Behavioral Therapist

LB3C; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision/401K

Paid federal holidays/sick leave

Job summary

Laura’s Barn Preschool & Child Care Center in Seaside, CA is seeking a Behavioral Therapist to support emotional, social, and behavioral development of children ages 0-5. You will work with teachers, families, and support staff to implement individualized behavior plans and social-emotional learning strategies in a nurturing early childhood setting.

The role emphasizes collaboration, staff training, and guiding families toward consistent, structured environments that foster developmental success

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Behavioral Science, Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field.
• Experience working with young children (0-5) in a behavioral support role.
• Strong knowledge of behavioral intervention strategies, social-emotional learning, and early childhood development.
• Ability to implement individualized behavior plans and support children with developmental or behavioral challenges.
• Pass Live Scan background check, TB test, and required immunizations.
• Completion of Mandated Child Abuse Reporter Training (or willingness to complete).

Responsibilities

• Observe and assess children’s behavioral, emotional, and social needs in the classroom.
• Develop and implement individualized behavior intervention plans (BIPs) to support children with developmental, emotional, or behavioral challenges.
• Utilize positive reinforcement and evidence-based strategies to encourage positive behaviors.
• Teach children self-regulation, conflict resolution, and social-emotional skills through structured activities and play-based interactions.
• Collaboration with Teachers & Staff
• Work closely with teachers and aides to integrate behavior support strategies into daily classroom routines.
• Provide staff training and coaching on effective classroom management techniques and behavioral interventions.
• Support teachers in creating an inclusive and developmentally appropriate learning environment.
• Family Engagement & Support
• Communicate regularly with families, offering strategies, guidance, and resources for supporting their child’s development at home.
• Conduct family meetings and consultations to discuss progress, challenges, and collaborative approaches.
• Partner with parents to reinforce consistent behavioral strategies across home and school settings.
• Record-Keeping & Compliance
• Maintain detailed documentation of behavioral observations, interventions, and progress reports.
• Ensure compliance with Title 22 child care licensing requirements and best practices in early childhood behavioral support.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and ongoing training.
• Collaboration with External Specialists (If Needed)
• Work with speech therapists, occupational therapists, early intervention specialists, and psychologists to ensure comprehensive care for children with additional support needs.
• Assist in referral processes when children require additional external behavioral or developmental services.

Skills

Experience with young children (0-5)

Behavioral intervention strategies

Family engagement

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology

Job description

The Behavioral Therapist at Laura’s Barn Preschool & Child Care Center plays a crucial role in supporting the emotional, social, and behavioral development of young children in a nurturing early childhood setting. This individual will work closely with teachers, administrators, families, and support staff to implement individualized behavioral interventions, social-emotional learning strategies, and positive behavior support plans tailored to the needs of children aged 0-5 years old. The Behavioral Therapist will provide direct support to children, collaborate with classroom teachers and staff, and offer guidance to families to ensure a consistent, supportive, and structured environment that fosters children’s emotional growth and developmental success.

Hilb Avenue, Seaside

Job Hours

Assigned Hours

Wage

Benefits available after completion of 90 day probation. Medical/Dental/Vision/401K & Paid Federal Holidays/Sick Pay 48 hour accumulated annually.

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Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Behavioral Science, Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field
• Experience working with young children (ages 0-5) in a behavioral support role
• Strong knowledge of behavioral intervention strategies, social-emotional learning, and early childhood development
• Ability to implement individualized behavior plans and support children with developmental or behavioral challenges
• Must pass Live Scan background check, TB test, and required immunizations
• Completion of Mandated Child Abuse Reporter Training (or willingness to complete)

Key Responsibilities

• Observe and assess children’s behavioral, emotional, and social needs in the classroom.
• Develop and implement individualized behavior intervention plans (BIPs) to support children with developmental, emotional, or behavioral challenges.
• Utilize positive reinforcement and evidence-based strategies to encourage positive behaviors.
• Teach children self-regulation, conflict resolution, and social-emotional skills through structured activities and play-based interactions.
• Collaboration with Teachers & Staff
• Work closely with teachers and aides to integrate behavior support strategies into daily classroom routines.
• Provide staff training and coaching on effective classroom management techniques and behavioral interventions.
• Support teachers in creating an inclusive and developmentally appropriate learning environment.
• Family Engagement & Support
• Communicate regularly with families, offering strategies, guidance, and resources for supporting their child’s development at home.
• Conduct family meetings and consultations to discuss progress, challenges, and collaborative approaches.
• Partner with parents to reinforce consistent behavioral strategies across home and school settings.
• Record-Keeping & Compliance
• Maintain detailed documentation of behavioral observations, interventions, and progress reports.
• Ensure compliance with Title 22 child care licensing requirements and best practices in early childhood behavioral support.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and ongoing training.
• Collaboration with External Specialists (If Needed)
• Work with speech therapists, occupational therapists, early intervention specialists, and psychologists to ensure comprehensive care for children with additional support needs.
• Assist in referral processes when children require additional external behavioral or developmental services.

Preferred Skills

• Master’s Degree in Behavioral Science, Psychology, Special Education, or a related field
• Certification in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification
• Familiarity with Title 22 child care licensing requirements
• Experience working in a preschool or early childhood education setting
• Strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with staff, children, and families

Why Join Laura’s Barn?

• Collaborative and supportive team environment
• Opportunity to make a lasting impact on children’s emotional and social growth
• Professional development and growth opportunities
• Work in a child-centered, milestone-based learning environment