"Social Emotional Development Specialist"

Position Title:

Social Emotional Development Specialist

Job Category:

Academic Staff

Employment Type:

Terminal (Fixed Term)

Job Profile:

Early Child Edu Dev Spec

Job Duties:

The Social Emotional and Development Specialist is responsible for improving staff performance in delivering high-quality educational services and individualized support to children and families. This includes coaching staff using a practice-based model, conducting regular observations and assessments, and providing feedback to help staff grow professionally. The specialist builds supportive relationships with staff, helps them set clear goals for improving teaching practices, and models effective classroom strategies. They also increase staff knowledge about early childhood development, social-emotional skills, positive guidance, curriculum planning, and school readiness.

In addition, the specialist supports staff in meeting the developmental, social, emotional, and behavioral needs of individual children. They provide training, consultation, and resources, assist with behavioral screenings and intervention planning, and promote the use of the Pyramid Model to support children’s development. The specialist partners with staff and families to address behavioral concerns, maintains necessary documentation, and collaborates with health services to identify any health issues that may affect child development.

The role also includes providing leadership support to center operations when the Early Childhood Coordinator or classroom staff are absent, ensuring the center meets licensing and federal standards. Finally, the specialist engages with community partners and mental health agencies to advocate for children and families and to enhance services through collaboration and partnership agreements.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Provides guidance and feedback to students and staff on assignments and projects within the early childhood education curriculum and maintains confidentiality of internal and external stakeholders
• Provides recommendations and feedback to unit leadership based on discoveries in mentoring groups
• Facilitates mentoring groups with discussions based on individualized cases, program content, and relevant published readings to various audiences
• Develops content and provides instruction in areas of expertise in the field of infant, early childhood, and family mental health, utilizing effective adult learning strategies
• Contributes to the development of program evaluation materials and reviews results for trends and program revisions

Department:

Head Start

Compensation:

Base Salary $56,135.59
Prorated salary of $49,680 for 46 weeks of work each year starting last week in July through first week in June

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education or relevant degree.
• 2 years of experience as lead early childhood teacher.
• Knowledge of and experience with developmental screenings and appropriate observation/assessment methods.
• Experience working with children and families of children with social, emotional, behavioral and/or developmental needs.
• Experience in leading, mentoring and supporting effective, high-quality, child-development services.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel and familiar with Google Drive.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in early childhood education or relevant degree
• 2 or more years of Early Childhood Education leadership experience
• Knowledge of Family Services philosophy
• 2 or more years experience implementing the High/Scope curriculum
• Pyramid Model or Conscious Discipline participation for 2 or more years or training completion.
• Practice Based Coaching Model participation for 2 or more years or certification
• 2 or more years experience accessing appropriate community resources
• Proficient use of Child Plus

How to Apply:

Applicants must submit the following documents using the online application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

*Please use your application materials to speak to each of the qualifications for this position as listed above. Be sure to describe your relevant experience and areas of expertise, using specific examples from your work and education history. Applicants must complete all required fields and attach all required documents prior to submitting the online application.
All final candidates will be asked to provide names, email contact information, and/or phone numbers for three (3) references, with at least one being from a manager or supervisor, during the interview process.
Note: Once you have attached your materials and submitted your application, you will not be able to go into the system and change them.
To Ensure Consideration: Applications received by the end of the day on 10/01/2025 are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration.