Social Emotional Learning Specialist

Description Futures First is seeking a compassionate and collaborative Social Emotional Learning Specialist (SELS) to join our Early Childhood Mental Health team. This community-based position serves early education programs, preschool classrooms, and childcare sites across the Kansas City Metro area and requires regular travel among participating provider locations.

Through our Early Childhood Mental Health (ECMH) program, Futures First partners with early education, preschool, and childcare programs to support the emotional well-being of young children, families, and early educators. We help strengthen early childhood classrooms by fostering environments where children feel safe, connected, and ready to learn. Our work is rooted in equity, belonging, and the belief that strong relationships create strong beginnings.

The SELS provides weekly, in-person, classroom-embedded support to participating programs. This includes delivering Social Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons, modeling positive caregiving and behavior-support strategies, and coaching early educators. In collaboration with a Mental Health Specialist and site administrators, the SELS strengthens educator practices and promotes healthy social-emotional development in young children. Occasional evening hours may be required for family or staff events.

Position

• Social
• Emotional
• Learning
• Specialist
• Location:
• Kansas
• City
• Metro
• Area
• Agency:
• Futures
• First
• Job
• Type:
• Full-time
• Compensation: The hourly pay range for this position is $23.08–$28.21. The final hourly rate will be determined based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, alignment with the position requirements, and internal equity. In addition to pay, Futures First offers a comprehensive Total Rewards package.

Benefits

Offered: Medical Insurance Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Health Savings Accounts (HSA) Vision & Dental Insurance Short Term Disability Insurance Life Insurance 403(b) Retirement Plan with matching up to 2% Yearly 5% employer retirement contribution Paid Time Off (PTO) Rolling paid holidays—instead of a fixed holiday schedule, employees may observe holidays that reflect their personal, cultural, or religious beliefs Flexible Work Schedules (Hybrid Model)

Requirements

• Build strong, trusting partnerships with teachers, early educators, administrators, and partner staff at assigned early education and early learning sites.
• Provide weekly, in-person classroom visits to deliver SEL lessons, model positive caregiving practices, and offer embedded coaching in early childhood classrooms.
• Use coaching and consultation models to co-create goals and support positive outcomes with early education staff.
• Attend early education site family or staff events, including occasional evening hours.
• Create, prepare, and deliver training sessions for early educators and/or families in collaboration with site directors.
• Participate in agency, department, and team meetings, including quarterly staff meetings.
• Support onboarding and orientation of new employees within your grant team(s) and partner sites.
• Collect and report data, complete documentation accurately and on time, and uphold professional and ethical standards, including adherence to the NAEYC Code of Ethics.
• Required Qualifications: Strong collaboration skills and respectful, professional communication.
• Ability to engage in growth-oriented dialogue and contribute positively to team goals.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently at partner early education sites.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and work effectively in fast-paced early childhood environments.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, or related software.
• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• At least three years of experience in an early childhood, early education, preschool, or childcare setting (equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered).
• Preferred Education & Experience: Early childhood coaching experience.
• Knowledge of Conscious Discipline and Second Step curriculum.
• Bilingual fluency in English/Spanish.
• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to sit at a desk and work on a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds as needed.
• Join Our Team: If you are passionate about supporting early educators, strengthening children’s social-emotional development, and helping early learning classrooms thrive, we invite you to apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Futures First is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact Nicole Benoit at hrdept@futuresfirstkc.org to discuss your needs.