Top Careers in Child Development

Pursuing a degree in early childhood education opens the door to many rewarding careers in child development, where you can make a lasting impact on children’s daily lives and future growth. From teaching and counseling to specialized roles in behavioral analysis or early intervention, there are a wide variety of paths to explore. The right role will depend on your skills, interests, experience, and any specialized training you pursue.

Read on to discover some of the best careers in child development and early childhood education today.

Why pursue careers in child development?

Choosing a career in child development means more than just finding a job—it’s about making a meaningful difference in the lives of children during their most formative years. Professionals in this field play a critical role in shaping social, emotional, and cognitive growth, helping children build strong foundations for lifelong learning and success.

There are many reasons to pursue careers in child development, including:

• High demand and job security: With increasing awareness of the importance of early education, skilled child development professionals are needed in schools, childcare centers, and specialized programs nationwide.

• Diverse career paths: Whether you’re interested in becoming a preschool teacher, child psychologist, behavioral therapist, or early intervention specialist, there are multiple ways to match your skills and passions to rewarding opportunities.

• Personal fulfillment: Working with children provides a unique sense of purpose and satisfaction. Each day brings the chance to foster growth, creativity, and resilience in young learners.

• Professional growth: Careers in child development often offer opportunities for advancement, continuing education, and specialization, allowing you to expand your expertise over time.

By pursuing a role in child development, you’re investing in both your own professional journey and the future of the next generation.

Skills and qualifications needed for careers in child development

Thriving in careers in child development requires a unique blend of personal traits, professional skills, and educational credentials. Because these roles center on nurturing and guiding young children, employers often look for candidates who demonstrate both compassion and competence.

Key personal skills include:

• Patience and empathy: Essential for supporting children through challenges and milestones at their own pace.

• Strong communication: The ability to clearly and positively communicate with children, families, and colleagues.

• Creativity and adaptability: Useful in designing engaging activities and adjusting strategies to meet diverse learning needs.

• Classroom management and organization:Keeping children safe, focused, and supported in structured environments.

Professional qualifications may include:

• Early Childhood Education degree or related coursework: Many careers in child development require formal training in child growth, learning theories, and teaching strategies.

• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential: A widely recognized certification that demonstrates competence in working with young children.

• CPR and First Aid certification: Ensures professionals are prepared for health and safety emergencies.

• Specialized training: Some roles may require additional qualifications in areas like special education, behavioral therapy, or early intervention.

By combining these skills and qualifications, aspiring professionals can build a strong foundation for a successful and rewarding career in child development.

Top careers in child development: Roles and requirements

Early childhood education offers a diverse range of career opportunities for professionals passionate about nurturing the development of young children. From classroom teaching positions to administrative roles, this field provides numerous pathways to make a significant impact on the lives of children and their families.

This section explores the various job roles available in early childhood education, highlighting the essential responsibilities and qualifications for each position.

Preschool teacher

A preschool teacher helps develop a child’s social-emotional, language, cognitive, and physical skills to prepare them for kindergarten. Some of the responsibilities include:

• Planning lessons and writing curriculum
• Organizing snack and nap time
• Maintaining clear communication with families
• Guiding children to develop their capabilities
• Tracking children’s progress
• Keeping the classroom clean

You’ll need an associate degree in education or a related field, plus at least two years of experience. Credentials, like the Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or certification in child and infant CPR, can increase your chances of landing the job. Check with your state’s requirements for becoming a teacher to learn how to earn your teaching certification. 

According to 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, preschool teachers can earn a median annual wage around $37,000 per year.

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Childcare center director

If you’re interested in the management side of the early education industry, consider being a childcare center director. Directors work less with children day-to-day, but instead focus on the following: 

• Supervising staff
• Overseeing administrative duties and setting the curriculum 
• Maintaining the facility operations in compliance with state and local guidelines
• Managing budgets

The minimum requirements for a childcare center director are often a bachelor’s degree and more than five years of experience in an early childhood education setting.

In some instances, childcare center directors own the schools they manage. According to 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for preschool and childcare center directors in the United States is $56,000.

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Early childhood education consultant

Early childhood education consultants provide their expertise on various topics related to running an early education program. Many program directors or owners will refer to consultants for additional support in areas such as:

• Updating a curriculum
• Planning a program
• Providing training for teachers and other staff
• Facilitating contract negotiations between the government and private sector

Early childhood education consultants often must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in child development or early education and more than five years of experience. Additionally, these professionals usually have a valid teaching license within their state. 

According to April 2025 data from Glassdoor, early childhood education consultants can earn an average of $50,000 to $88,000 per year.

Behavioral analysts 

Behavioral analysts create treatment plans that improve a child’s behavior and communication skills. Responsibilities of a behavioral analyst include:

• Observing the child’s behavior 
• Talking to families and teachers about the recommended treatment plan
• Assessing the child’s progress 
• Keeping the child’s records for future reference

A master’s degree in behavior analysis, psychology, or education is needed to qualify for this job. One must also pass a behavior analyst exam. Each state has different qualifications and licensing laws for these types of jobs. 

The average salary for a behavioral analyst is $81,000 per year in the United States.

Child psychologist

Child psychologists work with children suffering from behavioral, mental, and emotional disorders. Being a child psychologist allows one to work with children outside the classroom. Some of the responsibilities of a child psychologist include:

• Assessing children with mental issues and suggesting treatment
• Writing a detailed report of evaluations
• Educating families and teachers on how to handle children with mental issues
• Addressing issues such as bullying and other mental health issues
• Treat children who suffer from things like trauma, stress, depression, and anxiety

A bachelor’s degree, master's, and eventually, a Ph.D. in psychology, child psychology, or a related field is necessary to qualify as a child psychologist. It is also mandatory to complete one year of internship and pass the national licensing exam to become a licensed child psychologist. Check out your specific state’s licensing requirements here. 

Child psychologists can earn an average salary of $94,000 per year.

Childcare worker

Childcare workers take care of children in daycare centers. Typically, childcare workers:

• Tend to children's basic needs such as preparing and serving meals and changing diapers
• Record attendance and write daily reports
• Supervise children's playtime and activities
• Develop a schedule for children to follow throughout the day
• Assist with lesson planning
• Maintain a clean and safe learning environment

Requirements to become a childcare worker can vary by state and the size of the childcare program. It is often recommended to have experience working with children and relevant education and training qualifications.

The median annual wage for a childcare worker in the U.S. is approximately $32,000 per year. 

Early intervention specialist

Early intervention specialists assess and help children who have developmental delays and disabilities that might cause them to fall behind. They connect families to early intervention services and asses areas such as:

• Cognitive skills (problem-solving, thinking, reasoning)
• Communication skills (listening, talking, expressing themselves)
• Self-help skills (eating, toileting, dressing)
• Physical skills (walking, reaching, drawing, crawling)
• Social and emotional skills (interacting with others, forming relationships, regulating emotions)

Their main responsibility is to help children learn important skills to help them catch up in their development. 

Early intervention specialists can earn an average salary of $48,000 per year.

Bottom line

There are many career options to consider with a degree in early education or child development. The field is full of meaningful jobs that allow you to impact children at the most critical stage of their lives. The expertise and passion you bring to your daily work will benefit the children and families you interact with, setting a solid foundation for their future success.