Position InformationPosting NumberSRGV7964Working TitleEARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIALISTNumber of Vacancies1LocationEdinburg, TexasDepartmentChild Development CenterFTE1FLSANon-ExemptScope of JobTo 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 ReceivedGeneral supervision from assigned supervisorSupervision GivenMay supervise assigned staff and students.Required EducationHigh 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 EducationNone.Licenses/CertificationsUpon 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 ExperienceOne (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 ExperienceMore 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.EquipmentUse of standard office equipment.Working ConditionsNeeds 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.OtherMust 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. This position will be subject to a pre-employment physical.Physical CapabilitiesN/AEmployment CategoryFull-TimeMinimum SalaryCommensurate With ExperiencePosted SalaryCommensurate with ExperiencePosition Available Date12/13/2024Grant Funded PositionYesIf Yes, Provide Grant Expiration Date09/30/2026Posting Detail InformationEEO StatementIt 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.Special Instructions to ApplicantsDear Applicant, Human Resources will not be held responsible for redacting any confidential information from the documents you attach with your application. The confidential information includes the following: Date of Birth Gender Ethnicity/Race Please make sure that you omit this information prior to submission. We are advising that Human Resources will be forwarding your application to the department as per your submission. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley reserves the right to discontinue accepting applications prior to the stated close date of this position, after meeting the posting requirement of three (3) calendar days. If you have any questions, please visit our Careers site at https://careers.utrgv.edu for detailed contact information.Additional InformationUTRGV 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 HR & Talent Development .Quick Linkhttps://careers.utrgv.edu/postings/45456Posting Supplemental QuestionsRequired fields are indicated with an asterisk ().
Are you a current UTRGV employee?
Yes
No
Are you now, or previously, employed by The University of Texas System or any of its institutions?
Yes - I currently am employed by the UT System or its institutions
Yes - I have previously been employed by the UT System or its institutions
No - I have never been employed by the UT System or its institutions
Please select your highest level of completed education.
6th grade education
10th grade education
High School Diploma or GED
Associates Degree, Technical, or Trade School Degree/Certification or 60 Hours of College Hours
Bachelors Degree from an accredited university
Masters Degree from an accredited university
Ph. D. or other terminal degree from an accredited university
None of the above
Please provide the field of study for your education:
(Open Ended Question)
Please indicate the number of years of work experience you have directly related to the position in which you are applying for:
Less than 1 year
1 year
2 years
3 years
4 years
5 years
6 years
7 years
8 years
9 years
10 years
Over 10 years
Do you meet the minimum requirements for this position?
Yes
No
Applicant DocumentsRequired Documents
Resume
Optional Documents
Cover Letter/Letter of Application
Curriculum Vitae
Unofficial Transcripts
Reference Letter 1
Reference Letter 2
Reference Letter 3
Certifications and Licenses
Training Certificates
Other Document
List of 3 References
Unofficial Transcripts 2
Unofficial Transcripts 3
Letter of Interest
Unofficial Graduate Transcripts
Additional Document