Early Childhood Development Specialist

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Position Title:

Early Childhood Development Specialist

Job Category:

Academic Staff

Employment Type:

Terminal (Fixed Term)

Job Profile:

Early Childhood Education Development Specialist

Job Duties:

The primary responsibility of the Early Childhood Education Development Specialist (ECEDS) is to consult with individual children and groups and support primary and student teaching staff. They facilitate relevant and reflective discussions pertaining to developmentally appropriate practices, policies, and procedures as well as assisting in supporting, planning, and adapting lessons for a diverse population of needs and behaviors. The ECEDS serves as an educated resource and provides guidance to program staff regarding best practices and developmentally appropriate educational strategies for working with populations with varying needs. This position works in support and collaboration with the program teaching staff and reports directly to the UCLCC Director.

The UCLCC is licensed for 63 children between the ages of 6 weeks through 12 years. Year round, full-day care and flexible scheduling options are available for all age groups. The UCLCC 4K serves eligible 4 and 5 year-olds in collaboration with the Stevens Point Area Public School District in conjunction with the school district’s academic year calendar. School-age programming is available during school cancelations, no school days, and summer break.

**Full position description is available upon request. **

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

• Contributes to the development of program evaluation materials and reviews results for trends and program revisions

• 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

Department:

The purpose of the University Child Learning & Care Center (UCLCC) is to provide quality learning experiences and care for: infants, toddlers, and pre-school age children.  UCLCC’s learning environments are cognitively stimulating, aesthetically pleasing, and foster children’s emotional, social, physical and cognitive growth.  The center’s strong emphasis on family, community and culture is promoted with developmentally appropriate practices and the Reggio Emilia Inspired Approach. Educational learning goals are based on the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards; developed through classroom observation as well as child and program assessments.  UCLCC is nationally accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and rated a 5-star provider by YoungStar; Wisconsin’s quality rating program. UCLCC serves a diverse population with approximately 70 children; students, faculty/staff, and the community at large.

Compensation:

The Early Childhood Development Specialist is a full-time, salaried, exempt, annual (12-month), academic staff, 2-year appointment.

Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary commensurate with the candidate’s education, related experience, and qualifications.

Eligible Universities of Wisconsin employees receive an excellent benefits package. To learn more about the benefits package, review the Universities of Wisconsin Employee Benefits Quick Guide (FA/AS/LI). Use the Health & Retirement Contributions Estimator to calculate the estimated value of your compensation and benefits. 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Special

Education or other closely related field

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Thorough knowledge of principles and techniques of Early Education

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years, verifiable experience working in early childhood education or related field

(school setting, licensed child care center or family in-home program).

• Experience and/or knowledge in special education and working with diverse learners.
• Experience supervising, training, and mentoring staff.
• Experience in an administrative role or administrative duties to lead a team.
• Education/Training/Experience with:

o Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards

o National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

o Reggio Emilia

o Conscious Discipline

o Outdoor environmental education

o Portage Guide 3 Assessment, Ages & Stages Developmental screeners

How to Apply:

TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Applications received by 09/08/2026 are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. 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.

Files must be complete to be considered. Submission in PDF format is preferred for all attachments. Please include the following documents:

- Cover letter addressing qualifications and experience

- Resume

(Official Transcripts will be required of finalist)

After you submit your application, you will be unable to edit it. Please be sure to include all required materials before submitting your application.

Contact Information:

Name: Becky Helf, Director

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 715-346-3127

If you have any questions regarding the application process, need special arrangements, or if you submitted your application with missing materials, please call or email:

Human Resources

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 715-346-2606

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment. UW-Stevens Point does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position.

Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you to supply a minimum of three (3) professional references (one (1) of which being a current or former supervisor). It is preferred that you supply five (5) professional references (two (2) of which being a current or former supervisors). Your references will be required to answer questions regarding misconduct, sexual violence and sexual harassment.

Special Notes:

Through the discovery and dissemination of knowledge, UW-Stevens Point stimulates intellectual growth, provides a liberal education, and prepares students for a diverse sustainable world. The university is committed to creating a safe, inclusive learning community for all faculty and staff from a variety of backgrounds. Visit https://www.uwsp.edu/join-uw-stevens-point/ for more information about UW-Stevens Point. To learn about the Stevens Point (aka Point) area fun, jobs, housing, education, quality of life, and bragging rights, visit www.stevenspointarea.com.

Individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process should contact Human Resources and Affirmative Action at 715-346-2606 or [email protected].

The safety and success of students, faculty, and staff at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is paramount. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires the distribution of an annual security report to all current and prospective students, faculty, and staff. You may obtain the complete report at https://www3.uwsp.edu/protsv/Pages/Clery.aspx

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

An offer of employment will require a criminal background check and authorization to work within the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer:

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.