Child Development Specialist

About Us

Georgia Southern University is the state's largest and most comprehensive center of higher education south of Atlanta. With nearly 150 degree programs at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels, Georgia Southern has been designated a Carnegie Doctoral/R2 "high research" university and serves more than 29,500 students from all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico as well as 106 nations.

With three vibrant campuses - the Statesboro Campus, the Armstrong Campus in Savannah and the Liberty Campus in Hinesville - Georgia Southern offers a dynamic environment which encourages learning, discovery and personal growth. The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and has earned special accreditation from professional and academic associations that set standards in their fields.

Georgia Southern is an influencer and intellectual catalyst in southeast Georgia, a rapidly expanding region that is home to international companies such as Hyundai, Gulfstream and JCB, as well as the Port of Savannah and Georgia Ports Authority. With a focus on hands-on learning, Georgia Southern is supporting the demand for highly skilled workers by providing academic excellence and creative innovation in a supportive student-centered environment that empowers the next generation of leaders to succeed.

Beyond an ideal location, there is a place for you to work in an exciting environment abounding with opportunities for personal and professional growth. Named one of the Best U.S. Colleges by The Wall Street Journal, Georgia Southern is nationally ranked for the caliber of its programs and services. Georgia Southern University has been recognized by Forbes as one of "America's Best-In-State Employers" for 2025.

Location

Statesboro Campus - Statesboro, GA

Department Information

Child Development Center

Job Summary

Serve as Lead Teacher in an infant, toddler, and/or preschool classroom. Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities designed to develop a range of social, cognitive, emotional, physical, language, and aesthetic skills for individual and/or groups of children within a specified age range, working in the child development center. Supervise and train Georgia Southern University lab students and the mission of a lab school.

Responsibilities

• Attend staff meetings and family engagement events
• Attend training and meet required number of training hours
• Plan daily program activities for classroom with consideration for individual needs of students
• Manages overall classroom environment while effectively implementing activities and routines
• Vary original plans to meet unexpected circumstances/group needs
• Ensure safety and supervision of children in indoor and outdoor areas
• Maintain a clean, healthy and safe environment
• Coordinate and implement classroom activities and the classroom environment according to standards of NAEYC, DECAL, and Child Development Center
• Work cooperatively to prepare and implement activities
• Supervise children
• Orient and provide guidance and feedback to lab students
• Collaborate with other professionals (therapists, researchers, professors, supervisors, etc.) in child development
• Report daily activities/events to parents in a professional manner
• Create and update children's developmental portfolios
• Conduct parent/teacher conferences

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related disciplines

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Educational Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Human and Family Development and 5 years experience working with young children
• Pediatric CPR/First Aid

Proposed Salary

$38,729 - $39,228

This is an exempt position paid on a monthly basis.


Required Documents to Attach

• Resume
• Two (2) Professional References

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES

• Consistently exhibit engaging customer service
• Ability to support various constituencies served by the University
• Proven proficiency with computers including Microsoft Office, Google, and/or applications as required for specific position
• Ability to supervise children in games, play or group activities
• Assist with development of students' social skills based on individual needs
• Disciplinary techniques and specialized physical health care needs of students
• Work independently, demonstrate a patient, understanding and receptive attitude toward students
• Compile, prepare and maintain accurate records and reports
• Plan and organize work, establish, and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships
• Handles sudden/unexpected situations with calmness and flexibility
• Learn and apply instructional techniques, learn and apply behavior modification procedures
• Learn, interpret and apply policies and procedures
• Analyze and resolve non-disciplinary problems

KNOWLEDGE

• Adhere to University policies and procedures to meet Institutional goals and support University's mission for student success
• Knowledge of child development, age-appropriate games and activities, developmental growth and individual differences in students, and safe practices in classroom and recreational activities
• Understand and carry out oral and written direction

SKILLS

• Effective communication (verbal and written), organizational and human relations skills

Apply Before Date

July 13, 2026

Application review may begin on July 6, 2026.

Contact Information

For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Department of Human Resources by phone at View phone number on click.appcast.io or by email at View email address on click.appcast.io .

For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at View phone number on click.appcast.io, or email View email address on click.appcast.io .


USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at .

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Georgia Southern University, as determined by Georgia Southern University in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test.

Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Legally authorized to work in the United States for the duration of employment without assistance from the University.

Must be able to perform duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation.

Georgia Southern University is a Tobacco and Smoke-Free Community.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Georgia Southern University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. Individuals in need of reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in the search process should notify Human Resources: View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Other Information

• Must be able to perform duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation
• Work generally performed in an office environment
• Workweek may occasionally extend beyond 40 hours
• Travel may be required
• May be required to maneuver items weighing up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation
• Work performed in indoor and outdoor environments
• Stand, bend, walk and lift as needed throughout the day
• May be required to work from ladders or lifts to access elevated work areas
• Hazards: contact with unruly or sick children
• Contact with dissatisfied or abusive individuals is possible

Background Check

• Position of Trust + Education