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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 ...

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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Developmental Therapist information

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$59.9K

$84.5K

How much do developmental therapist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,854 per year, or $28.8 per hour.
Developmental Therapist

Developmental Therapist

West Tennessee Healthcare

Jackson, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

West Tennessee Healthcare rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 77 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

715th of 877 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Category:
Rehab/Therapy
City:
Jackson
State:
Tennessee
Shift:
8 - Day (United States of America)
Job Description Summary:
Responsible for providing developmentally appropriate educational services for developmentally delayed children ages birth to five in a home or community setting. Under the general direction of the Program Manager and Director of the Therapy & Learning Center. Employee is subject to call back and overtime as required by the hospital.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  • Responsible for assisting and collaboration with TEIS in the development of the IFSP.
  • Develop lesson plans for each child assigned and uses creativity in implementing appropriate activities with the children and families.
  • Responsible for the timely and accurate documentation of activities conducted with child and family including completion of monthly summaries, monthly caseload reports, requesting medical and other education records/assessments when needed, and maintaining the child's program file in an orderly and organized manner.
  • Assures that IFSP's are appropriate in relation to the child's developmental abilities and needs. Recommends changes to IFSP to TEIS as needed.
  • Compiles and reviews all programming documentation and written reports for children on caseload.
  • Upon request from TEIS, completes appropriate developmental assessments every six months and hearing and vision screenings annually.
  • Completes documentation in the contact log and service log in the TEIDS system in compliance with TEIS required timeframes.
  • Keeps evaluation/assessments, lesson plans, monthly summaries, and exit up to date and reports filed in the child's bluebook.
  • Adheres to and implements licensing requirements set forth by the Department of Disabilities and Aging.
  • Responsible for utilizing the appropriate curriculum depending upon the needs of the child and family. Plans for general activities that parents, siblings, extended family, etc. can incorporate into daily life that will aide in the child's overall development.
  • Works cooperatively with TEIS service coordinators to ensure service delivery is appropriate.
  • Works with therapists in order to carry over recommendations as appropriate.
  • Participates in annual program evaluation and provides appropriate statistical information regarding children's progress.
  • Provides feedback to the Program Manager regarding program needs.
  • Works cooperatively with all consultant and representatives from other agencies.
  • Completes 30 hours of annual training as required by Department of Disability and Aging.
  • Attends all staff conferences, intra-agency sessions, in-service training and such other conferences and meetings as deemed appropriate by the Program Coordinator.
  • Keeps up with current readings in the area of preschool education, including those pertaining to the teacher's role in working with families or handicapped children.
  • Informs the Program Manager of enrollment situations including all proposed exits or transfers and concerns regarding children on their caseload.
  • Develops and maintains a positive work climate and the overall team effort of the department (or work unit).
  • When applicable, ensures satellite is being clean, supplies are available, and that equipment is in good repair.
  • Adheres to fire marshal recommendations (satellite).
  • Performs related responsibilities as required or directed.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION:
  • B.S or B.A and/or masters and/or doctorate degree in early childhood special education, early childhood education, child and family studies (child development), early intervention, deaf education or visual disabilities, special education K-12, elementary education, communication disorders, speech language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and/or related field. Related field can include but is not limited to the following: degree in social work, nursing, psychology, education administration, or sociology.

LICENSURE, REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION:
  • Basic Life Support and First Aid certification required within 30 days of hire.
  • Valid driver's license.

EXPERIENCE:
  • 1-year experience in the field of Special Education, Communication Disorders, Education Pre - K through 3 certified, Family/Consumer Sciences or Early Childhood Education preferred.
  • Related field degrees require a minimum of one year documented experience working with children with disabilities 0-5 years of age and their families.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Basic knowledge of education concepts and strategies/methods required.
  • Knowledge of developmental process and diagnoses such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, speech/language disorders, etc. is preferred.

NONDISCRIMINATION NOTICE STATEMENT
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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