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Learning Development Specialist Jobs in California

Create, implement and maintain intentional, enriched and supportive learning environments connected ... Infant Development Specialists may be required to: * Visually inspect the environement for hazards ...

Infant Development Specialist

Elk Grove, CA · On-site

$21.41 - $32.11/hr

Create, implement and maintain intentional, enriched and supportive learning environments connected ... Infant Development Specialists may be required to: * Visually inspect the environment for hazards ...

Showing results 41-60

Learning Development Specialist information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$89K

$155.4K

How much do learning development specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for learning development specialist in California is $88,967.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,100.00 and $106,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a learning development specialist?

Learning Development Specialists are professionals who design, implement, and evaluate training programs to enhance employees’ skills and knowledge within an organization. They assess training needs, create instructional materials, and often facilitate workshops or e-learning sessions. Their primary goal is to ensure that staff have the necessary tools and knowledge to perform effectively and support organizational growth. These specialists may work in a variety of industries, including corporate, healthcare, education, and government.

How does a learning development specialist typically collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs) when designing training programs?

Learning Development Specialists often work closely with subject matter experts to ensure that training materials are accurate, relevant, and aligned with organizational goals. This collaboration usually involves conducting interviews, reviewing existing content, and co-creating modules or activities that effectively transfer knowledge. Regular meetings and feedback sessions help to clarify learning objectives, address content gaps, and refine instructional strategies. Building strong partnerships with SMEs is key to developing impactful and engaging learning experiences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a learning development specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Learning Development Specialist, you need expertise in instructional design, adult learning theories, and curriculum development, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in education, HR, or a related field. Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS), e-learning authoring tools like Articulate or Captivate, and industry certifications such as CPLP or ATD are commonly required. Strong communication, creativity, and analytical skills help you engage learners and assess training effectiveness. These skills and qualifications are essential for designing impactful learning experiences that drive organizational growth and employee performance.

What is the difference between Learning Development Specialist vs Training Coordinator?

AspectLearning Development SpecialistTraining Coordinator
Primary FocusDesigning and developing learning programs and materialsOrganizing and scheduling training sessions
Required SkillsInstructional design, curriculum development, needs assessmentLogistics, communication, event coordination
Work EnvironmentCorporate training departments, educational institutionsCorporate, nonprofit, or government training settings
CertificationsOften requires instructional design or education certificationsLess formal certifications, focus on organizational skills

While both roles support employee development, Learning Development Specialists focus on creating and implementing learning programs, whereas Training Coordinators handle the logistics and organization of training sessions. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers target the right skills and responsibilities for each position.

How do I become a learning development specialist?

To become a learning development specialist, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in education, human resources, or a related field. Gaining experience in training, instructional design, or curriculum development, along with proficiency in learning management systems and relevant certifications like CPLP or ATD, can enhance job prospects.

What degree do you need to be a learning development specialist?

A learning development specialist typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in education, human resources, instructional design, or a related field. Advanced roles may require a master's degree or specialized certifications in training or instructional design. Strong communication skills and experience with learning management systems (LMS) are also important.

What is the career path for learning development specialists?

Learning development specialists typically start in entry-level training or instructional design roles, then progress to senior or managerial positions such as training manager or director of learning and development. Gaining certifications like CPLP or ATD credentials, along with experience in instructional design tools and adult learning principles, can support career advancement into specialized or leadership roles.

What job categories do people searching Learning Development Specialist jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Learning Development Specialist jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Learning Development Specialist jobs?

Cities in California with the most Learning Development Specialist job openings:

Infographic showing various Learning Development Specialist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,967 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

Infant Development Specialist

Catalyst Kids

Menifee, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Catalyst Kids rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 226 rated education and training


Job description

An Infant Development Specialist establishes a climate of respect for each infant/toddler's individual personality, physical characteristics, traits, temperament, language, and family culture. They support the individual planning and implementation of Catalyst's program for children ranging in age zero to three years old. The Infant Development Specialist moves with their group of children from the time they enter the program until they move to preschool (age 2.9 or up) supporting their development, building strong family relationships, setting the trajectory for future success in the child/families' school success and ensuring continuity of care for the child until they move to preschool. Catalyst Infant Development Specialists must be able to facilitate a variety of age-appropriate experiences that support children's social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development, and ensure all children are supervised at all times in a healthy and safe environment.
Essential Functions:
  • Create and implement individual developmentally appropriate curriculum and small group experiences that are directly connected to the interests and development of infants/toddlers, supported by learning frameworks and foundations that promote positive wholistic and cutlturally responsive practices
  • Understand the growth and development of infants/toddlers ages zero-three years and meet their needs based on their developmental age
  • Keep infant/toddlers healthy and safe by connecting proper supervision, following compliance regulations, positive, empathetic, consistent interactions, healthy habits, and nurturing culturally diverse relationships
  • Create, implement and maintain intentional, enriched and supportive learning environments connected to curriculum and quality experiences that are appropriate for all children and allow opportunities for safe risks
  • Ensure the environment meets the needs of the developmental age of infant/toddlers as they grow through the first three years of life
  • Provide excellent customer service by establishing and maintaining authentic connections and reciprocal, culturally responsive relationships with children, families, communities and center/classroom team
  • Complete a daily report and provide continual evaluation for families detailing the child's individual progress and developmental milestones
  • Work collaboratively with each other connecting workplace values, education and experience to provide the highest quality programs and creative workplaces

Work EnvironmentAll infant Development Specialists are expected to demonstrate behaviors that are essential for successful programs and environement including the following:
  • Positive, nurturing, patient, and developmentally appropriate interactions with infants/toddlers
  • Maintain kind, respectful, and safe emotional and physical environments for children
  • Be on time and present on a regularly scheduled basis
  • Be supportive and nutruing in outdoor and indoor programs
  • Be physically and mentally capable of interacting with infants/toddlers zero to three meeting all their needs and ensuring their safety
  • Be aware of and implement safety guidelines; report any health & safety issues or incidents to management, and remain calm if providing first aid (as needed) during emergency situations

Physical & Environmental ConditionsInfant Development Specialists are responsible for various program elements on a daily basis and will routinely be exposed to indoor and outdoor elements. Infant Development Specialists may be required to:
  • Visually inspect the environement for hazards to children and implement preventiative actions )i.e., set up cones to limit the play area) to maintain a safe environment for children
  • Be comfortable with occasional loud noise in or outside the classroom during active/loud activities
  • Be comfortable holding, lifting diapering and nurturing infants and toddlers ages 0-3yrears during caregiving routines.
  • Be comfortable with frequent bending, lifting, twisting, reaching, pushing and pulling
  • Push, lift, carry, and hold various objects up to 15 lbs. - by individual or team effort - such as equipment carts, emergency back packs, food coolers, classroom furnishings, and other similar program materials
  • Work inside the classroom or outside the room in all weather conditions which are safe for children.
  • Traverse various terrains (grass, blacktop, dirt) and heights (ladders, playgrounds) depending on the school outdoor environment
  • Adapt to the physical level of infants/toddlers (example, sitting on the floor, kneeling, squatting) for activities and problem-solving/interactions
  • Supervise walks around the community

Qualifications & Experience:
Infant Development Specialists are the individuals with the highest educational qualifications assigned to a group of children/classroom/center/program. They may also direct/supervise other members of the teaching team.
Education
Education and permit requirements may vary by center needs/require at least three units specific to the Infant/Toddler (0-3yrs) age group.
  • 24 units in child development, early childhood development or related field, plus 16 general education units and (at least three units in Infant/Toddler (0-3) specficially)
  • AA degree in ECE, CD, or related field from a national accredited college
  • BA degree in ECE, CD, or related field from a national accredited college/university
  • Teacher or above Child Development Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
  • Any degree must also include at least three units in Infant/Toddler (0-3yrs) specifically)

Experience & Skills
  • 2 years of experience in a group care environment where care/teaching was provided for a consistent age group preferred
  • 1 year experience supervising adults or equivalent Adult Supervision units preferred
  • Effective problem solving, conflict resolution, classroom management, and communication with children and families
  • Effective organization, time management, curriculum and assessment documentation ( Individualized lesson plans, portfolios, anecdotal notes)
  • Ability to work alongside colleagues and maintain a professional team environment
  • Current adult and infant/child CPR/First Aid certification preferred
  • Bilingual/Multilingual language preference based on individual center needs

Shift Type: Full Time
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9am - 6pm
What We Offer:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
  • 401(k) Retirement plan and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Personal Health Advocate
  • Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
  • Commuter pre-tax benefit
  • Discounted childcare
  • Access to the Calm app
  • Tickets at Work employee discounts
  • Be constantly in a learning and growth process with training and professional growth advisory

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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