1

Child Developmental Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Developmental Specialist

West Springfield, MA · On-site

$28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Early Intervention Developmental Specialist May Center for Early Intervention | May Institute ... Bachelor's degree in Child Development, Special Education, Early Childhood Education, or related ...

Developmental Specialist

West Springfield, MA · On-site

$28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Early Intervention Developmental Specialist May Center for Early Intervention | May Institute ... Bachelor's degree in Child Development, Special Education, Early Childhood Education, or related ...

Developmental Specialist

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$28 - $33/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Low teacher-to-child ratios for meaningful connections * Research-backed curriculum and hands-on activities * Daily communication and teamwork with families * A culture of inclusion, innovation ...

New

Developmental Specialist

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$28 - $33/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Low teacher-to-child ratios for meaningful connections * Research-backed curriculum and hands-on activities * Daily communication and teamwork with families * A culture of inclusion, innovation ...

New

Developmental Specialist

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$28 - $33/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Low teacher-to-child ratios for meaningful connections * Research-backed curriculum and hands-on activities * Daily communication and teamwork with families * A culture of inclusion, innovation ...

New

Developmental Specialist

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$28 - $33/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Low teacher-to-child ratios for meaningful connections * Research-backed curriculum and hands-on activities * Daily communication and teamwork with families * A culture of inclusion, innovation ...

New

About The Role The Developmental Specialist position is responsible for providing direct services ... Works to meet child and family goals and needs in coordination with other agencies (Local School ...

Showing results 41-60

Child Developmental Specialist information

See salary details

$15

$24

$42

How much do child developmental specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for child developmental specialist in the United States is $24.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $28.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Child Developmental Specialist, you need a solid background in child psychology, early childhood development, and typically a relevant degree such as in psychology, education, or social work. Familiarity with assessment tools, intervention planning software, and certifications like Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) are often required. Strong communication, patience, and cultural sensitivity help build trust with children and families while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure effective support for children's developmental needs and foster positive outcomes in educational and therapeutic settings.

What are some common challenges faced by child developmental specialists when working with families?

Child Developmental Specialists often encounter challenges such as helping families understand and accept developmental delays, navigating cultural differences in parenting styles, and coordinating care with multiple service providers. Building trust with families and creating individualized intervention plans that fit their unique needs can also be complex. Successful specialists rely on strong communication and collaboration skills to support families and ensure the child’s developmental progress.

What does a child developmental specialist do?

A Child Developmental Specialist assesses and supports the growth and development of children, particularly those who may have developmental delays or disabilities. They work with children and their families to create individualized plans that foster cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. These specialists often collaborate with teachers, therapists, and healthcare providers to ensure that each child receives comprehensive care tailored to their unique needs. Their goal is to promote positive outcomes and help children reach their developmental milestones.

What is the difference between Child Developmental Specialist vs Speech-Language Pathologist?

AspectChild Developmental SpecialistSpeech-Language Pathologist
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's or master's degree in child development, education, or related fields; certifications vary by stateRequires a master's degree in speech-language pathology and state licensure
Work EnvironmentPreschools, early intervention programs, clinics, homesHospitals, clinics, schools, private practice
Employer & IndustryEarly childhood programs, special education, healthcareHealthcare, educational institutions, private practice

While both roles support children's development, Child Developmental Specialists focus on overall developmental milestones and early intervention, whereas Speech-Language Pathologists specialize in diagnosing and treating speech and language disorders. The roles often collaborate but require different credentials and work in distinct settings.

More about Child Developmental Specialist jobs
What cities are hiring for Child Developmental Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Child Developmental Specialist job openings:

Developmental Specialist (DS I Advanced, DS II, or DS III) - Early Intervention

MECA Therapies LLC

Taos, NM • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Developmental Specialist (DS I Advanced, DS II, or DS III) - Early Intervention

Location: Taos, New Mexico (Multiple Locations Available)
Company: MECA Therapies, LLC


Join the Largest Pediatric Rehabilitation Provider in New Mexico


MECA Therapies is seeking compassionate and motivated Developmental Specialists to join our Early Intervention (FIT) team.

As the largest pediatric rehabilitation provider in New Mexico, MECA is committed to ensuring children and families have access to the highest quality developmental services within their communities. Our Developmental Specialists partner with families to promote child development through coaching, education, and individualized intervention services that empower caregivers and help children achieve meaningful developmental milestones.

If you're passionate about early childhood development and making a lasting impact during a child's most important years, we'd love to hear from you.


Position Summary

The Developmental Specialist provides Special Instruction services to infants and toddlers (birth to three years of age) with developmental delays or disabilities. Services are delivered in natural environments, including homes, childcare settings, and community locations, and focus on promoting development across all developmental domains, including cognitive, communication, physical/motor, social-emotional, and adaptive skills.

Working collaboratively with families and interdisciplinary team members, the Developmental Specialist develops strategies that support each child's Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) while coaching caregivers to incorporate developmental activities into everyday routines.


Qualifications

Developmental Specialist I - Advanced

  • Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or another qualifying field identified by the New Mexico FIT Developmental Specialist Certification Policy.
  • Professional license, if applicable.
  • Eligible to obtain New Mexico FIT Developmental Specialist certification.

Developmental Specialist II

  • Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or another qualifying field identified by the New Mexico FIT Developmental Specialist Certification Policy.

Developmental Specialist III

  • Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or another qualifying field identified by the New Mexico FIT Developmental Specialist Certification Policy.

Required

  • Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and automobile insurance.
  • Ability to travel throughout assigned service areas.
  • Strong communication, organization, and documentation skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain required New Mexico FIT certifications.

Preferred

  • Experience working with infants, toddlers, and families.
  • Early Intervention experience.
  • Knowledge of child development and family-centered practices.
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Essential Responsibilities

  • Participate in multidisciplinary evaluations to determine Early Intervention eligibility.
  • Provide Special Instruction services that support child development across cognitive, communication, physical, social-emotional, and adaptive domains.
  • Coach parents and caregivers on evidence-based strategies that promote learning during daily routines.
  • Develop individualized intervention strategies based on each child's IFSP outcomes.
  • Collaborate with families, therapists, Family Service Coordinators, physicians, and community partners.
  • Participate in Transdisciplinary Team Consultation Meetings (TTCMs), IFSP meetings, periodic reviews, annual reviews, and transition planning.
  • Complete developmental assessments and evaluation reports accurately and within required timelines.
  • Monitor child progress and modify intervention strategies as appropriate.
  • Support family participation, informed decision-making, and developmental goal achievement.
  • Maintain compliance with New Mexico FIT Program requirements, IDEA Part C regulations, ECECD standards, HIPAA, and MECA policies.
  • Promote ethical, family-centered, culturally responsive services.

Caseload & Productivity Expectations

  • Maintain an assigned caseload averaging approximately 27 direct service visits per week (or part-time equivalent).
  • Provide services according to each child's Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
  • Meet established productivity expectations while maintaining high-quality, family-centered services.
  • Caseload assignments may be adjusted based on program needs and service demands.

Documentation & Compliance

  • Complete documentation at the time of service whenever possible and submit required documentation daily.
  • Complete developmental progress notes and participate in six-month IFSP reviews.
  • Document TTCMs, evaluations, and family contacts according to program requirements.
  • Maintain and update HELP Strands and other developmental assessment tools as required.
  • Maintain complete, accurate, and compliant records in accordance with HIPAA, ECECD, IDEA Part C, and New Mexico FIT Program standards.

Professional Development

  • Developmental Specialists are expected to obtain and maintain all required certifications and participate in ongoing professional development, including:
  • New Mexico FIT Certificate of Special Instruction.
  • Individualized Professional Development Plan (IPDP).
  • Infant-Toddler Developmental Assessment (IDA) Certification.
  • Early Childhood Outcomes (ECO) Certification.
  • Required Family Infant Toddler (FIT) online trainings.
  • Mandatory staff meetings, reflective supervision, and continuing education.

Supervision & Mentorship

  • Developmental Specialists receive ongoing supervision and reflective consultation in accordance with New Mexico FIT Program requirements.
  • Developmental Specialist I - Advanced staff receive direct supervision while providing services.
  • Reflective supervision is provided at least monthly.
  • Experienced Developmental Specialists may have opportunities to mentor or supervise designated Early Childhood staff.


Why Join MECA Therapies?

At MECA, you'll become part of a collaborative interdisciplinary team dedicated to helping children reach their fullest developmental potential while empowering families through education, coaching, and support.


We offer:

  • Competitive compensation
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Mileage reimbursement
  • Supportive leadership and mentorship
  • Collaborative interdisciplinary teams
  • Continuing education and professional development
  • Opportunities for career advancement
  • Meaningful work that positively impacts children and families across New Mexico


MECA Therapies, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process and employment.