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Developmental Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

M Street

Developmental Therapist

Chicago, IL · On-site

The field of Developmental Therapy is highly rewarding, but not every role will provide the flexibility and opportunity for growth that you're looking for. If you're seeking a traditional 9-to-5 role ...

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How much do developmental therapist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for developmental therapist in the United States is $59,854.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,500.00 and $63,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To excel as a Developmental Therapist, you typically need a degree in early childhood education, psychology, or a related field, along with knowledge of child development and relevant licensure or certification where required. Familiarity with assessment tools, intervention planning software, and documentation systems is important for tracking progress and creating tailored therapy plans. Strong communication, patience, and cultural sensitivity are vital soft skills for engaging children and collaborating with families and multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure effective, individualized support that fosters developmental progress and positive outcomes for children with diverse needs.

How does a Developmental Therapist typically collaborate with other professionals on a multidisciplinary team?

Developmental Therapists often work closely with speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and case managers to create holistic intervention plans for children. Regular team meetings and ongoing communication ensure that all aspects of a child’s developmental needs are addressed and that progress is monitored collaboratively. This multidisciplinary approach helps ensure consistency in strategies used across different settings and maximizes positive outcomes for the child.

What Does a Developmental Therapist Do?

Developmental therapists are early childhood education specialists who assist children who are experiencing developmental delays. When developmental therapists meet with their clients, they evaluate the child’s current level of motor and language skills and determine how far they need to go to reach age-appropriate levels. They develop and implement a treatment plan to improve the child’s development and monitor progress to determine the effectiveness of the treatment.

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

AspectDevelopmental TherapistSpeech-Language Pathologist
CredentialsBachelor’s or Master’s in Developmental Therapy, certification often requiredMaster’s in Speech-Language Pathology, state licensure, and ASHA certification
Work EnvironmentClinics, schools, early intervention programs, homesHospitals, clinics, schools, private practice
Industry UsageEarly childhood development, special education, therapy servicesCommunication disorders, speech and language therapy

While both roles focus on supporting children’s development, Developmental Therapists primarily address overall developmental delays and behavioral issues, whereas Speech-Language Pathologists specialize in diagnosing and treating speech and language disorders. Both professions often collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to support children's growth and communication skills.

What is a developmental therapist?

A developmental therapist is a professional who works with children, typically from birth to age five, to support their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. They assess developmental delays and create individualized intervention plans to help children achieve important milestones. Developmental therapists often work as part of early intervention teams and collaborate with families, caregivers, and other professionals to promote a child's overall growth and learning. Their goal is to help children develop the skills they need to succeed in everyday life.
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Developmental Therapist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Developmental Therapist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,854 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Developmental Therapist

M Street

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

IS THIS THE JOB FOR YOU?
The field of Developmental Therapy is highly rewarding, but not every role will provide the flexibility and opportunity for growth that you're looking for. If you're seeking a traditional 9-to-5 role within a clinic or hospital, M Street Pediatric Therapy may not be the right fit for you. However, if you're passionate about working with children in their natural environments, developing individualized care plans, and growing both personally and professionally, then M Street is the place for you.
At M Street, we offer flexibility, individualized mentorship, and the chance to make a direct impact on children's development through community-based therapy. Whether you're eager to manage your own time, shape your caseload, or become involved in innovative team projects, M Street offers opportunities that go beyond the everyday. If you're looking to be a part of a team that values your expertise and encourages growth, we invite you to explore this opportunity.
WHY JOIN M STREET?
At M Street, we invest in you and your professional development. We're not just dedicated to the families and children we serve-we're committed to the growth and success of our therapists as well. M Street is built on collaboration and innovation, and we work together to create an environment where you can thrive.
With M Street, you'll have the chance to grow in your career beyond daily client care. We offer the opportunity to contribute to program development, collaborate with community partners, and shape the future of pediatric therapy. We want your time at M Street to be a meaningful investment that benefits both your career and the families you support.
M Street offers highly competitive compensation based on experience and looks for compassionate, driven professionals who want to make a real difference while advancing in their careers.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO SUCCEED
  • A passion for working with children and families, with the ability to build strong, supportive relationships with clients.
  • The ability to learn quickly and make an immediate impact in children's development through effective therapy.
  • High energy and enthusiasm for problem-solving and meeting the diverse needs of children and families.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to confidently share your knowledge and expertise with clients and their families.
  • An appreciation for the flexibility and downtime that comes with traveling between client visits, while valuing the autonomy that provides.
  • A strong desire for personal and professional growth, and an interest in becoming involved in areas such as mentoring, business development, and recruitment within the organization.
  • A team-oriented mindset, eager to contribute to the success and growth of M Street as a company.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS
  • Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an Illinois EI-approved program in one of the following fields:
    • Early Childhood Education
    • Early Childhood Special Education
    • Special Education
    • Special Education: Deaf/Hard of Hearing or Blind/Partially Sighted
    • Child Development
    • Early Intervention
    • Elementary Education
  • Coursework: Completion of at least 2 semester hours or 30 clock hours in each of the following core knowledge areas:
    • Typical and Atypical Child Development
    • Working with Families of Young Children with Disabilities
    • Intervention Strategies for Young Children with Special Needs
    • Assessment of Young Children with Special Needs
  • Certification: Proof of training on a formal assessment tool approved by Illinois Early Intervention (EI), such as:
    • Battelle Developmental Inventory-2nd Edition (BDI-2)
    • Developmental Assessment of Young Children-2nd Edition (DAYC-2)
    • Hawaii Early Learning Profile (HELP)
  • Certification: Early Intervention Certification, or willingness to obtain.

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