How To Become A Developmental Therapist: What It Is and Career Path

What is a developmental therapist and how to become one

Updated June 25, 2024

5 min read

A developmental therapist provides home-based instruction to children with developmental disorders or delays, typically aged birth to 3. They plan and implement individualized intervention services during home visits, offering families information, skills, and support to enhance the child's skill development. Developmental therapists work with a variety of disabilities, including Autism and ADHD, administering developmental assessments and creating written reports. They also lead adaptive group activities to promote inclusion and transfer therapy skills to parents or guardians. In addition, they provide educational services using applied behavior analysis and special education itinerant teaching methods, and document client progress accurately. Developmental therapists establish and implement at-home improvement plans and collaborate with teachers and parents to educate and design child development activities. They also maintain client records on medication, behavioral issues, and program results.

How long does it takes to become a developmental therapist?

It typically takes 6-8 years to become a developmental therapist:

Years 1-4: Obtaining a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as psychology, education, or social work.
Years 5-6: Pursuing a Master's degree in developmental therapy or a related field.
Years 7-8: Accumulating the necessary work experience in developmental assessment, intervention planning, and therapy.

ScoreDevelopmental TherapistUS Average

Salary

3.0

Avg. Salary $38,005

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

Growth Rate 14%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.6

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.71%

Asian 5.41%

Black or African American 7.93%

Hispanic or Latino 16.55%

Unknown 4.77%

White 64.64%

Gender

female 83.40%

male 16.60%

Age - 36

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 36

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Developmental Therapist career paths

Developmental therapists can grow into various roles. Many move into positions like lead teachers, managers, or case managers. Some take on director roles in social services, programs, or clinical settings. Others advance into assistant director or office manager positions. In some cases, they may even become business owners or hold leadership roles in nursing, residential services, or health.

Key steps to become a developmental therapist

Explore developmental therapist education requirements

The educational requirements for a developmental therapist are a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as Psychology, Human Development, Special Education, Early Childhood Education, or Elementary Education. They may also need certifications like Basic Life Support for Healthcare and Public Safety or Direct Support Professional Specialist - Health Support. According to experts, these certifications can enhance their skills and knowledge in the field.

Some top schools for pursuing a degree in these fields are California State University - Long Beach, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Northwestern University, Columbia University in the City of New York, and Howard University. These institutions provide a strong foundation in the principles and practices of developmental therapy.

Most common developmental therapist degrees

Bachelor's

67.0 %

Master's

13.8 %

Associate

10.7 %

Start to develop specific developmental therapist skills

Developmental therapists provide individualized services to children and their families. They plan and implement intervention services, track progress, and communicate effectively with parents and staff. They also help families with information, skills, and support related to enhancing the child's development.

Skills	Percentages
Autism	10.33%
Early Intervention	10.22%
Adaptive	8.66%
Children Birth	8.37%
IFSP	5.85%

Research developmental therapist duties and responsibilities

A developmental therapist's responsibilities include providing home-based instruction to children with developmental disorders or delays, planning and implementing individualized intervention services, and providing families with information and support to enhance the child's skill development. As J. Brian Atwood, a Visiting Scholar in International and Public Affairs at Brown University, puts it, "An analyst would be familiar with cultural and historical factors that influence the actors in a diplomatic setting in international relations." This is particularly relevant in developmental therapy, where understanding the child's unique situation is crucial in designing effective intervention plans.

Demonstrate working knowledge of community mental health services identify in the Medicaid guidelines and attain contractual outcomes within designate time frames.
Conduct developmental evaluations and behavior therapy in an early intervention program for children with autism and other developmental delays.
Experience working with children diagnose with autism and developmental disabilities who exhibit behavioral disorders.
Used positive reinforcement through ABA to help develop social and motor skills.

Prepare your developmental therapist resume

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