Early Childhood Behavioral Specialist

Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains, Inc.; Brookings (SD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains, Inc. in Brookings, SD, seeks an Early Childhood Behavioral Specialist to support social-emotional and behavioral development for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years in a nurturing learning environment.

You will collaborate with staff, families, and leadership to implement positive behavior support, promote emotional well-being, and ensure all children thrive in early learning settings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or related field.
• Minimum of two years of experience with children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.
• Knowledge of child development and early childhood behavioral health.
• Experience implementing positive behavior support strategies.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.

Responsibilities

• Observe and assess children's social-emotional and behavioral development.
• Develop and implement individualized behavior support plans when needed.
• Utilize evidence-based positive behavior support techniques.
• Support children experiencing challenges with self-regulation, peer interactions, transitions, and emotional development.
• Model appropriate behavioral interventions for teachers and caregivers.
• Monitor progress and adjust intervention strategies as needed.

Skills

Infant/toddler development

Behavior assessment

Coaching

Communication

Documentation

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related field

Job description

TITLE: Early Childhood Behavioral Specialist

REPORTS TO: Early Childhood Center Director

CLASSIFIED: Full-Time, Exempt

LOCATION: Brookings, SD

MISSION: To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.

JOB SUMMARY: The Early Childhood Behavioral Specialist supports the social, emotional, and behavioral development of children ages 6 weeks to 5 years in a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment. This position collaborates closely with teachers, families, and program leadership to implement positive behavior support strategies, promote emotional well-being, and ensure that all children have the opportunity to thrive in early learning settings.

The Behavioral Specialist serves as a resource for staff and families by providing coaching, behavior intervention strategies, developmental guidance, and support services that foster healthy social-emotional growth and school readiness.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Child Support & Intervention

• Observe and assess children's social-emotional and behavioral development.
• Develop and implement individualized behavior support plans when needed.
• Utilize evidence-based positive behavior support techniques.
• Support children experiencing challenges with self-regulation, peer interactions, transitions, and emotional development.
• Model appropriate behavioral interventions for teachers and caregivers.
• Monitor progress and adjust intervention strategies as needed.

Staff Collaboration & Coaching

• Partner with teachers to create developmentally appropriate classroom management strategies.
• Provide coaching and training on positive guidance techniques.
• Assist staff in identifying social-emotional concerns and developmental milestones.
• Support classroom environments that promote inclusion, belonging, and emotional safety.
• Participate in team meetings and program planning sessions.

Family Engagement

• Build positive relationships with parents and guardians.
• Provide resources and education related to child development and behavior management.
• Conduct family conferences regarding behavioral concerns and progress.
• Collaborate with families to ensure consistency between home and school support strategies.
• Connect families with community resources and support services when appropriate.

Program Support

• Assist in implementing social-emotional learning initiatives.
• Maintain accurate documentation of observations, interventions, and outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with licensing regulations and organizational policies.
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and referrals when necessary.
• Support inclusion practices for children with diverse developmental needs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position works primarily in early childhood classrooms serving infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. The environment is active, fast-paced, and focused on creating safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate experiences for young children.

EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, Child Development, Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Behavioral Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of two years of experience working with young children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.
• Knowledge of child development and early childhood behavioral health.
• Experience implementing positive behavior support strategies.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.

Preferred

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Experience in an early childhood education or childcare setting.
• Training in trauma-informed care, social-emotional learning, or behavioral intervention.
• Experience working with diverse populations and children with special needs.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Knowledge of infant, toddler, and preschool development.
• Ability to assess behavioral and developmental concerns.
• Strong coaching and mentoring skills.
• Effective conflict resolution and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with children, families, and staff.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to move throughout classrooms and outdoor play areas.
• Ability to lift and carry children and equipment up to 40 pounds as necessary.
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, kneel, and engage in active play with children.
• Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations.
• This position is considered to be safety-sensitive.