EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIALIST

The University of Texas System - Rio Grande City, TX

Full-time - Entry Level

Rio Grande City, TX

Educational Services

About the position

The Early Childhood Specialist at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is responsible for caring for and educating young children in a childcare environment. This role involves planning and implementing developmentally appropriate activities that support children's social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development. The specialist will ensure compliance with various health and safety standards while fostering a positive learning environment for children aged 3 months to 4 years.

Responsibilities

• Comply with the Texas Department of Health and Human Services (TDHHS) minimum standards for a licensed Child Care Center.
• Support and maintain the implementation of the approved Infant, Toddler and/or School Age Curriculum.
• Protect the health and safety of children by sanitizing the environment and inspecting classrooms and playgrounds for hazards.
• Conduct two parent conferences per year and communicate effectively with parents about their child's progress.
• Complete daily meal counts, health checks, and accident reports as needed.
• Create a classroom environment conducive to learning, emphasizing language development and emergent literacy skills.
• Provide activities that encourage curiosity, exploration, and problem-solving appropriate to children's development levels.
• Model positive behavior management techniques in daily interactions with children and staff.
• Plan and participate in Family and Parent Workshops.
• Participate in team planning sessions with other Early Childhood Specialists to ensure effective service delivery.

Requirements

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or 12 hours of college credit in Child Care Development, Early Childhood Education, or a related field.
• One year of childcare experience or two semesters of course field study experience in an accredited facility.
• Criminal background check clearance through Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Nice-to-haves

• More than one year of experience in a child development center or educational facility.
• Experience working with children aged 3 months to 4 years.
• Knowledge of Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Minimum Standards for a Child Care Center.

Benefits

• Full-time employment with a salary commensurate with experience.
• Opportunity for professional development through local, state, and national conferences.