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Education

Early Childhood Specialist

Provide specialized services to Early Childhood Teachers/Administrators or Family Child Care Providers, such as professional development, child health consultation, mental health consultation, special education, advocacy, policy, or quality improvement services.

Annual openings

67

Median wage

$78,040

Typical education

A minimum of a Bachelor's degree is often required; however, there are many combinations of formalized education possible to become qualified for this job that vary depending on the setting and level. Many jobs may require a specialized degree or experience.

Growth 2026–2032

+7%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

A minimum of a Bachelor's degree is often required; however, there are many combinations of formalized education possible to become qualified for this job that vary depending on the setting and level. Many jobs may require a specialized degree or experience.

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Credential detail

There are many combinations of credentials to become qualified for this job that vary depending on the setting and level. Examples are: ● Some may require the Large Center Director Qualification ● Coaches may require the Colorado Coaching Credential ● Trainers may require the Colorado Trainer Credential

Experience detail

In general, posted jobs require a minimum of 2 years professional experience, with many requiring 5+ years of experience.; however, there are many combinations of professional experience possible to become qualified for this job that vary depending on the setting and level. Many jobs may require specialized experience.

Employer competency information

  • ● Communication - Able to understand the needs of young children, who often have limited means of communication, and communicate those needs to others ● Instruction - Ability to understand and support ongoing professional development needs for staff ● Teamwork - Working cooperatively with others to complete work assignments ● Psychology - Able to understand what motivates students to learn and feel valued and the ability to provide learning opportunities that meets those motivations ● Customer Service - Able to listen to parent concerns openly and responsively to resolve issues. Able to create, utilize, and communicate center policies that set clear expectations to a diverse group of stakeholders
Previous experience as an Early Childhood Specialist is highly valued by Public Health employers when hiring a Compliance Officer/Inspector.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification or positive reinforcement.
  2. Develop individual educational plans (IEPs) designed to promote students' educational, physical, or social development.
  3. Teach students personal development skills, such as goal setting, independence, or self-advocacy.
  4. Develop or implement strategies to meet the needs of students with a variety of disabilities.
  5. Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
  6. Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment or materials to prevent injuries and damage.
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