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Developmental Specialist Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Ensure the environment meets the needs of the developmental age of infant/toddlers as they grow ... Infant Development Specialists may be required to: * Visually inspect the environement for hazards ...

Child Development Specialist

Pomona, CA · Hybrid

$20.50 - $24/hr

Child Development Specialist Benefits: * Competitive Rates, Based on Experience ($35 / hour - $45 ... Conduct developmental assessments, provide child development services utilizing the Parent Coaching ...

Child Development Specialist

Riverside, CA · Hybrid

$21.50 - $25/hr

Child Development Specialist Benefits: * Competitive Rates, Based on Experience ($35 / hour - $45 ... Conduct developmental assessments, provide child development services utilizing the Parent Coaching ...

Child Development Specialist

Pomona, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $24/hr

Child Development Specialist Benefits: * Competitive Rates, Based on Experience ($35 / hour - $45 ... Conduct developmental assessments, provide child development services utilizing the Parent Coaching ...

Child Development Specialist

Riverside, CA · On-site

$24.25 - $28.25/hr

Child Development Specialist Benefits: * Competitive Rates, Based on Experience ($35 / hour - $45 ... Conduct developmental assessments, provide child development services utilizing the Parent Coaching ...

Description The Business Development Specialist is responsible for developing, maintaining, and expanding relationships with local employers to create competitive, integrated employment opportunities ...

The Business Development Specialist is responsible for developing, maintaining, and expanding relationships with local employers to create competitive, integrated employment opportunities for ...

The Business Development Specialist is responsible for developing, maintaining, and expanding relationships with local employers to create competitive, integrated employment opportunities for ...

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Developmental Specialist information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$15

$25

$44

How much do developmental specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for developmental specialist in Riverside, CA is $25.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.57 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What degree do you need to be a developmental specialist?

A developmental specialist typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in fields such as psychology, special education, social work, or a related area. Many positions prefer or require a master's degree and relevant certifications, such as the Certified Developmental Specialist credential, to work effectively with children and families in developmental and educational settings.

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

To thrive as a Developmental Specialist, you need a solid background in child development, early intervention strategies, and typically a degree in special education, psychology, or a related field. Familiarity with assessment tools, individualized education plans (IEPs), and data management systems is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and effective communication help build trust with children and families while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills are crucial for accurately assessing developmental needs and delivering effective support to promote positive outcomes for children.

What is a developmental specialist?

Developmental Specialists are professionals who assess and support the developmental needs of children, particularly those with delays or disabilities. They work closely with families, educators, and healthcare providers to create and implement individualized plans that promote cognitive, physical, social, and emotional growth. Developmental Specialists may provide direct intervention, monitor progress, and offer guidance to caregivers to help children achieve their developmental milestones.

How does a developmental specialist typically collaborate with families and other professionals to support a child's progress?

Developmental Specialists frequently work as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating closely with families, educators, therapists, and healthcare providers to develop and implement individualized intervention plans. They often conduct home visits or work in early intervention centers, providing guidance and support to families to reinforce developmental strategies in daily routines. Open communication and regular progress updates are essential, as is adapting interventions based on feedback from both the family and collaborating professionals, ensuring a holistic and coordinated approach to the child's growth.
What are popular job titles related to Developmental Specialist jobs in Riverside, CA? For Developmental Specialist jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Developmental Specialist jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Developmental Specialist jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Developmental Specialist jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Developmental Specialist job openings:
Infographic showing various Developmental Specialist job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,087 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Infant Development Specialist

Catalyst Kids

Riverside, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Catalyst Kids rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 221 rated education and training


Job description

An Infant Development Specialist establishes a climate of respect for each infant/toddler's individual personality, physical characteristics, traits, temperament, language, and family culture. They support the individual planning and implementation of Catalyst's program for children ranging in age zero to three years old. The Infant Development Specialist moves with their group of children from the time they enter the program until they move to preschool (age 2.9 or up) supporting their development, building strong family relationships, setting the trajectory for future success in the child/families' school success and ensuring continuity of care for the child until they move to preschool. Catalyst Infant Development Specialists must be able to facilitate a variety of age-appropriate experiences that support children's social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development, and ensure all children are supervised at all times in a healthy and safe environment.
Essential Functions:
  • Create and implement individual developmentally appropriate curriculum and small group experiences that are directly connected to the interests and development of infants/toddlers, supported by learning frameworks and foundations that promote positive wholistic and cutlturally responsive practices
  • Understand the growth and development of infants/toddlers ages zero-three years and meet their needs based on their developmental age
  • Keep infant/toddlers healthy and safe by connecting proper supervision, following compliance regulations, positive, empathetic, consistent interactions, healthy habits, and nurturing culturally diverse relationships
  • Create, implement and maintain intentional, enriched and supportive learning environments connected to curriculum and quality experiences that are appropriate for all children and allow opportunities for safe risks
  • Ensure the environment meets the needs of the developmental age of infant/toddlers as they grow through the first three years of life
  • Provide excellent customer service by establishing and maintaining authentic connections and reciprocal, culturally responsive relationships with children, families, communities and center/classroom team
  • Complete a daily report and provide continual evaluation for families detailing the child's individual progress and developmental milestones
  • Work collaboratively with each other connecting workplace values, education and experience to provide the highest quality programs and creative workplaces

Work EnvironmentAll infant Development Specialists are expected to demonstrate behaviors that are essential for successful programs and environement including the following:
  • Positive, nurturing, patient, and developmentally appropriate interactions with infants/toddlers
  • Maintain kind, respectful, and safe emotional and physical environments for children
  • Be on time and present on a regularly scheduled basis
  • Be supportive and nutruing in outdoor and indoor programs
  • Be physically and mentally capable of interacting with infants/toddlers zero to three meeting all their needs and ensuring their safety
  • Be aware of and implement safety guidelines; report any health & safety issues or incidents to management, and remain calm if providing first aid (as needed) during emergency situations

Physical & Environmental ConditionsInfant Development Specialists are responsible for various program elements on a daily basis and will routinely be exposed to indoor and outdoor elements. Infant Development Specialists may be required to:
  • Visually inspect the environement for hazards to children and implement preventiative actions )i.e., set up cones to limit the play area) to maintain a safe environment for children
  • Be comfortable with occasional loud noise in or outside the classroom during active/loud activities
  • Be comfortable holding, lifting diapering and nurturing infants and toddlers ages 0-3yrears during caregiving routines.
  • Be comfortable with frequent bending, lifting, twisting, reaching, pushing and pulling
  • Push, lift, carry, and hold various objects up to 15 lbs. - by individual or team effort - such as equipment carts, emergency back packs, food coolers, classroom furnishings, and other similar program materials
  • Work inside the classroom or outside the room in all weather conditions which are safe for children.
  • Traverse various terrains (grass, blacktop, dirt) and heights (ladders, playgrounds) depending on the school outdoor environment
  • Adapt to the physical level of infants/toddlers (example, sitting on the floor, kneeling, squatting) for activities and problem-solving/interactions
  • Supervise walks around the community

Qualifications & Experience:
Infant Development Specialists are the individuals with the highest educational qualifications assigned to a group of children/classroom/center/program. They may also direct/supervise other members of the teaching team.
Education
Education and permit requirements may vary by center needs/require at least three units specific to the Infant/Toddler (0-3yrs) age group.
  • 24 units in child development, early childhood development or related field, plus 16 general education units and (at least three units in Infant/Toddler (0-3) specficially)
  • AA degree in ECE, CD, or related field from a national accredited college
  • BA degree in ECE, CD, or related field from a national accredited college/university
  • Teacher or above Child Development Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
  • Any degree must also include at least three units in Infant/Toddler (0-3yrs) specifically)

Experience & Skills
  • 2 years of experience in a group care environment where care/teaching was provided for a consistent age group preferred
  • 1 year experience supervising adults or equivalent Adult Supervision units preferred
  • Effective problem solving, conflict resolution, classroom management, and communication with children and families
  • Effective organization, time management, curriculum and assessment documentation ( Individualized lesson plans, portfolios, anecdotal notes)
  • Ability to work alongside colleagues and maintain a professional team environment
  • Current adult and infant/child CPR/First Aid certification preferred
  • Bilingual/Multilingual language preference based on individual center needs

Shift Type: Full Time
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9am - 6pm
What We Offer:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
  • 401(k) Retirement plan and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Personal Health Advocate
  • Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
  • Commuter pre-tax benefit
  • Discounted childcare
  • Access to the Calm app
  • Tickets at Work employee discounts
  • Be constantly in a learning and growth process with training and professional growth advisory

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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