Early Intervention Specialist Salary

Early intervention specialists usually work for non-profit organizations, government entities, and schools to help children who have experienced developmental delays.

These specialists conduct evaluations of their young patients' needs to formulate plans and determine what services will be beneficial for their development. They also create and oversee exercises for children relating to language, fine and gross motor, and social and emotional development. Levels of participation in patients' development can vary, and some specialists also provide referrals to other parties for patients. Early intervention specialists must also educate parents to help them understand their child's needs and how to perform exercises at home. Compassion is essential in this position, as some families may need emotional support, and these specialists often manage cases for multiple families.

Over time, early intervention specialists make follow-up evaluations to analyze progress and determine whether plans should be modified. Often there are goals for patients to reach the conclusions of their programs to be discharged, and it's important to be able to establish relationships with families to help facilitate the child’s development. A flexible schedule is highly beneficial in this position, and some specialists are available on-call. They may provide services to clients within an office or conduct home-visits depending on the employer, and a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field may be a minimum requirement for this position. (Copyright 2017 PayScale.com)

Early Intervention Specialist Tasks

• Participate in assessments and provide individual and group treatment to children 0-3 years of age and their families.
• Communicate regularly with parents regarding child's records, appointments, and testing.
• Take detailed notes and report on child development and progress.
• Assists parents in addressing developmental and behavioral concerns of children by interpreting test results, creating learning plans, suggesting activities, and providing information.

New York offers some of the highest pay in the country for Early Intervention Specialists, 59 percent above the national average. Early Intervention Specialists will also find cushy salaries in San Francisco (+27 percent), Boston (+25 percent), San Jose (+12 percent), and Los Angeles (+9 percent). Early Intervention Specialists in Detroit take home the lowest salaries, earning a whopping 25 percent less than the national average. Not at the bottom but still paying below the median are employers in Charleston and Greenville (22 percent lower and 20 percent lower, respectively).