Helping Hands Learning Center is seeking a knowledgeable, compassionate, patient, and dependable Preschool Behavioral Support Specialist to support young children who have difficulty focusing, regulating their emotions, managing highly active behavior, transitioning between activities, or participating successfully in classroom lessons and group activities. The specialist will work alongside classroom instructors to assist children whose attention, emotions, impulsivity, or ADHD-related behaviors interfere with their ability to participate. Some children may require frequent individualized support, while others may need occasional redirection or assistance. This is not a curriculum-teaching position. The specialist will not teach lessons or assume the responsibilities of the classroom instructor. The specialist's primary purpose is to address behaviors that prevent children from accessing and participating in instruction or that cause disruptions and distractions within the classroom learning environment. Primary Responsibilities Work alongside classroom instructors to support children who are unable to focus or participate successfully in lessons. Provide individualized behavioral support and redirection when a child's emotions, activity level, impulsivity, or attention difficulties interfere with learning. Assist children who need help joining group activities and remaining appropriately engaged. Use positive reinforcement, calm redirection, visual support, movement breaks, choices, and consistent routines. Recognize signs of frustration, emotional distress, or overstimulation and respond before behaviors escalate. Provide calm, appropriate support during tantrums or other challenging moments. Help children regain emotional control and return successfully to classroom participation. Observe children's behavior, responses, triggers, strengths, and progress. Maintain clear and objective documentation of relevant observations and behavioral incidents. Meet with the Director on an ongoing basis to review observations, identify individual support needs, and help develop appropriate classroom developmental and behavioral support plans. Recommend practical strategies that instructors can use consistently throughout the child's day. Participate in family meetings with the Director to discuss observations, progress, and strategies that may support the child at school and at home. Adjust support strategies when a child's needs or responses change. Assist other children who occasionally need redirection, emotional support, or help participating in the group. Protect the privacy and confidentiality of every child and family. Follow all center policies, safety requirements, and state childcare regulations. Qualifications Demonstrated experience supporting preschool or early elementary children with ADHD, high activity levels, impulsivity, emotional-regulation difficulties, attention-related needs, or challenging classroom behaviors. Strong working knowledge of positive, developmentally appropriate behavioral-support strategies Ability to independently observe behavior and select appropriate non-clinical support strategies. Ability to remain calm, patient, attentive, and consistent during tantrums and emotionally challenging situations. Strong observation, documentation, communication, and problem-solving skills Ability to collaborate professionally with the Director, instructors, and families. Education or formal training in child development, early-childhood education, special education, psychology, social work, or behavioral support is strongly preferred. Previous experience developing or implementing classroom behavioral-support plans is strongly preferred. High school diploma or equivalent required You must successfully complete all required background checks. CPR and First Aid certification preferred. Role Clarification This is a behavioral-support position, not a curriculum-teaching position. The specialist will support children during lessons but will not be responsible for teaching or developing classroom curriculum. This is also a nonclinical position. The specialist will not diagnose children, provide counseling or therapy, conduct clinical assessments, or independently create medical or clinical treatment plans. Classroom support plans will be developed in collaboration with and approved by the Director. Why Join Helping Hands? Helping Hands Learning Center believes every child deserves patience, understanding, appropriate guidance, and the opportunity to participate successfully in the classroom. This position offers meaningful part-time work for someone whose knowledge and experience can help children regulate their behavior, remain included in their classrooms, and experience greater success throughout the school day.

Pay:

$19.00 - $21.00 per hour Expected hours: 25.0 per week

Work Location:

In person