Early Childhood Behavioral Specialist

Early Childhood Behavioral Specialist

Early Childhood Center Director

Full-Time, Exempt |

LOCATION:

Brookings, SD

To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.