Early Childhood Specialist

Job Description Position: Early Childhood SpecialistReports To: Center DirectorClassification: Full-Time | ExemptMission: To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.Job SummaryThe Child Development Specialist is the curriculum and early childhood expert for their assigned program — either Infant/Toddler or Preschool. This is a coaching-centered leadership role whose primary purpose is developing teachers: building their instructional confidence, deepening their curriculum knowledge, and improving the quality of learning experiences for children over time. The Child Development Specialist works actively on the floor and in learning environments throughout the day and is not counted in ratio, allowing full freedom of movement across classrooms to observe, coach, model, and support teaching staff. This role is grounded in the belief that strong teachers create strong programs.Duties & ResponsibilitiesServes as the child development and curriculum expert for their assigned program, providing the coaching, modeling, and instructional support Teachers need to grow in their practiceConducts regular, structured classroom observations followed by timely written feedback and one-on-one coaching conversationsModels developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive teaching practices directly in the classroomGuides Teachers in the daily implementation of Creative Curriculum — including lesson planning, provocation design, environmental setup, and enrichmentPartners with Teachers on Teaching Strategies GOLD (TSG GOLD) assessment practices, providing coaching on observation documentation, checkpoint completion, and use of assessment data to inform planningIdentifies individual Teacher development needs and collaborates with the Center Director and Senior Director of Early Childhood on targeted professional development plansObserves children across classrooms with a developmental lens and advises the Center Director on individual children's readiness for classroom transitionsPartners with families to support and communicate the educational progress and developmental needs of children within their assigned programConducts ongoing performance observations for Teachers and Classroom Assistants and submits documented findings to the Center Director to inform formal performance reviewsContributes to NAEYC accreditation portfolio documentation related to curriculum, assessment, and teaching practice standardsCommunicates regularly with the Center Director & Senior Director of Early Childhood on curriculum fidelity, enrichment programming, and cross-site alignmentEnsures SOP adherence and a safe, high-quality learning environment across all classrooms in their assigned programSupports ratio coverage as needed during transitions and staffing gapsMaintains current expertise in their specialty area through ongoing professional developmentQualifications & EducationAssociate's degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development required; Bachelor's degree strongly preferredChild Development Associate (CDA) credential required if Associate's degree is not yet completedMinimum 3 years of classroom experience in a high-quality early childhood programDemonstrated expertise in developmentally appropriate practice for their specialty area (Infant/Toddler or Preschool)Experience with or strong working knowledge of Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies GOLDDemonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and develop adult learners in a professional settingKnowledge of NAEYC Program StandardsExperience in or commitment to trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and inclusive early childhood practiceStrong observational, written feedback, and interpersonal communication skillsExperience in a NAEYC-accredited program preferredCPR/First Aid certification required or ability to obtain within 90 days of hireSatisfactory background check per SD DSS requirementsPhysical RequirementsAbility to work actively in classroom environments throughout the shiftAbility to sit on the floor, kneel, crouch, and move at a child's levelAbility to lift up to 40 poundsAbility to supervise children outdoors in varying weather conditionsMust be able to respond quickly in emergency situationsThis position is considered to be safety-sensitiveThe information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain nor be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace!All qualified applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, non-job-related disability, or any other protected class.The Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees in compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application/hiring process should contact Human Resources to communicate their request for accommodation at 605-692-3333.Powered by JazzHRSi0OXHDI8L