Early Childhood Development Specialist

University of Arkansas System

. Ensure the quality of individualized developmental services provided at KIDS FIRST .

Posted 10/9/2026full-timeFort Smith • United StatesJuniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in Early Childhood Education and Development, with a strong focus on individualized developmental services and the ability to build relationships with children and families. Proficient in administering developmental testing instruments and knowledgeable about developmental milestones for the birth-to-five population.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Bachelor's DegreeEarly Childhood EducationChild Development Associate CertificateStandardized Developmental TestingExcellent Communication Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Developmental Milestones KnowledgeStandardized Developmental Testing InstrumentsCoursework in Early ChildhoodExperience Working with ChildrenOrganizational Skills

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsAbility to Work IndependentlyTeam CollaborationProfessionalismJob-Related Interest

Certifications & Qualifications

Early Childhood Special Education CertificateBirth to Pre-K Credential

Industry Keywords

Individualized Developmental ServicesKIDS FIRST ProgramChild Maltreatment CheckAdult Maltreatment CheckCriminal Background Check

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Ensure the quality of individualized developmental services provided at KIDS FIRST
Support the academic mission of the Kids First program
Demonstrate professionalism, continued development of skills, and job-related interest and concern
Perform other duties assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree with at least one of the following: Early Childhood or Early Childhood Special Education Certificate, a Child Development Associate Certificate, or Birth to Pre-K Credential
For the Birth to Pre-K Credential pathway: documentation of 12 hours of coursework in Early Childhood, Child Development, Special Education, Elementary Education, or Child and Family Studies, plus six (6) months documented experience working with children
Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and as a team
Ability to administer standardized developmental testing instruments
Ability to build relationships with children, parents, and colleagues
Knowledge of developmental milestones in the birth-to-five population
Resume required
Proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment
Successful completion of Adult Maltreatment, Child Maltreatment, Criminal Background Check, and FBI Background Check
Subject to pre-employment screening, including criminal background, drug testing, and/or education verification

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, Dental and Vision plans available for qualifying staff and family
Holiday, Vacation and Sick Leave
Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only)
Up to 10% matched contribution from UAMS
Basic Life Insurance up to $50,000
Career Training and Educational Opportunities
Merchant Discounts
Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using UAMS pharmacy