SEAM & Behavior Specialist
2 days ago
Saint Louis
Job Description SEAM & Behavior Specialist Reports to: Program Director FLSA Classification: Exempt Status: Full-Time Gender: Any Shift: Varies THE CENTER The Flance Early Learning Center is a diverse early childhood community that respects and nurtures children and adults in a trusting culture of love, empathy, compassion, and joy. An integral part of our mission and practice is to develop partnerships with families and community organizations that prepare and empower children to embrace learning, a strong sense of self, and social connection as essential tools for growth and achievement. Overall Responsibility The SEAM & Behavior Specialist supports the social-emotional development and behavioral wellbeing of children birth to age five through the SMILE program. The role provides observation, consultation, coaching, and individualized interventions for children, families, and staff, using trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate practices to strengthen classroom environments and child outcomes. Planning • With the Program Director, plan a comprehensive, multicultural child development program and coordinate a center‑wide approach to social‑emotional learning (SEAM) and behavior support aligned with Head Start Performance Standards, licensing requirements, and Flance Early Learning Center's philosophy., • Use ASQ's screening tools, observations, and referral data to identify social‑emotional and behavioral needs and plan preventative and responsive supports., • Develop, implement, and review SEL plans and Individualized Behavior Support Plans for children needing additional support., • Plan structured coaching and consultation supports for education staff related to behavior guidance, emotional regulation, and trauma‑informed practices., • Coordinate SMILE contracted providers and manage related referrals/consents., • Plan family engagement strategies that support children's social‑emotional development and promote consistency between home and school., • Maintain SEAM documentation and data systems to support compliance, continuity of care, and monitoring readiness., • Maintain concise, factual case notes and documentation (paper and electronic), including SEL and Individualized Behavior Support Plans, and follow-ups., • Identify professional development needs based on observations, assessments, and program goals., • Maintain an annual training calendar and deliver professional development for education staff., • Develop and update training materials and curriculum resources., • Support a safe, clean, and welcoming learning environment indoors and outdoors. Interactions • Build and sustain collaborative, trust‑based relationships with education staff, leadership, families, and community partners., • Partner with the Program Director and leadership to align curriculum with social-emotional and wraparound supports., • Collaborate with the Education Specialist and Pod Supervisor to support children's social-emotional needs while maintaining role clarity., • Coach staff through modeling and reflective feedback to strengthen routines, interactions, and environments., • Participate in multidisciplinary meetings to coordinate supports and avoid service duplication., • Communicate expectations and updates clearly and consistently., • Partner with family-facing staff to support family understanding of classroom practices and goals., • Use culturally responsive, professional communication aligned with Flance values., • Provide classroom-based SEAM/behavior support via observation, coaching, consultation, and modeling using trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate practices., • Use ASQ-3, ASQ:SE, and observation data to guide interventions and monitor progress., • Develop and review SEL and Individualized Behavior Support Plans for children needing additional support, in collaboration with families and staff., • Provide in-the-moment support during challenging behaviors, including de-escalation., • Collaborate with staff to identify classroom needs and determine when individual services (e.g., play therapy) are appropriate., • Coordinate referrals, consents, and service communication with SMILE contracted providers and community partners., • Participate in team meetings and case consultation., • Support staff onboarding and development related to behavior expectations and emotional safety., • Advise on environments, routines, transitions, and supports that promote regulation and positive peer interactions., • Complete required reports and maintain timely documentation using SEAM/behavior data to demonstrate outcomes., • Follow agency policies and applicable Head Start and licensing requirements. Skills and Attributes • Use ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE to inform practice and support program outcomes., • Communicate effectively with children and adults; build constructive, welcoming relationships., • Patient, nurturing, flexible, and proactive; takes initiative and honors each child's individuality., • Committed to continuous professional growth., • Must have CPR and First Aid training/certification or obtain within 60 days of employment Environmental Factors Work occurs in classrooms and office areas with high activity and noise; requires continuous supervision and collaboration with Classroom Executive. Must complete required health screening, TB test, Hepatitis A vaccination, and annual background check (including fingerprinting). Must participate fully in center life and be able to lift/carry 25 lbs. and be active indoors/outdoors (floor sitting, standing, bending, squatting, and moving quickly as needed). Education/Experience • Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, Masters preferred, • 5 to 7years' experience required working with children between the ages of birth to age 5 and their families preferred, • Demonstrated knowledge of community resources for children and families, • Ability to interact with families of diverse religious, cultural, and social backgrounds required. Knowledge of risk factors experienced by families including homelessness, intimate partner violence, and substance abuse, • Knowledge of behavior management and developmentally appropriate practices Flance Early Learning Center is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applicants for all positions equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic condition, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation (real or perceived), any disability as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act, or for any other characteristic protected by applicable United States federal or state law.