ECE Child Development Specialist

Boys and Girls Club of the Northern Plains•Flandreau, SD

1d•$58,000 - $65,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Child Development Specialist is the curriculum and early childhood education expert for their assigned program — either Infant/Toddler or Preschool. This is a coaching-centered leadership role whose primary purpose is developing teachers: building their instructional confidence, deepening their curriculum knowledge, and improving the quality of learning experiences for children over time. The Child Development Specialist works actively on the floor throughout the day and is not counted in ratio, allowing full freedom of movement across classrooms to observe, coach, model, and support teaching staff. This role is grounded in the belief that strong teachers create strong programs.

Requirements

Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development required; Bachelor's degree strongly preferred
Child Development Associate (CDA) credential required if Associate's degree is not yet completed
Minimum 3 years of classroom experience in a high-quality early childhood program
Demonstrated expertise in developmentally appropriate practice for their specialty area (Infant/Toddler or Preschool)
Experience with or strong working knowledge of Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies GOLD
Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and develop adult learners in a professional setting
Knowledge of NAEYC Program Standards
Experience in or commitment to trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and inclusive early childhood practice
Strong observational, written feedback, and interpersonal communication skills
CPR/First Aid certification required or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire
Satisfactory background check per SD DSS requirements
Ability to work actively in classroom environments throughout the shift
Ability to sit on the floor, kneel, crouch, and move at a child's level
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
Ability to supervise children outdoors in varying weather conditions
Must be able to respond quickly in emergency situations

Nice To Haves

Experience in a NAEYC-accredited program preferred

Responsibilities

Serves as the early childhood education and curriculum expert for their assigned program, providing the coaching, modeling, and instructional support Teachers need to grow in their practice
Conducts regular, structured classroom observations followed by timely written feedback and one-on-one coaching conversations
Models developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive teaching practices directly in the classroom
Guides Teachers in the daily implementation of Creative Curriculum — including lesson planning, provocation design, environmental setup, and enrichment
Partners with Teachers on Teaching Strategies GOLD (TSG GOLD) assessment practices, providing coaching on observation documentation, checkpoint completion, and use of assessment data to inform planning
Identifies individual Teacher development needs and collaborates with the Center Director and Senior Director of Early Childhood on targeted professional development plans
Observes children across classrooms with a developmental lens and advises the Center Director on individual children's readiness for classroom transitions
Partners with families to support and communicate the educational progress and developmental needs of children within their assigned program
Conducts ongoing performance observations for Teachers and Classroom Assistants and submits documented findings to the Center Director to inform formal performance reviews
Contributes to NAEYC accreditation portfolio documentation related to curriculum, assessment, and teaching practice standards
Communicates regularly with the Center Director & Senior Director of Early Childhood on curriculum fidelity, enrichment programming, and cross-site alignment
Ensures SOP adherence and a safe, high-quality learning environment across all classrooms in their assigned program
Supports ratio coverage as needed during transitions and staffing gaps
Maintains current expertise in their specialty area through ongoing professional development