Early Childhood Development Specialist

University of Wisconsin Stout•Stevens Point, WI

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Early Childhood Education Development Specialist (ECEDS) is primarily responsible for consulting with individual children and groups, and supporting 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 cancellations, no school days, and summer break. 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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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
Education/Training/Experience with: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
Education/Training/Experience with: Reggio Emilia
Education/Training/Experience with: Conscious Discipline
Education/Training/Experience with: Outdoor environmental education
Education/Training/Experience with: Portage Guide 3 Assessment, Ages & Stages Developmental screeners

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