Infant and Toddler Specialist

Infant/Toddler Specialist, Childcare Resources and Referral

Salary $42,000

Southeastern Oklahoma State University's Childcare Resource and Referral Department invites applications for the position of Infant/Toddler Specialist.

SUMMARY

The Resource and Referral Infant/Toddler Consultant reports to the Regional Director of Child Care Resource & Referral within the Student Development Division of Southeastern Oklahoma State University. The Consultant provides technical assistance, coaching, and training to support child care programs serving infants and toddlers throughout the Southeast Region service delivery area (SDA). In collaboration with the statewide Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) network, early intervention programs, early education programs, health departments, and other community partners, the Consultant works to improve the quality and availability of infant/toddler care and strengthen the region's child care system. This full-time, grant-funded position includes full benefits and is funded through the Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care, and the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness (OPSR). Travel is required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide technical assistance (TA), coaching, and training on infant/toddler development, care challenges, developmentally appropriate practices, Pyramid Model practices, and Conscious Discipline practices. Deliver services throughout the SDA in person, by phone, by email, or virtually, as approved by the Program Director.
• Meet annual infant/toddler goals established by OPSR.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with SECCR&R staff, OPSR, the statewide CCR&R network, infant/toddler educators, and community agencies serving infants and toddlers.
• Work cooperatively with team members and keep the Program Director informed of project progress, challenges, and concerns.
• Participate in community coalitions, quarterly SE Partners meetings, and family and early childhood events to promote awareness of and involvement in early childhood education.
• Maintain current knowledge of child care resources and connect providers with appropriate information and support.
• Document TA, coaching, professional and community contacts, event participation, provider inquiries, and other required activities in Worklife Systems (WLS) to meet OPSR contract requirements.
• Assist with contacting all providers every six months to update their information in WLS.
• Submit at least one infant/toddler-focused article for each quarterly newsletter and regularly contribute provider information through social media, email, and print communications.
• Submit data and monthly activity reports to the Program Director to support quarterly reporting.
• Participate in staff meetings, required training, and professional development to strengthen job-related knowledge and skills.
• Maintain the confidentiality of information about child care providers and children.
• Travel throughout the SDA, including overnight and weekend travel as needed.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Program Director to meet position objectives and support the Regional Network.

ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES (FUNCTIONS, DUTIES)

Attendance and Dependability: The employee can be depended upon to report to the assigned duty station at the scheduled time. The employee can be depended upon to complete work in a timely, accurate, and thorough manner and is conscientious about assignments.

1. Communication and Contact: The employee communicates effectively and professionally both verbally and in writing with superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside of the University.

2. Relationships with Others: The employee works effectively and relates well with others including superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the University. The employee exhibits a professional manner in dealing with others and works to maintain a constructive working environment.

3. Safety: The employee works safely, attends safety training offered/required, and follows appropriate safety rules and regulations. In relation to level of NIMS training completed, participates in incident management preparation, and performs incident duties as assigned.

4. Physical Abilities: The employee will continuously use finger dexterity as well as hand dexterity to take notes, use a computer keyboard, and telephone. May need to remain seated for long periods of time, have the ability to perform repetitive motions and reach for objects. Is frequently required to communicate verbally and hear well enough to detect nuances and receive detailed information. May be required to grasp objects, push and pull objects, bend, stand, walk, squat or kneel. Should have the ability to lift and carry 25 pounds. Vision abilities include close vision for data preparation or analysis, expansive reading (paper and computer screen), and driving.

5. Working Conditions: The employee will typically work indoors in a heated and air-conditioned space with a mixture of natural, incandescent and fluorescent light. When traveling, the employee could spend up to eight hours in a vehicle per day, and some low to moderate noise levels can be expected when working on-site at child care facilities.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, education, or a related field.
• At least one year of experience working with infants and toddlers in a child care setting.
• Strong organizational, written and oral communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel extensively throughout the SDA.
• Ability to collect and record data and proficiency with word processing and spreadsheet software.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends.

PREFERRED:

• Experience developing and delivering professional development, training, and technical assistance to individuals and groups.

Founded in 1909 as a teachers' college, Southeastern Oklahoma State University continues the strong tradition of producing outstanding educators for southeast Oklahoma and north Texas. Student enrollment is approximately 6,000 students and the campus is situated in rural Oklahoma. The main campus is located in Durant, Oklahoma, which is 90 miles north of Dallas, Texas, and 150 miles southeast of Oklahoma City. The community is close to Lake Texoma and the Choctaw Casino Resort. Southeastern Oklahoma State University continues to be among the nation's most affordable universities according to the U. S. News & World Report's America's Best colleges.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The preferred start date is November 30, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until filled.

Southeastern offers a comprehensive benefits package including university paid health, vision, life insurance, long term disability, retirement contributions to Oklahoma Teachers Retirement System, as well as a tuition waiver for employees and spouse/dependents who wish to enroll at Southeastern. Southeastern offers 25 paid holidays per fiscal year and has a generous leave package including annual/vacation leave, sick leave, personal leave, and birthday leave. In addition to the SE paid benefits.