Early Childhood Behavior Specialist - Head Start

Oregon State University; Corvallis (OR); On-site; USD 44,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Oregon State University’s Child Development Center in the College of Health seeks up to three short-term Head Start Behavior Specialists. These full-time, 9-month roles support PBIS, conduct classroom observations, and manage behavioral data using ChildPlus, partnering with families to apply consistent behavior strategies.

Required are a relevant Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of experience with young children’s social-emotional needs; Oregon Registry Step 10+; health and safety training;

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Special Education, Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Behavioral Sciences, or a related field.
• Three years of demonstrated experience supporting young children with social-emotional and behavioral needs in an early childhood setting.
• Oregon Registry Step 10 or higher
• Completion of required Health and Safety Training within 30 days of hire.
• Current Infant/Child CPR, First Aid, and Bloodborne Pathogens certification within 90 days of hire.
• Strong understanding of child development, early childhood mental health, trauma-informed practices, and positive behavior support.
• Ability to collect and analyze behavioral data and use findings to inform intervention planning.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, coaching, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with children, families, educators, and community partners.
• Commitment to culturally responsive, inclusive, and equitable practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data management systems such as ChildPlus.

Responsibilities

• Provide regular, hands-on support to teachers and aides in implementing Tier 1 and Tier 2 PBIS and Pyramid Model practices.
• Conduct formal, objective classroom observations of children exhibiting persistent or intensive behavioral challenges.
• Maintain accurate and confidential behavioral records, documenting, tracking, and analyzing child behavior data using program-approved systems such as ChildPlus.
• Partner with parents and caregivers to share behavioral insights, gather relevant family and developmental history, and support consistent implementation of behavior support strategies across home and school environments.
• Participate in ongoing professional development to strengthen capacity in supporting children with behavioral and mental health needs.
• Ensure all behavioral documentation is maintained in accordance with FERPA, HIPAA, and applicable Oregon DELC regulations.
• Promote safe, inclusive learning environments by helping educators prevent suspensions and expulsions through proactive behavioral support and classroom management practices.

Skills

PBIS implementation

Observation/assessment

Data analysis

Family communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in ECE/Child Development/Related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

ChildPlus

Microsoft Office

Job description

Oregon State University’s Child Development Center in the College of Health seeks up to three short-term Head Start Behavior Specialists. These full-time, 9-month roles support PBIS, conduct classroom observations, and manage behavioral data using ChildPlus, partnering with families to apply consistent behavior strategies.

Required are a relevant Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of experience with young children’s social-emotional needs; Oregon Registry Step 10+; health and safety training;