Early Childhood Behavioral Specialist-Brookings, SD

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

The…