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Early Childhood Development Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Iowa State University

Early Childhood Teacher

Ames, IA

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Early Childhood Teacher Job Group:Professional & Scientific Required Minimum Qualifications ... Development and Family Studies and across Iowa State University to support research, teaching ...

Iowa State University

Early Childhood Teacher

Ames, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Early Childhood Teacher Job Group: Professional & Scientific Required Minimum Qualifications ... Development and Family Studies and across Iowa State University to support research, teaching ...

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$48.5K

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

As of Aug 9, 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.

Director of Early Childhood Learning & Development

Children's Museum of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

$65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Job Title:
Director of Early Childhood Learning & Development
Reports to:
Senior Director of Experiential Learning & Partnerships
FLSA Status:
Exempt/Salaried
Classification:
Full Time
Compensation:
$65,000.00
About the Museum
The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh provides innovative and inclusive museum experiences that inspire kindness, joy, creativity and curiosity for all learners. We forge connections with artists, community partners and neighbors to work on behalf of children, youth and families. We have a vision to transform education. We believe people of all ages can benefit from different types of learning experiences.
Benefits:
We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees that includes: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Account. Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, Holidays, and Floating Holidays). 403(b) Savings Retirement Plan. Life Insurance, Short Term and Long Term Disability. Free Museum membership. Parking at a discounted rate.
Position Summary:
The Director of Early Childhood Learning & Development provides strategic leadership for the museum's vision, philosophy, and practice related to learning and development for children from birth through age eight (8) and the adults who care for them. This position champions research-informed, play-based learning experiences that position the museum as a leader in early childhood education, family engagement, and informal learning.
Working collaboratively across the organization, the Director develops innovative learning experiences, cultivates strategic partnerships, and ensures that exhibits, programs, and professional learning opportunities reflect current research, equity-centered practices, and the developmental needs of young children. The Director serves as a thought leader and ambassador for the museum, representing the organization in local, regional, and national conversations about early childhood learning.
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Essential Job Duties:
  • Develop and implement programming and engagement approaches for early childhood learning that align with the museum's mission, strategic priorities, and community impact goals.
  • Work with the Creative Experiences and Experiential Learning teams to shape the redesign of the Museum's early childhood area, the Nursery.
  • Identify emerging trends, research, and innovations in early childhood development and translate them into museum practice.
  • Activate the Museum's Nursery exhibit and other spaces with playful learning experiences, hands-on manipulatives, and programming for young children and families.
  • Implement expanded museum programming focused on reaching caregivers and childcare professionals.
  • Serve as an internal thought leader on issues related to learning, child development, and family engagement.
  • Collaborate with exhibit designers, educators, researchers, and community partners to create developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and engaging museum experiences.
  • Ensure learning experiences support curiosity, creativity, kindness, problem-solving, social-emotional development, communication, and joyful play.
  • Integrate culturally responsive and accessible practices throughout educational offerings.
  • Translate research and evaluation findings into practical strategies that strengthen visitor experiences and organizational learning.
  • Provide leadership and mentorship for education staff and cross-functional teams.
  • Develop professional learning opportunities that strengthen practitioner knowledge of child development, facilitation, and family engagement.
  • Build and sustain partnerships with schools, early learning providers, universities, libraries, healthcare organizations, and community agencies.
  • Pursue opportunities for collaborative research, grant-funded initiatives, and thought leadership.

Additional Responsibilities:
  • Develop and manage departmental budgets and resources.
  • Support fundraising efforts through grant development, donor engagement, and program storytelling.
  • Ensure educational initiatives align with organizational priorities, operational capacity, and financial sustainability.
  • Participate on one Museum committee.
  • Act as Director on Duty periodically on weekends.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time based on business needs and in support of the mission of Children's Museum of Pittsburgh.
Job Qualifications:
Education:
  • Doctorate or other advanced degree in an early childhood related field preferred. Substitution of years of experience may be considered equivalent to formal educational training.

Experience:
  • 6-8 years of experience in a related educational setting required, including direct experience interacting with children and families.
  • Experience and enthusiasm for working with young children and families required; experience with teaching or administration in a museum setting a plus.
  • Demonstrated commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and culturally responsive practice in early childhood settings.
  • Strong problem-solving experience, flexible thinking, and ability to adjust expectations and actions with an open mind

Skills:
  • Must be dependable, adaptable, and a good communicator.
  • Highly organized with excellent communication skills.
  • Takes initiative and is able to work with a team but also work independently.

Physical Requirements & Equipment Usage:
  • Mobility: Ability to move throughout museum spaces to interact with visitors, staff, and partners.
  • Lifting and Carrying: May occasionally move furniture, equipment, and supplies weighing up to approximately 35 pounds.
  • Manual Dexterity: May use a variety of tools and equipment, including hand tools, power tools, and other equipment, as required to perform job duties.
  • Communication: The person in this position frequently communicates with staff, guests/visitors, and partners. Must be able to exchange accurate information.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Environment:
  • Duties are performed in a museum environment with regular interaction with the public, children, and families

Clearances:
  • FBI fingerprint results, PA Child Abuse History Certificate (Act 33), and PA State Criminal Record Check (Act 34) are required.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please complete our online application found at:
Children's Museum of Pittsburgh provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic or trait protected by local, state, or federal law.

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