EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIALIST

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley; Edinburg (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley seeks a full-time Early Childhood Specialist to care for and educate young children in a developmental setting in Edinburg, Texas. The role emphasizes social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development through developmentally appropriate activities.

Requirements include a high school diploma or CDA/12 college credits in related fields, CPR/First Aid certification within 14 days of hire, negative TB test, and successful background checks.

Qualifications

• High school graduation or equivalent; CDA Credential or 12 hours of College credit in Child Care Development/ECE or related field.
• Must obtain Adult/Child/Infant CPR and First Aid Training within 14 working days; negative TB test; FBI background check clearance.

Responsibilities

• Complies with TDHHS minimum standards for a licensed Child Care Center.
• Complies with NAC standards for Early Care and Education Programs.
• Supports implementation of the approved Infant/Toddler/School Age Curriculum.
• Protects health and safety; administers first aid as needed.
• Communicates with parents about child progress; conducts two parent conferences per year.
• Creates a learning environment conducive to language development and emergent literacy.
• Plans and participates in Family and Parent Workshops.
• Participates in planning with Early Childhood Specialist team to meet program objectives.

Skills

Childcare experience

First Aid/CPR

Communication

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

CDA Credential or 12 college credits in ECE

Job description

Number of Vacancies

1

Location

Edinburg, Texas

Department

College of Education and P-16 Integration / Human Development and School Services

FTE

1

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Scope of Job

To care for and educate young children in a childcare environment. Plans and implements developmentally appropriate activities that advance all areas of children’s development and learning, including social emotional, intellectual and physical competence.

Description of Duties

• Complies with the Texas Department of Health and Human Services (TDHHS) minimum standards for a licensed Child Care Center.
• Complies with the national standards of the National Accreditation Commission (NAC) for Early Care and Education Programs.
• Complies with the Texas Rising Star standards and criteria.
• Supports and maintains the implementation of the approved Infant, Toddler and/or /School Age Curriculum.
• Protects the health and safety of children; sanitize the environment as required; inspect classrooms and playgrounds for health/safety hazards; administer first aid as needed to the children.
• Conducts two parent conferences per year, effectively communicates with the parents about their child’s progress and activities, and provides opportunities for parent participation.
• Completes daily meal counts, health checks, accident reports as needed, and other related forms.
• Creates a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the physical, social, and emotional development of children with an emphasis on language development and emergent literacy skills.
• Must demonstrate the ability to support the social and emotional development of children.
• Provides activities and opportunities that encourage curiosity, exploration, and problem-solving appropriate to the development levels of the children.
• Models positive behavior management techniques through daily contact with children and early childhood staff in the classroom.
• Plans, organizes and participates in Family and Parent Workshops.
• Participates in team planning sessions with all Early Childhood Specialist to ensure well-coordinated and effective delivery of project services to meet program objectives.
• Complies with the Texas Department of Agriculture — Special Nutrition Program standards.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervision Received

General supervision from assigned supervisor

Supervision Given

May supervise assigned staff and students.

Required Education

High school graduation or equivalent. Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or 12 hours of College credit in the field of Child Care Development, Early Childhood Education or related field.

Preferred Education

None.

Licenses/Certifications

Upon hire, employee must obtain Adult/Child/Infant CPR and First Aid Training by the American Heart Association or other accredited organization within the first fourteen (14) working days. Must have negative TB test. FBI Criminal Background check clearance.

Required Experience

One (1) year of childcare experience or two (2) semesters of course field study experience in an accredited facility and/or Texas Rising Star facility. Criminal Background Check and background clearance through Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Preferred Experience

More than the required experience in a child development center or other educational facility. Experience working with children of ages 3 months to 4 years. Knowledge of or ability to quickly learn the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Minimum Standards for a Child Care Center and the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Program Criterions.

Equipment

Use of standard office equipment.

Working Conditions

Needs to be able to successfully perform all required duties. Indoor and outdoor environment. Occasional attendance of professional development provided by local entities; attendance at local, state and national conferences; Center/family functions, parent meetings that often occur after hours and on weekends. Evening work may be required.

Other

Must be able to regularly lift 40 pounds with or without accommodation; occasionally lift 10 pounds over head with or without accommodation. Frequent stooping, squatting, bending, sitting, standing, crawling, dancing, rolling on the floor, and performing calisthenics. Tact, diplomacy and judgment necessary in dealing with others. Demonstrated independent decision-making and problem-solving ability. Within the scope of position duties, responsible for seeing that operations are effective and efficient, assets are safeguarded, reliable data is maintained, and applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures are complied with. Annual completion of 30 hours of child development training. Must have negative TB test.

Physical Capabilities

N/A

Employment Category

Full-Time

Minimum Salary

Commensurate with Experience

Posted Salary

Commensurate with Experience

Position Available Date

09/25/2026

Grant Funded Position

Yes

If Yes, Provide Grant Expiration Date

08/31/2027

Posting Detail Information

EEO Statement

It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non-discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.

Additional Information

UTRGV is a distributed location institution and working location is subject to change based on need.

All UTRGV employees are required to have a criminal background check (CBC). Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Substitutions to the above requirements must have prior approval from the VP of Human Resources.