About the job
About Positive Development
Positive Development is committed to helping every child grow, learn, and thrive. The team works closely with autistic children, using play-based and relationship-focused approaches to build communication, social, and daily living skills.
Role Overview: Child Development Specialist
Based in Oxnard, CA, this role centers on one-on-one support for autistic children. Specialists coach, connect with, and encourage each child’s progress through active, hands-on engagement, not just observation. The experience gained here directly supports future careers in fields such as:
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech Language Pathology
- Education and Special Education
- Counseling
- Medicine and Health
Specialists receive guidance and mentorship from clinicians and supervisors who care about professional growth. The work is rewarding and meaningful, but it does call for patience, emotional maturity, and a strong sense of commitment.
Who Thrives in This Role
- People who enjoy working with children and teens
- Those curious about human development and learning
- Patient, empathetic, and enthusiastic individuals
- Reliable team members who can keep a consistent schedule (consistency matters for children)
- Those comfortable working in home-based settings with families
Candidates often come from backgrounds such as education, psychology, pre-med, nursing, occupational or speech therapy, behavior support, camp counseling, teaching assistance, childcare, direct support, or caregiving.

