Child Development Specialist
Identifies traits and patterns in children with developmental and psychological disorders, and advises parents and educators.
Overview
A Child Development Specialist is an expert in identifying the traits, symptoms, and patterns particular to children who suffer from various developmental and psychological disorders. They evaluate their educational needs and issues. They give advice to parents and educators accordingly.
Where they work
- Preschools or elementary schools
- Private or government agencies and institutions
- NGOs
- Public and private schools
- Child care centres
- Head Start programs
- Family child care homes
- Social service agencies
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Private practices
Work environment
You are likely to work in a variety of settings depending on where you are employed. You may work full time or part time, and some may work evenings or weekends. You will typically work with children from birth to age 5, or may work with school-age children, adolescents, and families.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You have a strong desire to heal others
- You are comfortable with children
- You pay attention to details
- You have strong communication skills
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in any stream.
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree in Arts (B.A.) in Early Childhood Education/Child Development/Child Psychology, followed by a Master's degree in Arts (M.A.) in Child Development or a related field.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree in Arts (B.A.) in Early Childhood Education/Child Development/Child Psychology, followed by a Master's degree in Arts (M.A.) in Child Development or a related field, and then complete a PhD in Child Development or a related field.
Alternative route 3
- 1Complete a Diploma in Early Childhood Education, followed by a P.G. Diploma in Early Childhood Education.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by the Department of Early Childhood Care and Development. This list of institutes is indicative only. Please check if a private institute is affiliated and accredited with UGC before applying.
Government institutes
- Centre for Early Childhood Education and Development, Ambedkar University, New Delhi
- Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Lady Irwin College, New Delhi
- Centre for Early Childhood Development and Research, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
- University of Delhi, New Delhi
- St. Teresa's College, Kochi, Kerala
- Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Azim Premji University, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Bombay Teachers' Training College, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Jaipur National University, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Program Coordinator
- 2Program Specialist
- 3Program Manager
- 4Assistant Director
- 5Associate Director
Expected income
₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000 per month or more
The figures are indicative and subject to change. The card's source is a SalaryExpert estimate for Bengaluru.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Pre-school Educator
Teaches language, social and motor skills to children who have yet to enter kindergarten.
Special Educator
Trained to teach children with disabilities in ways that address each child's individual abilities and needs.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Arts, Any Stream.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to helping people.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Dr. Monimalika Dey — Described in the source as an Associate Professor at the School of Education Studies (SES), Ambedkar University Delhi. She completed her Ph.D. at the University of Maryland and has worked on several research projects to improve developmental outcomes of young children from marginalised communities through parenting programmes and preschool education. She began her career in Kolkata at Calcutta Rescue, where she helped set up a drop-in centre for 300 children who lived with their families on the streets, and later took up a part-time position at Manovikas Kendra, helping establish a hospital-based programme for young children with disabilities.
Source: a personal interview, as credited on the printed card — no public page to link to.
This profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 2, printed page 799 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.salaryexpert.com/salary/job/child-development-specialist/india/bangalore
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
This card is printed on page 799; the contents list gives 801. 'Head Start programs', listed among workplaces, is the name of a United States programme. St. Teresa's College, Kochi, listed under government institutes, is a privately managed college. The case-study link spells the name 'monimalika-day' and breaks across two lines, so it cannot be confirmed and is not shown.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.