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Developmental Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Therapist - Level 1

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$57K - $63K/yr

... developmental disabilities by providing meaningful opportunities, person-centered support, and a ... SummaryWe are seeking a compassionate and motivated Level I Therapist to provide individual, family ...

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Developmental Therapist information

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$32K

$59.9K

$84.5K

How much do developmental therapist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 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 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.

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 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 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.

How do I become a developmental therapist?

To become a developmental therapist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in a related field such as psychology, social work, or early childhood education, followed by a master's degree in developmental therapy or a related discipline. Certification through organizations like the Certification Board for Developmental Therapists (CBDT) is often required, and relevant experience working with children with developmental delays is beneficial.

How much do developmental therapists make?

Developmental therapists in Illinois typically earn an average annual salary of around $55,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, certifications, and work setting. Salaries can vary based on location, employer, and whether the therapist works full-time or part-time, with some positions offering additional benefits such as supervision and ongoing training.

What cities are hiring for Developmental Therapist jobs?

Cities with the most Developmental Therapist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Developmental Therapist jobs?

The most popular types of Developmental Therapist jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Developmental Therapist jobs?

The top employers for Developmental Therapist jobs are:

What states have the most Developmental Therapist jobs?

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What are popular job titles related to Developmental Therapist jobs?

For Developmental Therapist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Developmental Therapist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,854 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Bilingual Early Intervention: Developmental Therapist

Kernersville, NC • On-site

$28 - $38/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 8 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Serve families with children ages birth-3 by providing developmental therapy support to meet IFSP goals.

  • Conduct therapy sessions in natural learning environments such as homes, schools, playgrounds, clinics, and hospitals.

  • Communicate effectively with clients, families, and team members, and document session data and notes according to deadlines.


Job description

Benefits:
  • Competitive salary
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Training & development
  • Tuition assistance
  • Vision insurance

  Here at Blossom Families, we pride ourselves in providing client-centered, family focused therapy. We are looking people who are  passionate about working with children. Most of this caseload is predominately 0-3, with a growing number of cases from 3-5 as well. We serve both early intervention and pediatric populations in daycares, homes, and pre-schools. As a therapist owned company, you will find that we care about our clients and employees and go the extra mile to provide quality care and a positive team culture. We currently serve pediatric clients in 20 North Carolina counties, offering speech, OT, and developmental therapy services. As we continue to grow, Blossom Families will continue to offer flexibility to our therapists to choose their hours and locations. We look forward growing our team as we support North Carolina children and families with quality therapy services. 
Teachers and former teachers take your career to the next level by sharing your child development experience and expertise in North Carolina's early intervention program. Come and make a positive impact in the lives of children and their families today! We are a rapidly growing Developmental Therapy agency serving multiple areas within North Carolina. We are seeking new and experienced Developmental Therapists to join our team.
Perks of joining our team:

  • Weekly pay
  • Bonus program
  • Professional development assistance
  • Flexible schedule
Common Backgrounds within this role:

  • Teachers
  • Former teachers
  • Former homeschool educators
  • Former childcare providers
  • Speech, OT, and PT students or graduates who already possess an applicable bachelor's degree and some early childhood experience
What you'll do as a Developmental Therapist/Special Instruction Provider:

  • Serve families with children ages birth-3 who are working on IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan) goals related to developmental delays and/or other special needs
  • Provide family-centered support utilizing a coaching model to increase parental confidence and competence in navigating early childhood with developmental delays/special needs
  • Provide evidence-based developmental therapy support and interventions to assist families in meeting IFSP goals, which often includes supporting children with language development, behavior management, SEL, and functional/daily skills
  • Conduct therapy sessions in natural learning environments with the most common environments to include: family homes, school/early childhood care centers, playgrounds, clinics, and hospitals
  • Travel throughout the areas you serve for family sessions ranging between 45-60 minutes once or twice a week as determined by the IFSP
  • Communicate effectively and reliably with clients, families, and other team members
  • Exhibit stellar organization as you schedule and consistently meet with families on your caseload
  • Collect data and relevant notes to be submitted according to established deadlines
  • Attend IFSP and provider meetings as needed
  • Complete required early intervention-related trainings and professional development annually to maintain compliance and expand your skill set even further as you serve families with up-to-date, best practices
Join our team and have a flexible schedule and autonomy over the size of your caseload. Caseloads begin at part-time with potential for growth, if you desire and serve well as a reliable provider. 

Requirements: (non-negotiable):
  • B.A in Early Childhood or Special Education, BA in Psychology, Birth-Kindergarten Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Special Education, Child Development, Child and Family Studies, Counseling, Human Development, Nursing, Psychology, Social Work or another human services field
  • Ability to pass Federal and State Background Checks
  • Driver's License with valid insurance and reliable transportation
  • Excellent written & oral communication skills
  • Organization skills
  • Reliability and responsiveness
  • Willing to start Part-Time with room to grow your caseload to the desired size
Experience:

Required:
At least 1 year of child development or early childhood related experience

Preferred:
3+ years of child development or early childhood related experience

Early intervention experience 

Experience serving on an interdisciplinary team

Some knowledge of various pediatric therapy disciplines and case management