Social Emotional Development Specialist

The Social Emotional and Development Specialist is responsible for improving staff performance in delivering high-quality educational services and individualized support to children and families. This includes coaching staff using a practice-based model, conducting regular observations and assessments, and providing feedback to help staff grow professionally. The specialist builds supportive relationships with staff, helps them set clear goals for improving teaching practices, and models effective classroom strategies. They also increase staff knowledge about early childhood development, social-emotional skills, positive guidance, curriculum planning, and school readiness.

In addition, the specialist supports staff in meeting the developmental, social, emotional, and behavioral needs of individual children. They provide training, consultation, and resources, assist with behavioral screenings and intervention planning, and promote the use of the Pyramid Model to support children's development. The specialist partners with staff and families to address behavioral concerns, maintains necessary documentation, and collaborates with health services to identify any health issues that may affect child development.

The role also includes providing leadership support to center operations when the Early Childhood Coordinator or classroom staff are absent, ensuring the center meets licensing and federal standards. Finally, the specialist engages with community partners and mental health agencies to advocate for children and families and to enhance services through collaboration and partnership agreements.

• Provides guidance and feedback to students and staff on assignments and projects within the early childhood education curriculum and maintains confidentiality of internal and external stakeholders

• Provides recommendations and feedback to unit leadership based on discoveries in mentoring groups

• Facilitates mentoring groups with discussions based on individualized cases, program content, and relevant published readings to various audiences

• Develops content and provides instruction in areas of expertise in the field of infant, early childhood, and family mental health, utilizing effective adult learning strategies

• Contributes to the development of program evaluation materials and reviews results for trends and program revisions

Head Start

Base Salary $56,135.59

Prorated salary of $49,680 for 46 weeks of work each year starting last week in July through first week in June

• Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education or relevant degree.

• 2 years of experience as lead early childhood teacher.

• Knowledge of and experience with developmental screenings and appropriate observation/assessment methods.

• Experience working with children and families of children with social, emotional, behavioral and/or developmental needs.

• Experience in leading, mentoring and supporting effective, high-quality, child-development services.

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel and familiar with Google Drive.

• Master's degree in early childhood education or relevant degree

• 2 or more years of Early Childhood Education leadership experience

• Knowledge of Family Services philosophy

• 2 or more years experience implementing the High/Scope curriculum

• Pyramid Model or Conscious Discipline participation for 2 or more years or training completion.

• Practice Based Coaching Model participation for 2 or more years or certification

• 2 or more years experience accessing appropriate community resources

• Proficient use of Child Plus

Applicants must submit the following documents using the online application:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

*Please use your application materials to speak to each of the qualifications for this position as listed above. Be sure to describe your relevant experience and areas of expertise, using specific examples from your work and education history. Applicants must complete all required fields and attach all required documents prior to submitting the online application.

All final candidates will be asked to provide names, email contact information, and/or phone numbers for three (3) references, with at least one being from a manager or supervisor, during the interview process.

Note: Once you have attached your materials and submitted your application, you will not be able to go into the system and change them.

To Ensure Consideration: Applications received by the end of the day on 10/01/2025 are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration.

For questions regarding your application and additional options to apply, contact Human Resources at recruitment@uwosh.edu or 920-424-1166.

Reasonable Accommodations

UWO provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact hroffice@uwosh.eduor 920-424-1166. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWO is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin's Open Records Law. UWO will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin's Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of "final candidates" and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.

CBC & Reference Check Policy
All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

Work Authorization
Unless otherwise indicated in the job posting, the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. UW Oshkosh is not an e-verify employer; therefore, STEM extensions are not options for work authorization.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

For the UWO Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see https://uwosh.edu/police/, or call UWO Police Department, at (920) 424-1212 for a paper copy.

EEO Statement
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.