Early Childhood Specialist

Early Childhood Specialist

The Early Childhood Specialist is the curriculum and early childhood education 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 Early Childhood Specialist works actively on the floor 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.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serves as the early childhood education and curriculum expert for their assigned program, providing the coaching, modeling, and instructional support Teachers need to grow in their practice
• Conducts regular, structured classroom observations followed by timely written feedback and one-on-one coaching conversations
• Models developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive teaching practices directly in the classroom
• Guides Teachers in the daily implementation of Creative Curriculum — including lesson planning, provocation design, environmental setup, and enrichment
• Partners with Teachers on Teaching Strategies GOLD (TSG GOLD) assessment practices, providing coaching on observation documentation, checkpoint completion, and use of assessment data to inform planning
• Identifies individual Teacher development needs and collaborates with the Center Director and Curriculum and Enrichment Coordinator on targeted professional development plans
• Observes children across classrooms with a developmental lens and advises the Center Director on individual children's readiness for classroom transitions
• Partners with families to support and communicate the educational progress and developmental needs of children within their assigned program
• Conducts ongoing performance observations for Teachers and Classroom Assistants and submits documented findings to the Center Director to inform formal performance reviews
• Contributes to NAEYC accreditation portfolio documentation related to curriculum, assessment, and teaching practice standards
• Communicates regularly with the Curriculum and Enrichment Coordinator on curriculum fidelity, enrichment programming, and cross-site alignment
• Ensures SOP adherence and a safe, high-quality learning environment across all classrooms in their assigned program
• Supports ratio coverage as needed during transitions and staffing gaps
• Maintains current expertise in their specialty area through ongoing professional development

Employment Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development required; Bachelor's degree strongly preferred
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential required if Associate's degree is not yet completed
• Minimum 3 years of classroom experience in a high-quality early childhood program
• Demonstrated 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 GOLD
• Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and develop adult learners in a professional setting
• Knowledge of NAEYC Program Standards
• Experience in or commitment to trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and inclusive early childhood practice
• Strong observational, written feedback, and interpersonal communication skills
• Experience in a NAEYC-accredited program preferred
• CPR/First Aid certification required or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire
• Satisfactory background check per SD DSS requirements

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work actively in classroom environments throughout the shift
• Ability to sit on the floor, kneel, crouch, and move at a child's level
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
• Ability to supervise children outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Must be able to respond quickly in emergency situations
• This position is considered to be safety-sensitive