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Education

Early Childhood Senior Specialist

Provide cross-organization leadership in specialized services to a Family Child Care Provider or Early Childhood Teacher/Admin, such as professional development, Colorado Child Care Rules and Regulations compliance, and quality improvement services.

Annual openings

67

Median wage

$78,040

Typical education

While different Specialist jobs may require different areas of expertise, many indicate a Bachelor’s degree in a related field. A Master’s degree may be preferred.

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

While different Specialist jobs may require different areas of expertise, many indicate a Bachelor’s degree in a related field. A Master’s degree may be preferred.

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Credential detail

There are often no additional credentials required for this job; however, there are many combinations of credentials that may be required that vary depending on the setting and level. In general, these professionals have backgrounds in the Early Childhood Education profession, though they could have a background in social work, sociology, psychology, or grants & non-profit management instead.

Experience detail

In general, posted jobs require a minimum of 5 years’ professional 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 ● Critical & Analytical Thinking - Using logic, reasoning, and analysis to draw conclusions and address problems

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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