Behavior Support Specialist

Position Summary

The Behavior Support Specialist is responsible for promoting positive social-emotional development and supporting children who demonstrate challenging behaviors within the early childhood setting. This position collaborates with teachers, families, administrators, and community resources to implement evidence-based behavior support strategies, foster inclusive classroom environments, and enhance staff capacity in meeting the diverse needs of children. The Behavior Support Specialist serves as a resource for social-emotional learning, behavior intervention, and family engagement while ensuring compliance with all applicable licensing and program standards.

Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesChild and Classroom Support

• Observe children in classrooms to assess social-emotional and behavioral needs.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized behavior support plans using CCA philosophy and in collaboration with teaching staff and families.
• Model effective classroom management and positive behavior support strategies.
• Provide direct support to children experiencing difficulties with emotional regulation, peer interactions, transitions, or challenging behaviors.
• Assist staff in implementing developmentally appropriate practices that promote self-regulation, social competence, and inclusion.
• Support classrooms in creating predictable routines and nurturing learning environments.

Staff Coaching and Professional Development

• Provide coaching, mentoring, and consultation to teaching staff regarding behavior guidance techniques, use of behavior logs, and social-emotional development.
• Offer training and professional development opportunities on topics including:
• Positive behavior supports
• Trauma-informed care
• De-escalation strategies
• Social-emotional learning
• Inclusion practices
• Developmentally appropriate behavior expectations
• Assist with identifying classroom strategies to reduce challenging behaviors and improve engagement.

Family Support and Collaboration

• Build positive relationships with families and serve as a resource regarding child behavior and social-emotional development.
• Participate in family conferences to discuss concerns, progress, and support strategies.
• Provide families with educational resources and referrals to community agencies when appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions with children and families.

Program Collaboration and Compliance

• Collaborate with administration to support licensing standards, quality improvement initiatives, and program goals.
• Maintain accurate records of observations, interventions, progress monitoring, and family communication.
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and collaborate with outside providers and specialists as authorized by families.
• Support implementation of social-emotional curricula and program-wide positive behavior initiatives.
• Assist in crisis response and behavior intervention when necessary.

Qualifications

Candidates must meet Illinois Director Qualification requirements and possess one of the following educational pathways:

Option 1

• Bachelor’s Degree in ECE or LBS1

Option 2

• Completion of the equivalent of 64 semester hours (96 quarter hours) in any discipline, including at least 21 semester hours (31.5 quarter hours) in:
• Child Development;
• Early Childhood Education; or
• Early Childhood Special Education;

AND one of the following:

• Gateways to Opportunity Level I Illinois Director Credential; or
• Three semester hours (4.5 quarter hours) in child care administration, leadership, or management; or
• Three points of credential-approved training in child care administration, leadership, or management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with young children exhibiting challenging behaviors.
• Knowledge of social-emotional learning frameworks, behavior intervention planning, and trauma-informed practices.
• Experience coaching adults and facilitating professional development.
• Familiarity with Illinois early childhood regulations, licensing standards, and quality initiatives.
• Strong communication, collaboration, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to actively supervise children in classroom and outdoor environments.
• Ability to sit on the floor, bend, kneel, lift up to 40 pounds, and respond quickly in emergency situations.
• Ability to use a computer and maintain electronic documentation.

Work Environment

This position works primarily within an early childhood educational setting and requires frequent interaction with children, families, teaching staff, and community partners. Flexibility in schedule and occasional evening meetings for family conferences or professional development may be required.

Pay: $52,000.00 - $58,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $52,000 - $58,000