Social Emotional Development Specialist

Current Employees:
If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Position Title: Social Emotional Development Specialist

Job Category: Academic Staff

Employment Type: Terminal (Fixed Term)

Job Profile: Early Child Edu Dev Spec

Inspire. Support. Empower.

Join a passionate team dedicated to helping every child reach their full potential. As an Social Emotional Development Specialist, you'll coach and mentor educators, partner with families, and promote healthy social-emotional and developmental growth for young children.

• Coach and Mentor: Guide teachers through reflective practice, classroom observations, and professional development that strengthens teaching and promotes school readiness.

• Support Families: Partner with parents and staff to address children's behavioral, developmental, and emotional needs-connecting families with the right tools and resources for success.

• Enhance Program Quality: Lead classroom observations, developmental screenings, and program assessments (TPOT, CLASS, PQA) to ensure excellence in learning environments.

• Lead Professional Growth: Design and deliver engaging training sessions on evidence-based practices like High Scope, the Pyramid Model, and Conscious Discipline.

• Collaborate for Impact: Work closely with Early Childhood Coordinators, Mental Health Consultants, and community partners to build strong, supportive systems for children and families.

• Make a Difference: Empower teachers, support families, and transform early learning experiences.

• Grow Professionally: Expand your expertise in early childhood education and mental health.

• Be Part of a Mission: Join a collaborative, innovative team dedicated to helping every child thrive.

• Health plans
• 176 hours of vacation per year
• 36 hours of personal holiday, and 9 legal holidays
• 176 Hours of sick leave for first 18 months. After this period, employees can earn up to 96 hours per fiscal year. Accumulates without limit and does not expire.
• Paid parental leave after six months of continuous employment
• Wisconsin Retirement System

All employment benefits are subject to change and prorated based on Working FTE and start date. A full list of current benefits and eligibility requirements can be found on our website.

• 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
• 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

Department: Head Start

Compensation: Base Salary Range $56,135.59 - $59,877.97

Prorated salary of $49,680 - $52,992 for 46 weeks of work each year starting last week in July through second week in June

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Child Development or closely related field
• Two years of lead teaching experience working with young children (3-8)
• Experience with developmental screenings or observational assessment methods, including interpreting results and following up to support each child's growth and individualized goals
• Experience devising and implementing individualized supports for children with diverse developmental, behavioral or social-emotional needs

• Experience implementing High Scope, Pyramid Model or Conscious Discipline
• Proven knowledge of Practice Based Coaching
• Proficient use of Child Plus or Teaching Strategies Gold
• Experience mentoring colleagues to deliver high-quality early childhood programs

Applicants must submit the following documents using the online application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Applicants must complete all required fields and attach all required documents prior to submitting the online application. 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.

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 03/09/2026 are…