Child development specialists play an important role in children’s lives, including helping teachers and parents learn how to administer therapy and behavior modification techniques to improve youngsters’ skills. Launching a career as a child development specialist may begin with enrolling in an online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology – Child Advocacy program such as the one offered by Florida Institute of Technology.
Job Outlook for Child Development Specialists
Although the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not list specific employment growth and salary data for the role of child development specialist, the agency projects increasing job opportunities in the category for child, family and school social workers. From 2023 to 2033, BLS projects the employment of these professionals nationwide will increase by 5%, which is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.
What Does a Child Development Specialist Do?
A child development specialist’s job description and responsibilities may vary greatly, depending on where they work and their employment duties. Child development specialists can work in a variety of settings, including daycare centers, preschool programs, pediatric hospitals, and public or private clinics. Typical daily tasks for child development specialists may include:
- Evaluating and monitoring children to determine physical and mental development, including social, motor development, self-help, cognitive and language skills
- Documenting activities, tracking progress and formulating therapy plans, including exercises and activities for parents to administer
- Interacting with parents individually or in group settings
- Consulting with other professionals, organizations and providers, such as social service agencies
Salary Potential: How Much Do Child Development Specialists Make?
The median annual wage for child, family and school social workers was $53,940 as of May 2023, according to BLS. The top 10% of earners had salaries exceeding $85,590 a year.
Numerous factors can influence salary potential and employment opportunities, including a candidate’s educational qualifications and work experience, as well as regional market conditions. Prospective students are encouraged to independently research salary information.
Child Development Specialist Education Requirements and Training
According to O*NET OnLine, an informational resource funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, 69% of child, family and school social work jobs require a bachelor’s degree, 26% require a master’s and 6% require an associate’s. BLS states that a bachelor’s degree is the most common requirement for entry-level social work positions.
Earning a bachelor’s degree in applied psychology with a focus on child advocacy can put individuals on the path to a career in the field of child development. Coursework typically includes an introduction to psychology, multicultural issues, lifespan development and psychology, learning and motivation, and critical issues in child advocacy. Graduates of an applied psychology program should be able to:
- Understand theories and major concepts in applied psychology
- Recognize psychological principles and theories pertaining to children
- Understand the challenges facing children with developmental disabilities and their families
- Recognize socio-cultural diversity, including key concepts
Employers may offer opportunities for continuing education, making it possible to gain an entry-level job with a bachelor’s degree and then use tuition assistance or reimbursement to attain a master’s degree. With online BA programs such as Florida Tech’s, employees can continue working full time while earning their degree, benefiting themselves and their employers alike.
Is a Child Development Specialist Career Right for You?
If you enjoy helping children and families to overcome challenges, you may find a child development specialist career rewarding. These professionals should be able to handle diverse situations calmly and effectively, and balance professionalism with sensitivity when dealing with clients and families. They also need excellent interpersonal and communication skills. By honing these skills and earning a college degree, you can position yourself well for a career as a child development specialist.
Learn more about Florida Tech’s online BA in Applied Psychology – Child Advocacy program.
