Early Childhood Social Worker

About the role

The Early Childhood Social Worker serves as a vital bridge between emotional health and school success. This role focuses on implementing the Conscious Discipline framework to foster a safe, connected, and regulated learning environment for both students and staff.

Responsibilities

• Student Support & Intervention
  • Facilitate Emotional Regulation: Utilize Conscious Discipline techniques (e.g., the Brain State Model) to help students move from survival or emotional states to an executive state of learning.
  • Direct Support: Conduct individual and small-group sessions focusing on social-emotional skills, self-regulation, and conflict resolution.
  • Crisis Management: Provide immediate, trauma-informed de-escalation support using the "Safe Place" philosophy and breathing techniques.
  • Advocacy: Act as a voice for the child's social and emotional needs within the classroom and home environment.
• Teacher & Staff Collaboration
  • Classroom Coaching: Partner with teachers to integrate Conscious Discipline structures, modeling the adult first philosophy.
  • Modeling Practices: Demonstrate how to transform discipline encounters into teaching moments for life skills.
  • Professional Development: Lead workshops on best practice in the field of social and emotional development and the powers/skills of Conscious Discipline.
  • Consultation: Assist teachers in interpreting challenging behaviors as "calls for help" and developing individualized behavior plans.
• Family & Community Engagement
  • Home-School Connection: Educate parents and caregivers on Conscious Discipline principles to ensure consistency between home and school environments.
  • Resource Coordination: Connect families with community mental health resources, medical services, and basic needs support.
  • Transition Support: Assist families and students with the transition into early childhood programs or into elementary school settings.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) or related field.
• Licensure: Valid State Social Work license (LMSW/LCSW) or School Social Worker certification.
• Expertise: Deep understanding of Conscious Discipline (certification preferred) and early childhood brain development.
• Approach: Compassionate, patient, and able to maintain a calm presence in high-stress situations.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal skills for effectively collaborating with diverse teams of educators and families.