Early Childhood Specialist-Floater

Blue Ridge Community Action • Lenoir, NC

5d

About The Position

The Early Childhood Specialist I supports daily classroom operations and helps create a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for children. Under the guidance of lead staff, the role assists with program activities, documentation, and compliance with applicable program requirements. The specialist may be assigned to other classrooms, age groups, or centers, or temporarily fill in, as needed to maintain ratios, supervision, and program operations.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Meet North Carolina child care licensing and education requirements for assigned duties, or be enrolled to obtain required qualifications within the established timeframe.
• Meet North Carolina child care and Head Start licensing requirements for the assigned position, including a required TB test, physical examination, NC qualifying letter, and applicable documentation.
• CPR and First Aid certification required, or obtained within the required timeframe.
• Experience working in a child care or early childhood setting.
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of early childhood classroom practices and child safety and supervision requirements.
• Communicate effectively with children, staff, and families; work cooperatively as part of a classroom team.
• Support documentation and recordkeeping requirements and demonstrate basic computer and data entry skills.
• Manage daily tasks effectively, stay organized, follow directions, use sound judgment, and demonstrate professionalism and dependability.
• Pass a criminal background check and substance abuse screening.
• Work flexible hours as needed.
• Interact professionally with children, families, staff, and external partners; maintain confidentiality.
• Recognize and show sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, social, and individual diversity.
• Demonstrate honesty, integrity, ethical conduct, accountability, punctuality, appropriate professional boundaries, and commitment to professional growth and continuous quality improvement.
• Follow agency policies, procedures, safety standards, and applicable program requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily classroom activities and routines.
• Support implementation of age-appropriate learning activities, lesson plans, and classroom activities.
• Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and structured classroom environment.
• Follow applicable rules and standards, including North Carolina licensing, Head Start, NC Pre-K, CACFP, and agency policies.
• Assist with supervising children to ensure their safety at all times.
• Support classroom transitions, meals, and rest periods.
• Assist with maintaining accurate attendance records and documentation.
• Observe and report children’s development, behavior, and health concerns to lead staff.
• Assist with required screenings and assessments as directed.
• Assist with family engagement activities and communication as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality of child and family information.
• Participate in required training and professional development.
• Follow direction from lead staff and supervisors.
• Assist or temporarily fill in at other classrooms, age groups, or centers as needed to maintain ratios, supervision, and program operations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED