Early Childhood Specialist-Floater

Blue Ridge Community Action, Inc; North Carolina; On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Ridge Community Action, Inc. seeks an Early Childhood Specialist I to support daily classroom operations and help create a safe, nurturing learning environment for young children.

Under the guidance of lead staff, you will assist in implementing activities, maintaining documentation, and ensuring compliance with NC licensing, Head Start, and other program requirements.

This role emphasizes teamwork, confidentiality, and ongoing professional development within BRCA's mission-driven team.

Qualifications

• Must meet NC child care and Head Start licensing requirements for assigned position, including required TB test, physical examination, NC qualifying letter, and applicable documentation
• CPR and First Aid certification required or obtained within the required timeframe

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily classroom activities and routines
• Support implementation of age-appropriate learning activities
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized classroom environment
• Follow all required rules and standards, including NC licensing, Head Start, NC Pre-K, CACFP, and agency policies
• Assist with supervision of children to ensure safety at all times
• Support classroom transitions, meals, and rest periods
• Assist with maintaining accurate attendance records and documentation
• Observe and report children’s development, behavior, and health concerns to lead staff
• Assist with completing required screenings and assessments as directed
• Support lesson plans and classroom activities
• Assist with family engagement activities and communication as needed
• Maintain confidentiality of child and family information
• Participate in required trainings and professional development
• Follow direction from lead staff and supervisors
• May be assigned to assist or temporarily fill in within other classrooms, age groups, or centers as needed to maintain ratios, supervision, and program operations
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Skills

Early childhood basics

Child safety & supervision

Documentation & recordkeeping

Communication with children andfamil

Team collaboration

Organizational skills

Professionalism

Data entry basics

Education

High school diploma

NC licensing education requirements

Enrolled to obtain qualifications

Job description

Who We Are

Blue Ridge Community Action, Inc. (BRCA) is a private, non-profit organization serving Burke, Caldwell, and Rutherford counties since 1965. Our mission, “Helping People. Changing Lives,” reflects our commitment to strengthening communities and supporting individuals and families on their path toward stability and self-sufficiency.

Position Summary

The Early Childhood Specialist I provides support in daily classroom operations and assists in creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for children. Supports implementation of program activities, documentation, and compliance with program requirements under the guidance of lead staff.

Essential Duties / Responsibilities

1. Assist with daily classroom activities and routines
2. Support implementation of age-appropriate learning activities
3. Maintain a safe, clean, and organized classroom environment
4. Follow all required rules and standards, including NC licensing, Head Start, NC Pre-K, CACFP, and agency policies
5. Assist with supervision of children to ensure safety at all times
6. Support classroom transitions, meals, and rest periods
7. Assist with maintaining accurate attendance records and documentation
8. Observe and report children’s development, behavior, and health concerns to lead staff
9. Assist with completing required screenings and assessments as directed
10. Support lesson plans and classroom activities
11. Assist with family engagement activities and communication as needed
12. Maintain confidentiality of child and family information
13. Participate in required trainings and professional development
14. Follow direction from lead staff and supervisors
15. May be assigned to assist or temporarily fill in within other classrooms, age groups, or centers as needed to maintain ratios, supervision, and program operations
16. Perform other related duties as assigned

Skills & Abilities

Core knowledge, competencies, and abilities required to perform the duties of the position effectively.

• Demonstrates basic knowledge of early childhood classroom practices
• Demonstrates understanding of child safety and supervision requirements
• Supports implementation of classroom activities and routines
• Communicates effectively with children, staff, and families
• Supports documentation and recordkeeping requirements
• Maintains a safe, clean, and structured classroom environment
• Works cooperatively as part of a classroom team
• Manages daily tasks and responsibilities effectively
• Uses sound judgment and demonstrates professionalism
• Demonstrates basic computer and data entry skills

Certificates / Licenses

Required or applicable certifications, licenses, or credentials necessary to perform the position.

• Must meet North Carolina child care and Head Start licensing requirements for assigned position, including required TB test, physical examination, NC qualifying letter, and applicable documentation
• CPR and First Aid certification required or obtained within the required timeframe

Education

Minimum and preferred educational qualifications for the position.

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Meets North Carolina child care licensing and education requirements for assigned duties, or is enrolled to obtain required qualifications within established timeframe

Experience

Relevant work experience required or preferred for successful job performance.

• Experience working in a child care or early childhood setting

Other Requirements

• Work as part of a team
• Interact professionally with children, families, staff, and external partners
• Must pass a criminal background check and substance abuse screening
• Maintain confidentiality of child and family information
• Stay organized and follow directions
• Dependable and consistent
• Work flexible hours as needed

Conduct Standards

Behavioral expectations and professional standards required of all employees.

• Recognizes and shows sensitivity to the cultural, ethnic, social, and individual diversity of those served and the community at large
• Maintains strict confidentiality and protects sensitive information at all times
• Demonstrates tact, courtesy, and professionalism when representing the agency to clients, families, coworkers, partners, and the public
• Demonstrates honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct in all work activities
• Follows all agency policies, procedures, safety standards, and applicable program requirements
• Demonstrates dependability, accountability, punctuality, and consistent work performance
• Uses sound judgment and maintains appropriate professional boundaries
• Supports a positive, respectful, safe, and productive work environment
• Demonstrates commitment to continuous quality improvement and professional growth
• Works cooperatively with others to support agency goals and mission

Physical Demands

Physical demands are representative of those required for this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals to perform essential functions.

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. Blue Ridge Community Action, Inc. is an at-will employer. Either the employee or BRCA may terminate employment at any time, with or without cause or notice.