Early Childhood Development Specialist

Early Childhood Development Specialist

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. **

• 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

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 Young Star;
Wisconsin's quality rating program. UCLCC serves a diverse population with approximately 70 children; students, faculty/staff, and the community at large.

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.

• 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

• 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:
• Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards
• National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
• Reggio Emilia
• Conscious Discipline
• Outdoor environmental education
• Portage Guide 3 Assessment, Ages & Stages Developmental screeners

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…