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Early Childhood Development Research Assistant Jobs

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Early Childhood Development Research Assistant information

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How much do early childhood development research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for early childhood development research assistant in the United States is $21.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an early childhood development research assistant do?

An Early Childhood Development Research Assistant supports research projects focused on the growth and learning of young children, typically from birth to age eight. Their responsibilities may include collecting and analyzing data, assisting with the design of studies, preparing reports, and sometimes working directly with children and families. They also help ensure that research follows ethical guidelines and may assist with literature reviews and administrative tasks. This role is essential for advancing our understanding of early childhood development and improving educational and care practices.

What types of projects and research methods are commonly encountered by early childhood development research assistants?

As an Early Childhood Development Research Assistant, you can expect to work on studies ranging from observational assessments in preschool settings to data collection for longitudinal developmental research. Common methods include administering standardized developmental tests, conducting interviews with parents or teachers, and coding behavioral observations. You'll often collaborate with principal investigators, graduate students, and sometimes community partners to ensure data quality and ethical research practices. This role provides valuable experience in both qualitative and quantitative research, making it an excellent stepping stone for further study or careers in education, psychology, or public health.

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

To thrive as an Early Childhood Development Research Assistant, you typically need a background in psychology, education, or a related field, along with strong research and data analysis skills. Familiarity with statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R), survey tools, and research ethics certifications (such as CITI) are commonly required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with both children and multidisciplinary teams are standout soft skills. These competencies ensure research is conducted ethically and accurately, supporting meaningful findings that advance early childhood education and well-being.

What is the difference between Early Childhood Development Research Assistant vs Child Development Specialist?

AspectEarly Childhood Development Research AssistantChild Development Specialist
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in child development, psychology, or related fieldOften a bachelor's or master's degree in child development, education, or psychology
Work EnvironmentResearch settings, universities, labs, or early childhood programsPreschools, clinics, community centers, or private practices
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, universities, government agenciesEducational institutions, healthcare providers, community organizations
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles focus on early childhood, the Early Childhood Development Research Assistant primarily supports research projects and data collection, whereas the Child Development Specialist works directly with children and families to promote development and well-being. The research assistant role is more academic and data-driven, while the specialist role involves hands-on intervention and support.

What states have the most Early Childhood Development Research Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Early Childhood Development Research Assistant jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Early Childhood Development Research Assistant jobs?

For Early Childhood Development Research Assistant jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Early Childhood Development Research Assistant job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,409 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Early Childhood Development Specialist

Stevens Point, WI • On-site

$18.75 - $25/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 17 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Consult with children and groups to support developmentally appropriate practices and adapt lessons for diverse needs.

  • Provide guidance and feedback to students and staff on early childhood education curriculum and projects.

  • Facilitate mentoring groups and contribute to program evaluation and revisions.


Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.Position Title:Early Childhood Development SpecialistJob Category:Academic StaffEmployment Type:Terminal (Fixed Term)Job Profile:Early Childhood Education Development SpecialistJob Duties:

The primary responsibility of the Early Childhood Education Development Specialist (ECEDS) is to consult with individual children and groups and support primary and student teaching staff. They facilitate relevant and reflective discussions pertaining to developmentally appropriate practices, policies, and procedures as well as assisting in supporting, planning, and adapting lessons for a diverse population of needs and behaviors. The ECEDS serves as an educated resource and provides guidance to program staff regarding best practices and developmentally appropriate educational strategies for working with populations with varying needs. This position works in support and collaboration with the program teaching staff and reports directly to the UCLCC Director.

The UCLCC is licensed for 63 children between the ages of 6 weeks through 12 years. Year round, full-day care and flexible scheduling options are available for all age groups. The UCLCC 4K serves eligible 4 and 5 year-olds in collaboration with the Stevens Point Area Public School District in conjunction with the school district's academic year calendar. School-age programming is available during school cancelations, no school days, and summer break.

**Full position description is available upon request. **

Key Job Responsibilities:
  • Provides guidance and feedback to students and staff on assignments and projects within the early childhood education curriculum and maintains confidentiality of internal and external stakeholders
  • Provides recommendations and feedback to unit leadership based on discoveries in mentoring groups
  • Contributes to the development of program evaluation materials and reviews results for trends and program revisions
  • Facilitates mentoring groups with discussions based on individualized cases, program content, and relevant published readings to various audiences
  • Develops content and provides instruction in areas of expertise in the field of infant, early childhood, and family mental health, utilizing effective adult learning strategies
Department:

The purpose of the University Child Learning & Care Center (UCLCC) is to provide quality learning experiences and care for: infants, toddlers, and pre-school age children.UCLCC's learning environments are cognitively stimulating, aesthetically pleasing, and foster children's emotional, social, physical and cognitive growth. Thecenter's strong emphasis on family, community and culture is promoted with developmentally appropriate practices and the Reggio Emilia Inspired Approach. Educational learning goals are based on the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards; developed through classroom observation as well as child and program assessments.UCLCC is nationally accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and rated a 5-star provider by YoungStar; Wisconsin's quality rating program.UCLCC serves a diverse population with approximately 70 children; students, faculty/staff, and the community at large.

Compensation:

The Early Childhood Development Specialist is a full-time, salaried, exempt, annual (12-month), academic staff, 2-year appointment.

Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary commensurate with the candidate's education, related experience, and qualifications.

Eligible Universitiesof Wisconsin employees receive an excellent benefits package. To learn more about the benefits package, review theUniversities of Wisconsin Employee Benefits Quick Guide(FA/AS/LI).Use theHealth & Retirement Contributions Estimatorto calculate the estimated value of your compensation and benefits.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Special

Education or other closely related field

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Thorough knowledge of principles and techniques of Early Education
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Minimum of 5 years, verifiable experience working in early childhood education or related field

(school setting, licensed child care center or family in-home program).

  • Experience and/or knowledge in special education and working with diverse learners.
  • Experience supervising, training, and mentoring staff.
  • Experience in an administrative role or administrative duties to lead a team.
  • Education/Training/Experience with:

o Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards

o National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

o Reggio Emilia

o Conscious Discipline

o Outdoor environmental education

o Portage Guide 3 Assessment, Ages & Stages Developmental screeners

How to Apply:

TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Applications received by 09/08/2026 are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration.

Files must be complete to be considered. Submission in PDF format is preferred for all attachments. Please include the following documents:

- Cover letter addressing qualifications and experience

- Resume

(Official Transcripts will be required of finalist)

After you submit your application, you will be unable to edit it. Please be sure to include all required materials before submitting your application.

Contact Information:

Name: Becky Helf, Director

Email: bhelf@uwsp.edu

Phone: 715-346-3127

If you have any questions regarding the application process, need special arrangements, or if you submitted your application with missing materials, please call or email:

Human Resources

Email: human.resources@uwsp.edu

Phone: 715-346-2606

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.UW-Stevens Point does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position.

Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you to supply a minimum of three (3) professional references (one (1) of which being a current or former supervisor). It is preferred that you supply five (5) professional references (two (2) of which being a current or former supervisors). Your references will be required to answer questions regarding misconduct, sexual violence and sexual harassment.

Special Notes:

Through the discovery and dissemination of knowledge, UW-Stevens Point stimulates intellectual growth, provides a liberal education, and prepares students for a diverse sustainable world. The university is committed to creating a safe, inclusive learning community for all faculty and staff from a variety of backgrounds. Visit https://www.uwsp.edu/join-uw-stevens-point/ for more information about UW-Stevens Point. To learn about the Stevens Point (aka Point) area fun, jobs, housing, education, quality of life, and bragging rights, visit www.stevenspointarea.com.

Individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process should contact Human Resources and Affirmative Action at 715-346-2606 or hr@uwsp.edu.

The safety and success of students, faculty, and staff at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is paramount. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires the distribution of an annual security report to all current and prospective students, faculty, and staff. You may obtain the complete report at https://www3.uwsp.edu/protsv/Pages/Clery.aspx

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

An offer of employment will require a criminal background check and authorization to work within the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer:


Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.