Early Learning Specialist I

Creative School for Children:

The Creative School for Children (CSC) at the University of Central Florida is a dynamic early learning environment where children thrive through hands-on developmentally appropriate experiences and educators are valued as collaborative partners in learning. CSC offers a supportive team-oriented setting that emphasizes creativity family connection and professional growth making it an ideal place for early childhood professionals who want to do meaningful work in a thoughtful university-affiliated program.

The Opportunity:

The Early Learning Specialist I supports a safe nurturing and developmentally appropriate classroom environment for young children enrolled in an early childhood or child development program. The specialist assists instructional staff with lesson implementation supervision documentation developmental support and daily classroom operations to promote childrens social emotional physical and cognitive growth.

Responsibilities:

Child Care & Classroom Operations:

• Ensure the safety supervision and well-being of children at all times through active monitoring by sight and sound.

• Implement programs activities and daily routines appropriate to the developmental level and individual needs of each child.

• Maintain an environment where children are encouraged to learn explore and develop at their own pace.

• Assist with daily classroom operations and support smooth efficient program delivery.

• Adapt to classroom reassignments and provide operational support as needed to meet center needs.

• Perform other related duties as assigned to maintain the safe and effective operation of the classroom and center.

Curriculum Implementation & Child Development:

• Collaborate with lead teachers to implement developmentally appropriate curriculum learning activities and instructional strategies.

• Assist in developing and implementing lesson plans that incorporate individualized developmental goals and align with Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards.

• Support individualized learning experiences that promote childrens cognitive social-emotional physical and language development.

• Communicate and collaborate with instructional staff to support childrens growth and developmental progress.

Assessment & Progress Monitoring:

• Assist with formal and informal child screenings assessments observations and developmental evaluations.

• Utilize observation tools developmental checklists and screening instruments to monitor childrens progress and identify developmental needs.

• Share assessment results and developmental information with families in collaboration with teaching staff.

Behavior Guidance & Social-Emotional Development:

• Support positive behavior management practices in partnership with teachers and families.

• Implement age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate behavior guidance techniques including Conscious Discipline strategies.

• Foster a positive classroom culture that promotes self-regulation social-emotional growth and respectful interactions.

Family Engagement & Communication:

• Maintain positive and professional relationships with children families and colleagues.

• Assist with daily parent communication through ProCare written documentation classroom updates newsletters and parent conferences.

• Communicate childrens progress classroom activities and developmental milestones with families as appropriate.

• Demonstrate sensitivity to the needs and perspectives of children families and staff while supporting the schools mission and educational philosophy.

Classroom Environment Compliance & Safety:

• Maintain classroom environments materials and activity areas in an organized welcoming and developmentally appropriate manner.

• Ensure compliance with Florida Statutes 402.26-402.319 Florida Administrative Code 65C-22.001 Child Care Standards NAEYC Accreditation Standards and Early Learning Leaders Accreditation requirements.

• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all center policies procedures safety protocols and regulatory requirements.

• Demonstrate knowledge of emergency procedures and respond appropriately during emergencies or critical incidents.

Leadership Collaboration & Student Support:

• Guide and mentor UCF student workers volunteers and assistants in appropriate interactions with children.

• Model developmentally appropriate practices and delegate classroom responsibilities as appropriate.

• Contribute to a collaborative team environment and support center-wide initiatives and goals.

• Support the supervision and development of students volunteers and classroom assistants participating in program activities.

Professional Development:

• Attend staff meetings parent meetings workshops and other required training activities.

• Complete annual professional development and training requirements including a minimum of 20 training hours per year.

• Participate in ongoing learning opportunities to maintain knowledge of best practices in early childhood education and child development.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelors degree and 1 years of relevant experience; or High School Diploma (or equivalent) a CDA and 5 years of relevant work experience in lieu of degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219(6).

Incumbents in a licensed childcare facility must meet the requirements of Chapter 402 Florida Statutes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development.

• Possess a Florida Child Care Staff Credential: Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or Florida Staff Credential (FCCPC ECPC CCAC SAPC)

• Experience in a nationally accredited childcare center.

• Knowledge of Conscious Discipline and Reggio Emilia approach.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

• The anticipated salary range for this position is $17.72- $19.15. The final salary will be determined based on the candidates qualifications experience and internal equity considerations.

• This position requires a Level 2 Background Check through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Clearinghouse prior to employment. For more information please visit the FDLE Clearinghouse: is a Contract and Grant (C&G) funded position. Employment is subject to availability of funding and may cease at the time funding for this employment is depleted.

• All applicants must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position and the university cannot accommodate H1B transfers or employment-based visa processing for individuals currently sponsored by another employer.

Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential

As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida we are a community of thinkers doers creators innovators healers and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is when you join Knight Nation youll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. Youll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty staff and students across 12 colleges and multiple campuses engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow youll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills and youll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.

Working at UCF has its perks!UCF offers:

• Benefit packages including Medical Dental Vision Life Insurance Flexible Spending and Employee Assistance Program

• Paid time off including annual and sick time off and paid holidays

• Retirement savings options

• Employee discounts including tickets to many Orlando attractions

• Education assistance

• And moreFor more benefits information view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide.

Dive into our Total Rewards Calculator to discover the diverse selection available to you giving you a glimpse into the benefits that together shape your comprehensive rewards package at UCF.

Unless explicitly stated on the job posting it is UCFs expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

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The University of Central Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

As a Florida public university the University of Central Florida makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.

UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position please call or email .

For general application or posting questions please email .