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. Educators are valued as collaborative partners in learning, fostering a supportive, team-oriented setting that emphasizes creativity, family connection, and professional 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.
• Aid in daily classroom operations and support smooth, efficient program delivery.
• Adapt to classroom reassignments and provide operational support as needed to meet center needs.
• Collaborate with lead teachers to implement developmentally appropriate curriculum, learning activities, and instructional strategies.
• 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.
• Afford 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.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the needs and perspectives of children, families, and staff while supporting the school's mission and educational philosophy.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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.