Child Development Specialist: Career Overview
Written by:
Wilson College Online
• Sep 10, 2026
Early childhood is a time of intensive physical, cognitive, and social development. When children don’t meet typical developmental milestones, addressing the causes is critical. Early childhood special education organizations provided services for around 520,000 children ages 3 and 4 in 2023, and the number of children in need of these has continued to grow over the past two decades, according to the National Institute for Early Education Research.
Professionals such as child development specialists and early intervention specialists evaluate and assess children’s development, design interventions, and offer treatments to foster growth. Child development specialists identify developmental delays and promote developmental growth. They work in preschools, childcare facilities, schools, and medical settings.
Working in child development can be extremely rewarding, but the field requires an in-depth understanding of typical child development, assessment methods, and evidence-based intervention strategies. Earning a psychology degree can strengthen the knowledge and skills required to work in child development.
What Is a Child Development Specialist?
Child development specialists identify children who’ve missed milestones in their development. Child developmental domains include cognitive skills such as reasoning and problem-solving, communication skills such as listening and self-expression, and social-emotional skills such as emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships.
Those working in child development evaluate children for developmental delays, behavior problems, and learning disabilities. They create treatment plans to support children as they expand their skills.
Child development professionals work in various settings, including childcare facilities, schools, medical facilities, and community centers. For example, the federal Head Start program, which promotes school readiness for low-income families, serves over 730,000 families and employs 251,000 early childhood program staff.
Specialists in child development work both independently and collaboratively. Drawing on their knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice, child development specialists promote early child development and growth.
The duties of a child development specialist depend on their work setting. Those in educational settings may provide direct care to children, while those in medical settings may focus on assessment and referral. Their job responsibilities can include:
- Conducting assessments of children’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development
- Implementing individualized treatment plans for children with special needs
- Coordinating treatment with schools, parents, and healthcare professionals
- Documenting children’s development and communicating with their families
- Providing therapies such as behavioral interventions
Closely related positions such as early intervention specialists also conduct assessments and connect families with services. With experience, child development professionals can take on supervisory roles and oversee an organization’s developmental programs.
Requirements to Become a Child Development Specialist
Child development specialists must understand typical and atypical child development. They also need to know evidence-based intervention methods. To become a child development specialist, candidates need the right education, experience, and specialized skills.
Education
Child development specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree to qualify for entry-level roles in schools and clinical settings. For example, many professional roles within the Head Start program require a bachelor’s degree in child development or a related field. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) also reports that 87% of early intervention specialist roles require a bachelor’s degree or higher.
A psychology degree can strengthen the knowledge of human development, learning theories, and cognitive abilities needed for these careers.
Those working in child development who want to advance their careers can benefit from a master’s degree. With a master’s degree, child development professionals can expand their scope of practice and provide cognitive or behavioral therapy.
Experience and Skills
Top requirements in job postings for early intervention specialists include skills in early intervention, special education, and psychology, according to NASW. Child development careers also often require experience working with children. Candidates can gain experience by working in early childhood education settings, completing an internship focused on child development, or working in a pediatric healthcare setting.
Child development professionals need strong interpersonal and communication skills. In early intervention, specialists must communicate with young children, families, educators, and healthcare professionals. They can also benefit from strengthening preschool teaching skills such as promoting play-based learning.
Professional Credentials
Professional credentials can help child development specialists enter the field and access new job opportunities. For example, education careers may require additional credentials, such as CPR and First Aid certifications.
Child development and early intervention specialists can also showcase their knowledge and skills with professional certification. The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential demonstrates expertise in working with children. Designed for those in healthcare settings, the Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential requires clinical experience.
Child Development Specialist Salary
According to Payscale, child development specialists reported a median annual salary of approximately $35,000 as of December 2025, with the top 10% earning more than $83,000.
Earning potential can vary widely and depends on factors such as education level, work setting, and location. Salaries also depend on the age of the children. For example, Head Start preschool educators earn a higher average pay than those working with infants and toddlers in Early Head Start, according to the Center for American Progress (CAP).
As child development professionals advance their education, they typically increase their earning potential. Experience and professional certification can also boost earnings.
Earn a Psychology Degree From Wilson College Online
Are you interested in child development careers? A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology from Wilson College Online can prepare you for careers in this rewarding field.
Psychology majors can customize their degree to align with their career goals. Electives in child development, cognition, and learning can prepare psychology majors for careers as child development or early intervention specialists. The flexible program offers asynchronous online courses, ideal for working adults and busy students. Contact Wilson College Online today to learn more about the online psychology program.
Recommended Readings
5 Alternative Careers for Psychology Majors
What Is Early Intervention in Special Education?
Sources:
Brightwheel, Top Careers in Child Development
Center for American Progress, Data on Child Care and Early Learning in the United States
HeadStart.gov, Education Requirements for Child Development Specialists
HeadStart.gov, Head Start Program Facts: Fiscal Year 2024
National Association of Social Workers, Early Intervention Specialist Overview
Payscale, Average Child Development Specialist Hourly Pay
Payscale, Average Early Intervention Specialist Hourly Pay
ZipRecruiter, What Is a Child Development Specialist and How to Become One
