Non-profit organization management · 51 to 200 employees
Blue Ridge Community Action, Inc. (BRCA) is a private, non-profit organization serving Burke, Caldwell, and Rutherford counties since 1965. Our mission, “Helping People. Changing Lives,” reflects our commitment to strengthening communities and supporting individuals and families on their path toward stability and self-sufficiency.
Who We Are
Blue Ridge Community Action, Inc. (BRCA) is a private, non-profit organization serving Burke, Caldwell, and Rutherford counties since 1965. Our mission, “Helping People. Changing Lives,” reflects our commitment to strengthening communities and supporting individuals and families on their path toward stability and self-sufficiency.
Position Summary
The Early Childhood Specialist I provides support in daily classroom operations and assists in creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for children. Supports implementation of program activities, documentation, and compliance with program requirements under the guidance of lead staff.
Essential Duties / Responsibilities
Assist with daily classroom activities and routines
Support implementation of age-appropriate learning activities
Maintain a safe, clean, and organized classroom environment
Follow all required rules and standards, including NC licensing, Head Start, NC Pre-K, CACFP, and agency policies
Assist with supervision of children to ensure safety at all times
Support classroom transitions, meals, and rest periods
Assist with maintaining accurate attendance records and documentation
Observe and report children’s development, behavior, and health concerns to lead staff
Assist with completing required screenings and assessments as directed
Support lesson plans and classroom activities
Assist with family engagement activities and communication as needed
Maintain confidentiality of child and family information
Participate in required trainings and professional development
Follow direction from lead staff and supervisors
May be assigned to assist or temporarily fill in within other classrooms, age groups, or centers as needed to maintain ratios, supervision, and program operations
Perform other related duties as assigned
Skills & Abilities
Core knowledge, competencies, and abilities required to perform the duties of the position effectively.
Demonstrates basic knowledge of early childhood classroom practices
Demonstrates understanding of child safety and supervision requirements
Supports implementation of classroom activities and routines
Communicates effectively with children, staff, and families
Supports documentation and recordkeeping requirements
Maintains a safe, clean, and structured classroom environment
Works cooperatively as part of a classroom team
Manages daily tasks and responsibilities effectively
Uses sound judgment and demonstrates professionalism
Demonstrates basic computer and data entry skills
Certificates / Licenses
Required or applicable certifications, licenses, or credentials necessary to perform the position.
Must meet North Carolina child care and Head Start licensing requirements for assigned position, including required TB test, physical examination, NC qualifying letter, and applicable documentation
CPR and First Aid certification required or obtained within the required timeframe
Education
Minimum and preferred educational qualifications for the position.
High school diploma or equivalent required
Meets North Carolina child care licensing and education requirements for assigned duties, or is enrolled to obtain required qualifications within established timeframe
Experience
Relevant work experience required or preferred for successful job performance.
Experience working in a child care or early childhood setting
Other Requirements
Work as part of a team
Interact professionally with children, families, staff, and external partners
Must pass a criminal background check and substance abuse screening
Maintain confidentiality of child and family information
Stay organized and follow directions
Dependable and consistent
Work flexible hours as needed
Conduct Standards
Behavioral expectations and professional standards required of all employees.
Recognizes and shows sensitivity to the cultural, ethnic, social, and individual diversity of those served and the community at large
Maintains strict confidentiality and protects sensitive information at all times
Demonstrates tact, courtesy, and professionalism when representing the agency to clients, families, coworkers, partners, and the public
Demonstrates honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct in all work activities
Follows all agency policies, procedures, safety standards, and applicable program requirements
Demonstrates dependability, accountability, punctuality, and consistent work performance
Uses sound judgment and maintains appropriate professional boundaries
Supports a positive, respectful, safe, and productive work environment
Demonstrates commitment to continuous quality improvement and professional growth
Works cooperatively with others to support agency goals and mission
Physical Demands
Physical demands are representative of those required for this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals to perform essential functions.
This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. Blue Ridge Community Action, Inc. is an at-will employer. Either the employee or BRCA may terminate employment at any time, with or without cause or notice.