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Early Childhood Development Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of Nebraska

Early Childhood Specialist

Omaha, NE · On-site

$17.25 - $23/hr

The role of an Early Childhood Specialist is to support and advance Institute projects by ... Developmentally appropriate pedagogy for birth to third grade * Research and data analysis focused ...

Save the children

Early Childhood Dev Coach

Poteau, OK · On-site

$44K/yr

Early Childhood and Development Coach Employee Type: Full-time Regular Supervisor Title: Manager ... This includes the effective implementation of a research-based curriculum, while incorporating ...

Save the children

Early Childhood Dev Coach

Troy, NC · On-site

$44K/yr

Early Childhood and Development Coach Employee Type: Full-time Regular Supervisor Title: Manager ... This includes the effective implementation of a research-based curriculum, while incorporating ...

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Early Childhood Development Research information

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$48.5K

$101.8K

$165K

How much do early childhood development research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for early childhood development research in the United States is $101,794.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an early childhood development researcher do?

An early childhood development researcher studies how young children grow, learn, and develop cognitively, socially, and emotionally. They design and conduct studies, analyze data, and often work in academic or healthcare settings to improve early childhood education and intervention programs.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in early childhood development research, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Early Childhood Development Research often encounter challenges such as recruiting and retaining young participants, ensuring ethical standards, and collecting reliable data from children. Building strong relationships with families and childcare providers is crucial to encourage participation and trust. Additionally, researchers must design age-appropriate assessment tools and adapt study methods to suit the developmental stage of children. Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, including educators and psychologists, can help address these challenges and enhance the quality of research outcomes.

What is early childhood development research?

Early childhood development research is the scientific study of how young children grow, learn, and develop from birth through around age eight. Researchers in this field examine various factors that influence cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development, including family environment, education, nutrition, and genetics. The goal is to better understand the critical early years of life and use this knowledge to inform policies, programs, and practices that support healthy development. This research helps shape early childhood education, intervention programs, and public health initiatives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in early childhood development research, and why are they important?

To thrive in Early Childhood Development Research, you need a solid background in child development theory, research methodology, and data analysis, typically supported by an advanced degree in psychology, education, or a related field. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS or R), data collection tools, and ethical research protocols is essential. Strong communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills help convey findings and work effectively with diverse stakeholders. These competencies ensure rigorous, ethical research that can inform policy and practice to support young children's growth and learning.

How to become an early childhood development researcher?

To become an early childhood development researcher, typically a bachelor's degree in psychology, education, or a related field is required, followed by a master's or doctoral degree specializing in child development or early childhood education. Gaining research experience through internships, assisting with studies, and developing skills in data analysis and observational methods are also important for this career.
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What job categories do people searching Early Childhood Development Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Early Childhood Development Research jobs are:
Early Childhood Development Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Early Childhood Development Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,794 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Early Childhood Development Specialist

Pathfinder, Inc.

Jacksonville, AR • On-site

$23.35/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION
The person in this position must possess extensive knowledge in Early Childhood Special Education. Demonstrate strong knowledge of development of young children with disabilities. This individual is responsible for administering and interpreting evaluations/results.
This person will assist Director in staff evaluations and training, parent conferences, and program communication. This person will be part of the interdisciplinary team and work with therapists, doctors, nurses, social workers and other parties in the care of students.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  1. Develops Treatment Plans for EIDT students.
  2. Create templates and data sheets for EIDT students.
  3. Write individually appropriate long term goals and short term objectives for students as a part of the child's EIDT plan.
  4. Create, supervise, and implement individual EIDT educational goals for each child.
  5. Communicate to families in a professional manner regarding school and classroom policies as well as assisting with resources a family may need regarding their child's education or disability.
  6. Create, implement, modify and supervise a general curriculum that aligns with the State Curriculum for toddlers/preschoolers into the classrooms.
  7. Complete quarterlies and update main file for EIDT students.
  8. Attend conferences as the Evaluation Representative for EIDT students.
  9. Maintain accurate record keeping for all paperwork assigned to EIDT as deemed necessary by EIDT and Pathfinder, Inc. guidelines.
  10. Attend meetings and conferences of professional organizations for Early Childhood Educators. Complete required professional development.
  11. Create curriculum materials and distribute to classrooms under the advisement and direction of the Director of Preschool Services.
  12. Prepare visual schedules, social stories, positioning schedules as directed by the Director of Preschool Services.
  13. Monitor outdoor play times to ensure daily requirements are being met by each classroom and that clients are properly monitored in the outdoor play areas.
  14. Process paperwork and conduct intake and enrollment conferences.
  15. Manage enrollment, schedule screenings with OPTUM, conduct enrollment evaluations and performance evaluations.
  16. Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
This professional must possess at a minimum a Bachelor's Degree plus one of the following:
  1. Current Arkansas state certification in Early Childhood Special Education

OR
  1. A current Child Development Associate Certificate

OR
  1. 12 hours of completed college courses in one of the following areas: early childhood, child development, special education/elementary education or child and family studies and documented experience in working with children with special needs.

Must possess valid Driver's license, have current auto liability insurance coverage and registration and be physically able to drive to various locations in Arkansas.
MUST BE ABLE TO PASS APPLICABLE BACKGROUND CHECKS AND DRUG SCREEN. ANY OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT WILL BE BASED ON THE RESULTS OF BACKGROUND CHECKS AND DRUG SCREEN.

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