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Masters Degree Child Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sunny Days

Child Development Specialist

Oakland, CA · Hybrid

$23.50 - $27.50/hr

Bachelor's Degree - (Masters degree required in Orange County) in child development, early childhood, teaching or related field OR a special education teaching credential * Early Intervention ...

Sunny Days

Child Development Specialist

Santa Ana, CA · Hybrid

$21.25 - $25/hr

Bachelor's Degree - (Masters degree required in Orange County) in child development, early childhood, teaching or related field OR a special education teaching credential * Early Intervention ...

Sunny Days

Child Development Specialist

Yuba City, CA · Hybrid

$21.75 - $25.25/hr

Bachelor's Degree - (Masters degree required in Orange County) in child development, early childhood, teaching or related field OR a special education teaching credential * Early Intervention ...

Sunny Days

Child Development Specialist

Riverside, CA · Hybrid

$21.50 - $25/hr

Bachelor's Degree - (Masters degree required in Orange County) in child development, early childhood, teaching or related field OR a special education teaching credential * Early Intervention ...

Uni

Child Development Specialist

Campus, IL · On-site

$40K/yr

Bachelor's degree plus current CPR, First Aid, Mandatory Reporter, Universal Precautions (OSHA ... Child Development Specialist position: Bachelor's degree in early childhood, elementary education ...

Sunny Days

Child Development Specialist

Riverside, CA · On-site

$24.25 - $28.25/hr

Bachelor's Degree - (Master's degree required in Orange County) in child development, early childhood, teaching or related field OR a special education teaching credential * Early Intervention ...

Sunny Days

Child Development Specialist

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$25 - $29.50/hr

Bachelor's Degree - (Master's degree required in Orange County) in child development, early childhood, teaching or related field OR a special education teaching credential * Early Intervention ...

Sunny Days

Child Development Specialist

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$22 - $25.75/hr

Bachelor's Degree - (Master's degree required in Orange County) in child development, early childhood, teaching or related field OR a special education teaching credential * Early Intervention ...

Sunny Days

Child Development Specialist

West Sacramento, CA · On-site

$21.25 - $25/hr

Bachelor's Degree - (Master's degree required in Orange County) in child development, early childhood, teaching or related field OR a special education teaching credential * Early Intervention ...

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Masters Degree Child Development information

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How much do masters degree child development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for masters degree child development in the United States is $112,050.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,500.00 and $124,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What can I do with a master's in child and adolescent development?

A master's in child and adolescent development prepares individuals for roles such as child life specialists, early childhood educators, developmental specialists, and school counselors. Graduates often work in educational settings, healthcare, social services, or research, utilizing skills in child development, assessment, and intervention.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a career with a Master's Degree in Child Development, and why are they important?

A career with a Master's Degree in Child Development requires deep knowledge of developmental psychology, assessment techniques, and program planning, typically supported by a master's degree in child development or a related field. Familiarity with developmental screening tools, educational software, and data analysis systems is often essential. Strong communication, empathy, and cultural sensitivity help professionals build trust with children, families, and interdisciplinary teams. These skills ensure effective support for children's growth, learning, and well-being in educational, clinical, or community settings.

What is the difference between Masters Degree Child Development vs Child Life Specialist?

CriteriaMasters Degree Child DevelopmentChild Life Specialist
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in Child Development or related fieldBachelor's degree + certification (CCLS)
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, research, policyHospitals, pediatric units, healthcare settings
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, education agenciesHospitals, healthcare organizations, pediatric care

The Masters Degree in Child Development focuses on understanding child growth, research, and education, often in academic or policy roles. In contrast, a Child Life Specialist applies child development principles directly in healthcare settings to support children and families during medical experiences. Both roles require a background in child development, but their work environments and specific certifications differ.

What can you become with a child development degree?

A child development degree can lead to careers such as preschool or childcare center director, early childhood educator, child life specialist, or developmental specialist. These roles often require knowledge of child growth, behavior, and development, along with relevant certifications or licenses. The degree prepares individuals to work in educational, healthcare, or social service settings focused on children's well-being.

What can I do with a master's degree in child development?

A master's degree in child development opens up a variety of career paths in both educational and clinical settings. Graduates often work as early childhood educators, child life specialists, program directors, or developmental therapists. Many also pursue roles in research, policy advocacy, or continue their education toward a PhD. The degree provides advanced knowledge of child growth, learning, and behavior, making graduates valuable in schools, hospitals, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.

What types of career advancement opportunities are available for professionals with a master's degree in child development?

With a master's degree in child development, professionals can pursue a variety of advancement opportunities, such as moving into supervisory or administrative roles within educational or childcare settings, becoming program directors, or specializing further in areas like early intervention or developmental research. Many also transition into policy-making, advocacy, or higher education positions, such as college instructors or researchers. Additionally, pursuing certifications or additional training can open doors to leadership positions in nonprofit organizations or government agencies focused on children and families.

Is a master's in child development worth it?

A master's degree in child development prepares individuals for roles such as child development specialists, early childhood educators, and program coordinators, often leading to higher salaries and advanced responsibilities. It provides specialized knowledge in child growth, learning, and behavior, and may require certification or licensing depending on the position and location.

What is the highest paying job in child development?

The highest paying jobs in child development often include senior roles such as child development director, pediatric neuropsychologist, or early childhood education administrator, which require advanced degrees and extensive experience. These positions typically offer salaries exceeding $80,000 annually and may involve leadership, research, or specialized clinical skills.
More about Masters Degree Child Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Masters Degree Child Development jobs? Cities with the most Masters Degree Child Development job openings:
What states have the most Masters Degree Child Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Masters Degree Child Development jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Masters Degree Child Development jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Masters Degree Child Development jobs are:
Masters Degree Child Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Masters Degree Child Development job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,050 per year, or $53.9 per hour.
Child Development Specialist

Child Development Specialist

Sunny Days

Oakland, CA • Hybrid

$23.50 - $27.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Child Development Specialist

Benefits:

  • Competitive Rates, Based on Experience ($45 / hour - $55 / hour)
  • Sign on Bonus up to $500
  • Professional Support & Development
  • Create your Own schedule
  • Sunny Days is entirely paperless, utilizing electronic signatures.
  • Flexible Schedules & Locations of Your Choice
  • Eligible for direct deposit
  • Eligible for Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
  • Eligible for Sick Time

Looking for a flexible, challenging and rewarding opportunity to work with infants, toddlers and their families? Join our team of dedicated professionals who make a daily difference in the lives of young children by providing quality, home-based early intervention services.

Sunny Days of California, Inc. specializes in the area of early intervention, serving children with developmental needs from birth to three years of age. Sunny Days is a nationwide agency and has programs throughout the state of California. Our programs are multi-disciplinary, providing occupational, physical, and speech therapy, as well as child development services.

We are looking to grow our team of Child Development Specialists in your area!

Job Responsibilities:

  • Conduct developmental assessments, provide child development services utilizing the Parent Coaching Model (Rush & Sheldon)
  • Follow each childs Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and work with the family to develop strategies to help each child reach their specific developmental goals
  • Utilize the family-centered parent coaching approach to build caregivers confidence and skills and to ensure that progress is generalized
  • Provide services in the childs natural environment, in families homes, daycare centers and/or other community settings.
  • Provide re-assessments and write progress reports (typically bi-annual)
  • Maintain confidentiality of information regarding children and families (in accordance with HIPAA and/or State/Federal regulations)

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's Degree - (Masters degree required in Orange County) in child development, early childhood, teaching or related field OR a special education teaching credential
  • Early Intervention Experience Preferred
  • Home-Based Service Delivery Experience Preferred
  • Strong Interpersonal Skills

Sunny Days is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, disability, age or covered veteran status. We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

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