Early Childhood Specialist

TITLE: Early Childhood Specialist
REPORTS TO: Early Childhood Center Director
CLASSIFIED: Full Time, Exempt
LOCATION: Flandreau, 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 Specialist is the on-the-floor supervisor across all age groups at the Early Childhood Center, from infants through preschool, and serves as second in command to the Center Director for program quality, curriculum fidelity, and classroom SOPs. The Center Director sets the lesson plans; the Early Childhood Specialist ensures those plans are carried out with fidelity in every classroom and serves as the Director's eyes on the floor, observing children's interests and sharing that feedback so planning remains emergent, interest-led, and inquiry-based. The Specialist promotes continuity of care across all age groups, makes sure every child receives a high-quality early childhood experience, and coaches and retrains teachers in play-based, emergent, and project-based learning practices. In the Center Director's absence, the Early Childhood Specialist leads program quality, curriculum fidelity, and classroom SOP adherence. 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:
Program Quality and Curriculum Fidelity

• Serves as the on-the-floor supervisor across all age groups and second in command to the Center Director for program quality and curriculum fidelity, carrying out the Director's direction and priorities in every classroom.
• Ensures lesson plans set by the Center Director are implemented with fidelity in all Infant, Toddler, and Preschool classrooms, including environmental setup, provocations, and enrichment.
• Observes and documents children's interests, questions, and play across classrooms and provides regular feedback to the Center Director so lesson planning remains emergent, interest-led, and inquiry-based.
• Promotes continuity of care and curriculum fidelity across all age groups, so children experience consistent relationships, routines, and learning as they grow and transition between classrooms.
• Ensures every child receives a high-quality early childhood experience, with developmentally appropriate, play-based learning in every classroom.
• Coaches, retrains, and reteaches Teachers on play-based, emergent, and project-based learning practices, as directed by the Center Director or as observation shows a need.
• 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.
• Partners with Teachers on Teaching Strategies GOLD (TSG GOLD) assessment practices, ensuring observation documentation and checkpoints are completed on time, and shares assessment insights with the Center Director to inform planning.
• Identifies individual Teacher development needs and collaborates with the Center Director 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 across the center.
• 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.
• Maintains current knowledge of early childhood best practices across all age groups through ongoing professional development.

Classroom SOPs

• Ensures SOP adherence and a safe, high-quality learning environment across all classrooms.
• Holds Teachers and Classroom Assistants accountable to classroom SOPs, addressing gaps through coaching and reporting ongoing concerns to the Center Director.
• Conducts routine classroom and environment checks for compliance with SD DSS licensing regulations, NAEYC standards, and Club health and safety policies.
• Supports ratio coverage as needed during transitions and staffing gaps.

In the Center Director's Absence

• Serves as the lead for program quality, curriculum fidelity, and classroom SOPs when the Center Director is out, making in-the-moment decisions in these areas consistent with the Director's direction.
• Addresses classroom practice, SOP, and safety concerns as they arise, documenting them and escalating matters outside this scope to Club leadership as appropriate.
• Responds to family questions about classroom practice and children's learning and development.
• Provides the Center Director with a summary of significant classroom issues, decisions, and follow-up items upon their return.

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; lead teacher, coaching, or supervisory experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice across all age groups, from infants through 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 and to hold staff accountable to established procedures.
• Knowledge of NAEYC Program Standards and SD DSS child care licensing regulations.
• Sound judgment and the ability to make decisions and remain calm under pressure.
• Experience in or commitment to trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and inclusive early childhood practice.
• Strong observational, written feedback, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Understanding of continuity of care practices.
• Strong working knowledge of play-based, emergent, and project-based learning, with the ability to train and coach Teachers in these approaches.
• 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.

The 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.