Child Development Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• Referral incentive opportunities
• Ongoing training and mentorship
• Professional development support
• Paid vacation time (accrued during the first year of employment)
• Paid holidays
• Drive-Time/Mileage reimbursement
• Paid sick time (accrued during the first year of employment)
• 401(k)

Child Development Specialist (CDS) Position Overview
Position Title: Child Development Specialist (CDS)
Position Types: Part-Time / Full-Time Opportunities Available

Available Location:
San Fernando Valley, CA – Must reside within the San Fernando Valley.
Main Office: 15300 Devonshire St, Mission Hills, CA 91345

Setting: This position utilizes a hybrid service model and may include in-home services, in-clinic services, and center-based services depending on client needs, availability and program needs.

Hourly Rate Range: $26.00–$43.00 per hour

Estimated Annual Earnings: Approximately $54,000–$89,000 annually based on caseload, availability, and hours worked.

Compensation: Determined by experience, education, certifications, and early intervention background.
Qualified candidates may be contacted and invited to participate in the interview process prior to the application closing date.

Applications close June 25, 2026 at 5:00 PM.

Learn more about our mission and services at:
mindfullives.com

Careers Page/Apply Here:

Important: To ensure a fair and consistent hiring process, applications will only be accepted through the DML online application form. Applications submitted through other channels will not be considered.

Join Our Village |  They say it takes a village, and at Developing Mindful Lives (DML), we embody that truth. We believe in the power of early intervention to create lasting change for children and families through meaningful relationships, family-centered care, and collaborative support.

We're seeking passionate Child Development Specialists who value connection, thrive in team-oriented environments, and are committed to helping children reach their fullest potential. At DML, we celebrate the small moments that lead to life-changing milestones and believe that together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of the families we serve.

Our Ideal Team Member

• Committed to ongoing professional growth and continuing education.
• Welcomes feedback with a growth-oriented mindset.
• Thrives in fast-paced and ever-evolving environments.
• Possesses strong knowledge of early childhood development, particularly ages 0–5.
• Demonstrates expertise in developmental milestones, emotional regulation, play-based learning, and family-centered intervention strategies.
• Excels in independent home and community-based environments while maintaining strong communication and collaboration with families and interdisciplinary teams.
• Values relationship-building, caregiver coaching, and meaningful partnerships with families.

What You'll Do Assess Developmental Progress

• Evaluate cognitive, communication, social-emotional, adaptive, play, and developmental skills.
• Identify developmental strengths, delays, and areas of need through ongoing observation and assessment.
• Develop individualized goals based on developmental needs, family priorities, and clinical observations.

Provide Direct Early Intervention Services

• Deliver engaging, play-based developmental intervention services in home and center-based settings.
• Support children's growth through individualized strategies and evidence-based practices.

Collaborate with Interdisciplinary Teams

• Work closely with Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists, Educators, and Regional Center teams.
• Participate in collaborative planning, consultations, and team communication.

Educate & Support Families

• Provide caregiver coaching, modeling, and developmental education.
• Help families implement strategies that can be embedded into everyday routines and play.

Monitor & Document Progress

• Maintain timely and accurate documentation.
• Complete initial goal plans, progress reports, final reports, evaluations, and session notes within required timelines.
• Adjust intervention strategies based on ongoing progress monitoring and family feedback.

Advocate for Early Childhood Development

• Promote awareness regarding the importance of early intervention services.
• Support families in navigating developmental and community resources.

Minimum Qualifications Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, or a minimum of 24 completed units in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Human Development, Psychology, Special Education, or a related field.
Minimum 1–2 years of experience working with children ages 0–5 and their families preferred.
Strong documentation, report-writing, and written communication skills.
Basic knowledge of Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Calendar, and digital documentation systems.
Reliable transportation, valid driver's license, and active auto insurance required.
Bilingual skills preferred.
Experience with early intervention, developmental assessments, caregiver coaching, family-centered practices, home visiting, or play-based intervention strategies strongly preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs.
• Frequent bending, kneeling, squatting, crawling, and floor sitting.
• Ability to transition quickly to maintain child safety.
• Clear vision and hearing for supervision and interaction.
• Ability to respond swiftly during emergency situations.

Documentation & Operational Expectations Team members are expected to maintain consistency and professionalism across all communication and operational systems.

Required Responsibilities Include:

• Initial Goal Plans (per due date)
• Progress Reports / Final Reports / Evaluations
• Request for Services Documentation
• Session Logs
• Orientation Signatures for New Families
• Timesheets and Mileage Documentation
• Attendance at Bi-Annual Meetings (twice yearly)
• Participation in Required Trainings
• Maintaining Above-Baseline Session Attendance Expectations
• Consistent Communication Through Email and Slack

Compensation Package + Benefits Child Development Specialist compensation is determined by experience, education, certifications, bilingual abilities, and early intervention background.

Hourly Rate Range:
$26.00–$43.00 per hour

Estimated Annual Earnings:
Approximately $54,000–$89,000 annually based on caseload, availability, and hours worked.

Benefits may include:

• Paid sick time (accrued during the first year of employment)
• Paid vacation time  (accrued during the first year of employment)
• Paid holidays 
• 401(k)
• Drive-Time/Mileage reimbursement
• Professional development support
• Ongoing training and mentorship
• Referral incentive opportunities

Compensation, benefit eligibility, and paid time off accrual are determined by experience, position status, and hours worked.

At Developing Mindful Lives, we believe great professionals thrive when they are supported. Our compensation structure is designed to recognize experience and dedication while promoting professional growth, sustainability, and meaningful work. We are committed to building a team of thoughtful professionals who value collaboration, lifelong learning, and family-centered care.

The DML Interview Journey
Step 1: Online Application (15–20 Minutes)
Complete the DML Child Development Specialist Application and upload your resume. The application helps us learn more about your experience, background, schedule preferences, and overall fit for the role.

Step 2: Google Meet Interview (30–40 Minutes)
Selected candidates will participate in a virtual interview with DML leadership to discuss early intervention experience, family-centered philosophy, communication style, and overall alignment with our culture and values.

Step 3: In-Person Interview & Clinical Observation (Approximately 1 Hour)
Finalists will participate in an in-person interview and clinical observation to further explore developmental knowledge, family interactions, coaching approach, and collaboration skills.

Final Review
Selected candidates may be required to complete employment verification, background clearance, TB clearance, educational verification, and other onboarding requirements.

Candidates selected to move forward will typically hear back within 5–7 business days between interview stages.

Applications close June 25, 2026 at 5:00 PM.

Learn more about our mission and services at:
mindfullives.com

Careers Page:

Important: To ensure a fair and consistent hiring process, applications will only be accepted through the DML online application form. Applications submitted through other channels will not be considered.

Flexible work from home options available.