBURSEMENT
  • Public transit (mass transit) passes.
    • 100 percent discount on public transit passes sold by state agencies, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
    • 100 percent reimbursement on public transit passes purchased by state employees, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.
  • Vanpool drivers a