Early Childhood Education Specialist

Under general supervision, maintains responsibility for assigned classroom or group of children ages 19 months to five years in a child development laboratory school; maintains a developmentally appropriate child-centered program in accordance with the lab school's program philosophy, goals and objectives; plans and implements curriculum; assesses progress and development of children assigned to a classroom/group; when appropriate, meets with parents to discuss their child's progress;

models developmentally appropriate educational techniques for Early Childhood Education (ECE) students; and performs related duties as assigned. The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations.

• Supervises and interacts directly with children both inside and outside of the classroom; implements a program consistent with child development theory and practices; meets the needs of children, families and staff; provides oral and written language experiences appropriate to each child's level of readiness, interest and developmental capability.
• Plans, designs, supervises and implements a developmentally appropriate program for children ages 24 months to five years; incorporates developmentally and culturally appropriate activities; recommends supplies that reflect community diversity; provides models for children to maintain primary language and culture while acquiring a second language.
• Observes and mentors ECE practicum students; demonstrates and provides mentoring on developmentally appropriate methods and practices; monitors and provides feedback on student interactions and performance.
• Conducts DRDP assessments; writes objective developmental descriptions; holds bi-annual conferences with parents to review expectations and progress.
• Develops and implements conflict management and problem-solving strategies with children; assists children in identifying concerns and solutions.
• Assists with nutritional and food handling guidelines; follows appropriate procedures and safety precautions.
• Provides instruction to children on hygiene procedures; follows universal health precautions and written plans for spills.
• Follows emergency procedures, including first aid and CPR; informs staff and parents of policies and assists in drills.
• Maintains all adult and child areas clean, safe, sanitary and orderly; conducts inspections and reports needs; monitors outdoor play areas.
• Invites and encourages family participation; provides information about community resources.
• Follows child abuse reporting procedures as mandated by law.
• Demonstrates sensitivity to historically minoritized groups and participates in professional development to increase cultural competency and equity-minded practices.

• Notifies the Lab School Manager of inventory needs.
• Maintains up-to-date records on children and families.
• Participates in staff meetings, conferences, workshops and training.
• Substitutes for absent staff members.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of

• Principles and practices of child growth and development.
• Current Desired Results (DRDP), Infant/Toddler Environmental Rating Scale (ITERS) and/or Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale (ECERS).
• State of California Title 5 and Title 22 licensing requirements.
• NAEYC accreditation standards.
• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and other relevant laws.
• Health, safety and nutrition requirements.
• Methods of observing, recording and evaluating behavior.
• Principles of student‑teacher mentoring.
• Health and safety regulations for childcare.
• Pediatric emergency first aid and CPR procedures.

Skills and Abilities

• Develop effective relationships with children, families, staff and students.
• Design and implement developmentally appropriate, culturally sensitive learning activities.
• Observe and analyze children’s development and provide feedback.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt effective courses of action.
• Work confidentially and with discretion.
• Engage in interpersonal communication, negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Administer first aid and CPR when needed.
• Support historically minoritized groups and address equity issues.
• Communicate…