Child Development Specialist

Impact: Direct

Assess developmental needs and create intervention plans for children from birth to adolescence, providing support to children and families in educational, healthcare, or community settings.

What the day looks like

People interaction
Extensive
Team vs solo
Team-oriented
Client facing
Always
Impact visibility
High
Travel
Occasional local travel
Schedule flexibility
Moderate
Remote work
Hybrid
Typical work hours
9 AM - 5 PM
Stress level
Moderate

At a glance

Median salary
$60,000
Entry-level
$45,000
Senior
$85,000
Growth by 2033
Above Average
Demand
Growing
Freelance potential
Low
Salary growth potential
Medium
Typical student debt
$30,000 - $60,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

  • Developmental assessment
  • Intervention planning
  • Child psychology
  • Data analysis
  • Family counseling

Soft skills

  • Empathy
  • Communication
  • Patience
  • Problem-solving
  • Adaptability

Technical complexity: Moderate

How to get there

Minimum education
Bachelor's degree
Licensing
Yes
Years to mid-career
5
Years to senior
10
Career switching
Moderate

Where this career leads

How people arrive here

    Where you can go from here

      Typical progression

      1. Lead Specialist, Program Coordinator, Director of Child Services

      Future outlook

      Automation probability
      Low
      AI disruption risk
      Low
      Demand trend
      Growing

      How people feel about it

      Overall satisfaction
      4/10
      Meaning
      4/10
      Work-life balance
      3.5/10
      Prestige
      6.5/10
      Social perception
      High

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