About the role
TITLE: Early Childhood Behavioral Specialist REPORTS TO: Early Childhood Center Director CLASSIFIED: Full-Time, Exempt LOCATION: Brookings, SD
MISSION: 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 SUMMARY: The Early Childhood Behavioral Specialist supports the social, emotional, and behavioral development of children ages 6 weeks to 5 years in a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment. This position collaborates closely with teachers, families, and program leadership to implement positive behavior support strategies, promote emotional well-being, and ensure that all children have the opportunity to thrive in early learning settings.
The Behavioral Specialist serves as a resource for staff and families by providing coaching, behavior intervention strategies, developmental guidance, and support services that foster healthy social-emotional growth and school readiness.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Child Support & Intervention * Observe and assess children's social-emotional and behavioral development. * Develop and implement individualized behavior support plans when needed. * Utilize evidence-based positive behavior support techniques. * Support children experiencing challenges with self-regulation, peer interactions, transitions, and emotional development. * Model appropriate behavioral interventions for teachers and caregivers. * Monitor progress and adjust intervention strategies as needed.
Staff Collaboration & Coaching * Partner with teachers to create developmentally appropriate classroom management strategies. * Provide coaching and training on positive guidance techniques. * Assist staff in identifying social-emotional concerns and developmental milestones. * Support classroom environments that promote inclusion, belonging, and emotional safety. * Participate in team meetings and program planning sessions.
Family Engagement * Build positive relationships with parents and guardians. * Provide resources and education related to child development and behavior management. * Conduct family conferences regarding behavioral concerns and progress. * Collaborate with families to ensure consistency between home and school support strategies. * Connect families with community resources and support services when appropriate.
Program Support * Assist in implementing social-emotional learning initiatives. * Maintain accurate documentation of observations, interventions, and outcomes. * Ensure compliance with licensing regulations and organizational policies. * Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and referrals when necessary. * Support inclusion practices for children with diverse developmental needs.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: * This position works primarily in early childhood classrooms serving infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. The environment is active, fast-paced, and focused on creating safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate experiences for young children.
EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS:
Required * Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, Child Development, Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Behavioral Sciences, or a related field. * Minimum of two years of experience working with young children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. * Knowledge of child development and early childhood behavioral health. * Experience implementing positive behavior support strategies. * Strong communication and interpersonal skills. * Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
Preferred * Master's degree in a related field. * Experience in an early childhood education or childcare setting. * Training in trauma-informed care, social-emotional learning, or behavioral intervention. * Experience working with diverse populations and children with special needs.
REQUIRED SKILLS: * Knowledge of infant, toddler, and preschool development. * Ability to assess behavioral and developmental concerns. * Strong coaching and mentoring skills. * Effective conflict resolution and problem-solving abilities. * Excellent verbal and written communication. * Ability to build trusting relationships with children, families, and staff. * Strong organizational and documentation skills.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: * Ability to move throughout classrooms and outdoor play areas. * Ability to lift and carry children and equipment up to 40 pounds as necessary. * Ability to sit, stand, bend, kneel, and engage in active play with children. * Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations. * This position is considered to be safety-sensitive.