Important Requirement:
A minimum of 12 completed Early Childhood Education/Child Development units is required for this position, as this role will also support classroom ratio requirements when not providing behavior-focused support.
About the Role
Launch Pad Learning is seeking a caring, patient, and knowledgeable Behavior Support Specialist / Early Childhood Teacher to join our preschool team in Hawthorne.
This is a full-time position for someone with experience supporting young children with behavioral, developmental, social-emotional, or sensory needs. We are looking for someone who understands early childhood development, can work calmly and professionally with children who need extra support, and can communicate with families in a warm, respectful, and effective way.
This position is not a diagnostic role. The Behavior Support Specialist will observe, document, support, and help identify concerns while helping families understand when outside evaluation or additional services may be helpful.
When not providing individualized or small-group behavior support, this team member will also work as a classroom teacher for ratio purposes and assist with the general supervision, care, and education of children.
Responsibilities
- Provide behavior support for preschool children who may be experiencing challenges with communication, transitions, emotional regulation, social interaction, sensory needs, aggression, elopement, or classroom participation
- Observe children in the classroom and document patterns, triggers, strengths, needs, and progress
- Work with directors and teachers to develop practical classroom behavior support strategies
- Help teachers implement positive behavior supports, redirection strategies, visual supports, routines, and developmentally appropriate interventions
- Support children one-on-one or in small groups when needed
- Assist with children who may benefit from outside evaluation or services, without diagnosing or labeling the child
- Communicate professionally and compassionately with parents about observations, concerns, progress, and next steps
- Help families understand available resources and encourage them to speak with appropriate professionals, such as pediatricians, a Regional Center, evaluators, therapists, or other qualified providers
- Maintain accurate and objective documentation related to behavior observations and support plans
- Participate as part of the classroom teaching team when not providing behavior-focused support
- Engage children in play-based learning, music, movement, storytelling, art, and developmentally appropriate activities
- Maintain a safe, nurturing, respectful, and inclusive classroom environment
- Assist with DRDP, ECRS, and other child development documentation as needed
- Follow all licensing, supervision, health, safety, and confidentiality requirements
- Additional duties as assigned
Requirements
- Minimum of 12 completed ECE/CD units required
- Experience supporting young children with behavioral, developmental, social-emotional, or sensory needs
- Knowledge of positive behavior support, child development, and developmentally appropriate practices
- Ability to observe and document behavior objectively and professionally
- Strong communication skills with children, parents, teachers, and leadership
- Ability to remain calm, patient, and supportive during challenging behaviors
- Ability to work as both a behavior support specialist and a classroom teacher
- Ability to pass FBI, DOJ, and Child Abuse Index clearance
- Commitment to the safety, dignity, and well-being of all children
- High school diploma or equivalent required
Preferred Qualifications
- ABA experience or training
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT certification)
- Experience working under a BCBA, behavior specialist, psychologist, early intervention provider, or similar professional
- Associate Teacher Permit or higher
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Behavioral Science, Special Education, or a related field
- Experience working with children who have autism spectrum characteristics, speech delays, sensory needs, behavioral challenges, or developmental delays
- Bilingual, any language plus English
- Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification
About Us
At Launch Pad Learning, we believe every child has the ability to fly, jump, and venture toward their full potential. We provide a play-based, nurturing, and supportive preschool environment where children can grow socially, emotionally, and academically.
We are a diverse, creative, and family-focused preschool team located in Hawthorne, CA. We are looking for someone who can bring both behavioral support knowledge and a warm, early childhood teaching approach to our school community.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Schedule
- Monday to Friday
- Full-time
- In person
Education
- High school or equivalent, required
Experience
- Early childhood education: 1 year preferred
- ABA, behavior support, special education, early intervention, or related experience: 1 year preferred
Work Location: In person
Pay: $20.00 - $28.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- How many completed ECE/CD units do you have? Please note that a minimum of 12 completed ECE/CD units is required for this role.
- Please describe your experience supporting young children with behavioral, developmental, social-emotional, sensory, or autism-related needs.
- Do you have ABA experience, RBT certification, or experience working under a BCBA or similar professional?
- This position includes both behavior support responsibilities and classroom teacher responsibilities for ratio purposes. Are you comfortable performing both parts of the role?
- Please share your hourly wage expectations for this role.
Education:
Work Location: In person
