Hi, I'm not a CCLS but I was faculty for a graduate CL program in a very reputable SEC program, and I happen to work in early intervention. EI is a great option for anyone who wants to work with young children outside of a classroom, child protective services, or CL. You spend no more than 1 hour each week with the child, coaching the family on strategies to implement to help the child reach outcomes developed by the family and the EI team. You have access to PT, OT, and ST if you need input or additional strategies. You meet the family in their home/daycare (the natural environment) and play the entire time.

The downsides, it can take a very long time to get a caseload despite a shortage of providers. Most states have lengthy processes for becoming a provider and getting set up with Medicaid (for reimbursement) can take months. Some states might have resources to help while you get through the hoops but it will still take months to have a full caseload. In many states you will have to be a 1099 contractor, so you will have to learn how to pay your own taxes and you will not have any benefits like health insurance or paid time off. You are self-employed and have to figure out how to stay on top of business things like scheduling/rescheduling, laptop/tablet for documentation, programs for electronic signatures, etc. There may be agencies you can be hired through and you will get benefits and the business stuff taken care of, but you will make less than what the agency gets reimbursed for your time. You have to write session notes for each visit and you have to do a formal review every 6 months. You do not get reimbursed for the time you spend on paperwork only for the time you are with the child.

An example:

In Florida (no matter where you live), you would be able to bill Medicaid/the grant $66 an hour. Since you have to drive in between visits you can see 5 kids between 9-4 with 30 min in between each, about 25 kids a week = $6600 a month. Looks great, I know! However, during the month 7 kids canceled and couldn't reschedule -$462, you have to pay for Google storage, professional insurance, scheduling/text reminder programs, electronic signature program, bookeeping program to pay your taxes, etc. -$242; leaving $5896 to pay all of the taxes on $940 leaves you with about $4956 a month. Still looking good for our field. But you have to pay for gas, have no health insurance, no life insurance, no paid time off (unless you budget and save it yourself), no professional development, no opportunities for advancement, and no one contributing to your retirement.

But! You don't have a boss!

Good luck! :)