Early Learning Specialist I

About the role

The Creative School for Children (CSC) at the University of Central Florida is a dynamic early learning environment where children thrive through hands-on, developmentally appropriate experiences and educators are valued as collaborative partners in learning. CSC offers a supportive, team-oriented setting that emphasizes creativity, family connection, and professional growth — making it an ideal place for early childhood professionals who want to do meaningful work in a thoughtful, university-affiliated program.

The Early Learning Specialist I supports a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment for young children enrolled in an early childhood or child development program. The specialist assists instructional staff with lesson implementation, supervision, documentation, developmental support, and daily classroom operations to promote children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety, supervision, and well-being of children at all times through active monitoring by sight and sound.
• Implement programs, activities, and daily routines appropriate to the developmental level and individual needs of each child.
• Maintain an environment where children are encouraged to learn, explore, and develop at their own pace.
• Assist with daily classroom operations and support smooth, efficient program delivery.
• Adapt to classroom reassignments and provide operational support as needed to meet center needs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to maintain the safe and effective operation of the classroom and center.
• Collaborate with lead teachers to implement developmentally appropriate curriculum, learning activities, and instructional strategies.
• Assist in developing and implementing lesson plans that incorporate individualized developmental goals and align with Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards.
• Support individualized learning experiences that promote children's cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and language development.
• Communicate and collaborate with instructional staff to support children's growth and developmental progress.
• Assist with formal and informal child screenings, assessments, observations, and developmental evaluations.
• Utilize observation tools, developmental checklists, and screening instruments to monitor children's progress and identify developmental needs.
• Share assessment results and developmental information with families in collaboration with teaching staff.
• Support positive behavior management practices in partnership with teachers and families.
• Implement age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate behavior guidance techniques, including Conscious Discipline strategies.
• Foster a positive classroom culture that promotes self-regulation, social-emotional growth, and respectful interactions.
• Maintain positive and professional relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
• Assist with daily parent communication through ProCare, written documentation, classroom updates, newsletters, and parent conferences.
• Communicate children's progress, classroom activities, and developmental milestones with families as appropriate.
• Maintain classroom environments, materials, and activity areas in an organized, welcoming, and developmentally appropriate manner.
• Ensure compliance with Florida Statutes 402.26-402.319, Florida Administrative Code 65C-22.001 Child Care Standards, NAEYC Accreditation Standards, and Early Learning Leaders Accreditation requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all center policies, procedures, safety protocols, and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrate knowledge of emergency procedures and respond appropriately during emergencies or critical incidents.
• Guide and mentor UCF student workers, volunteers, and assistants in appropriate interactions with children.
• Model developmentally appropriate practices and delegate classroom responsibilities as appropriate.
• Contribute to a collaborative team environment and support center-wide initiatives and goals.
• Support the supervision and development of students, volunteers, and classroom assistants participating in program activities.
• Attend staff meetings, parent meetings, workshops, and other required training activities.
• Complete annual professional development and training requirements, including a minimum of 20 training hours per year.
• Participate in ongoing learning opportunities to maintain knowledge of best practices in early childhood education and child development.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 1+ years of relevant experience; or High School Diploma (or equivalent), a CDA and 5+ years of relevant work experience in lieu of degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219(6). Incumbents in a licensed childcare facility must meet the requirements of Chapter 402, Florida Statutes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development.
• Possess a Florida Child Care Staff Credential: Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, or Florida Staff Credential (FCCPC, ECPC, CCAC, SAPC)
• Experience in a nationally accredited childcare center.
• Knowledge of Conscious Discipline and Reggio Emilia approach.

Benefits

• Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program
• Paid time off, including annual and sick time off and paid holidays
• Retirement savings options
• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions
• Education assistance

Pay

The anticipated salary range for this position is $17.72- $19.15. The final salary will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and internal equity considerations.

Schedule

Monday-Friday 8:15am-4:45pm