Child Care Specialist Full-time

Child Care Specialist

The Priscilla Pond Flawn Child and Family Laboratory (UT Lab School) is sponsored by the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences in the School of Human Ecology. The Lab School is an educational, research, and service facility for university students, faculty, and the community at large. It provides a setting for university students to observe, participate, and study children under the supervision of trained Master Teachers. The Lab School is one of the longest continuously running lab schools in the country (96 years!), serving over 100 families throughout the Austin metro area annually.

Purpose To work collaboratively with Lab School faculty and staff to prepare and facilitate quality learning experiences for children and fulfill the mission and goals of our program.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers in classrooms with supervision and care of children. Participate fully in classroom activities. Serve as lead teacher if Master Teacher is absent.
• Assist director and senior administrative associate with administrative projects, including research and professional development workshops for early childhood professionals and Lab School faculty/staff. Assist with child and adult records, including submitting required background checks. Help process enrollment paperwork. Prepare instructional materials for teachers for upcoming school year.
• Collect data through authentic assessment (e.g., photos, anecdotes, portfolios) to document children's development across the school year. Use observational data to assist with curriculum planning and classroom preparation.
• Adhere to all licensing and accreditation standards. Receive at least 24 hours of professional training annually. Maintain current CPR and First Aid certification. Complete an annual self-evaluation and meet with the director to discuss strengths and challenges. Identify areas for growth and seek continuing education in those areas. Attend at least one professional conference during the year.
• Form warm, positive relationships with children and families. Keep student, family, and child information confidential.
• Model best practices in child development, early childhood education, and positive guidance for undergraduate students, families and community observers. Supervise undergraduate students and volunteers as needed.
• Work collaboratively with Lab School faculty and staff to fulfill the mission and goals of the program.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school graduation or GED.
• One year of experience working with young children in a licensed childcare center.
• Willingness to obtain CPR and First Aid certification.
• Willingness to obtain 24 hours of continuing education as required by licensing.
• Demonstrated exceptional communication, collaboration, and organization skills.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in child development or early childhood education.
• More than the required teaching experience in an early childhood classroom.
• Experience working in a NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) accredited program.
• Experience working in a lab school setting.
• Thorough understanding of current licensing and NAEYC accreditation standards.

Salary Range

$40,000+ depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

May work in all weather conditions. May work around standard office conditions. Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation. Use of manual dexterity. Climbing of stairs. Frequent standing, sitting, and kneeling on floor, lifting and moving items under 50 lbs.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest