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Developmental Therapy Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

HEALTHCARE FOR KIDS INC

DIRECT CARE STAFF

Crestview, FL · On-site

$10.75 - $14.25/hr

Incorporates developmental therapy goals into daily child-based activities. * Monitor children/individuals and call for assistance as needed. * Observe and monitor children/individual 's play ...

HEALTHCARE FOR KIDS INC

DIRECT CARE STAFF

Pensacola, FL · On-site

$11.50 - $15.25/hr

Incorporates developmental therapy goals into daily child-based activities. * Monitor children/individuals and call for assistance as needed. * Observe and monitor children/individual 's play ...

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Developmental Therapy information

See Florida salary details

$23.9K

$44.7K

$63.1K

How much do developmental therapy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for developmental therapy in Florida is $44,729.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $47,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is developmental therapy?

Developmental therapy is a type of intervention that focuses on helping children with developmental delays or disabilities improve their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills. Developmental therapists work with children and their families to create individualized plans that support the child's unique needs and foster growth in everyday activities. This therapy often takes place in homes, schools, or community settings, and can be an important part of early intervention services for young children.

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

To thrive as a Developmental Therapist, you need a background in psychology, education, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree and state licensure or certification. Familiarity with assessment tools, individualized education plans (IEPs), and progress tracking software is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and creative problem-solving help build trust and engagement with children and families. These skills ensure effective support for developmental milestones and meaningful progress in clients’ growth and independence.

What is the difference between Developmental Therapy vs Occupational Therapist?

AspectDevelopmental TherapyOccupational Therapist
CredentialsTypically requires a master's degree in developmental therapy or related field, along with certificationRequires a master's degree in occupational therapy and state licensure
Work EnvironmentWorks with children in clinics, schools, or home settings focusing on developmental milestonesWorks with individuals of all ages in clinics, hospitals, or community settings to improve daily living skills
Industry UsagePrimarily used in early intervention and developmental support servicesWidely used across healthcare, schools, and rehabilitation centers

Developmental Therapy and Occupational Therapy share overlapping goals in supporting children's development, but they differ in focus and credentials. Developmental Therapy emphasizes early developmental milestones and often involves specialized training, while Occupational Therapy covers a broader range of daily living skills across all age groups.

What are some common challenges faced by developmental therapists when working with children and families, and how can these be managed?

Developmental Therapists often encounter challenges such as varying levels of family engagement, cultural differences, and diverse developmental needs among children. Building strong, trust-based relationships with families and using individualized intervention strategies are key to overcoming these challenges. Regular communication, flexibility, and ongoing professional development also help therapists adapt to unique situations and ensure effective support for each child’s progress.

How do you become a developmental therapist?

To become a developmental therapist, one typically needs a bachelor's degree in a related field such as psychology, education, or social work, followed by specialized training or certification in developmental therapy. Many positions require a master's degree and relevant clinical experience, along with certification from organizations like the Developmental Therapy Certification Board. Skills in child development, communication, and assessment are essential for this role.
What are popular job titles related to Developmental Therapy jobs in Florida? For Developmental Therapy jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Developmental Therapy jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Developmental Therapy jobs in Florida are:
Developmental Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Developmental Therapy job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,729 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

DIRECT CARE STAFF

HEALTHCARE FOR KIDS INC

Crestview, FL • On-site

$10.75 - $14.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Healthcare for Kids Inc. provides services for children while receiving ongoing care that cannot easily be provided due to family and friends scheduling limitations. Why will you LOVE working for us….

We provide an environment where you are encouraged to grow and advance professionally with a healthy work/life balance! You are our biggest asset, and we believe in rewarding and recognizing the work you perform by promoting from within.

General Purpose of Position

The Direct Care Staff serves as an assistant to the RN or LPN by performing regular assignments and responsibilities as assigned under the direction of the nurse. This team member is responsible for providing care in compliance with company policies and within the Direct Care staff scope of practice. 

For staffing purposes, Direct Care Staff include Certified Medical Assistants, Certified Nursing Assistants, Nursing Assistants, EMT’s, Patient Care Technicians and individuals with experience in caring for children with medical needs.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Responsible for a variety of ADL tasks including but not limited to hygiene, bathing, diapering, toileting, dressing, grooming, feeding, transferring, repositioning and ambulation.
  • Adheres to the posted classroom schedule.
  • Assists the nursing care team in the delivery of routine childcare activities in a medical model childcare setting.
  • Reports to Registered Nurse any change in child’s condition, social/ family concerns, complaints, accidents, or incident.
  • Provide positive reinforcement to children and recommend measures to control behavior in accordance with the center's standards.
  • Assist in preparing food for children, serve meals and snacks to children and assists with feedings as directed by RN.
  • Hold, rock, and comfort children as needed.
  • Hold and bottle feed infants as ordered by Plan of Care.
  • Assists with transferring and lifting of children.
  • Read to children/individuals, and teach them simple painting, drawing, crafts, and songs.
  • Help children/individuals to other areas of the facility, secure in equipment, such as chairs, prone standers, AFO's, etc.; uses therapy equipment as directed by physical, occupational or speech therapists.
  • Incorporates developmental therapy goals into daily child-based activities.
  • Monitor children/individuals and call for assistance as needed.
  • Observe and monitor children/individual's play activities.
  • Clean room, linens, cribs, cots, equipment, or other materials as needed and required.
  • Organize and store toys and materials to ensure order in activity areas. Disinfect toys and equipment according to Infection Control Program policy.
  • Support children/individual's emotional and social development, encouraging understanding of others and positive self-concepts.
  • Identify any signs of emotional or developmental problems in children/individuals and bring them to the attention of the nurse or Administrator in charge.
  • Never leave a child/individual unattended
  • Maintains confidentiality of the children and families.
  • Participates in the loading and unloading of children from the bus.
  • Participates in monthly Fire/Evacuation/Disaster Drills.
  • Attends staff/communication meetings.
  • Adheres to established dress code policy.
  • Adheres to time and attendance policy.
  • Completes all Mandatory Educational Requirements upon hire, monthly and annually.
  • Reports to Registered Nurse any safety concerns noted throughout the Center or the transportation vehicle.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the Registered Nurse within scope of practice.
  • Must maintain required and assigned continuing education.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Education, Skills and Experience Requirements

  • MUST have 1 year documented employment experience in the care of infants or children; or 1 year of experience in caring for a medically fragile child
  • Demonstrate the necessary skills and competency to meet the direct care needs of the children
  • Currently registered with the Certified Nurse Aide Registry or Direct Worker Registry
  • Current AHA BLS CPR Certification

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