Entry Level Early Childhood Specialist Jobs
New grad early childhood specialist jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where a strong practicum placement or internship with young children can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Education, Healthcare & Medical Services, and Government & Public Sector, with employers like Spring Independent School District, YMCA, and Evergreen Center hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 25+ Entry Level Early Childhood Specialist jobs
Administrative and Central Office
Policy Development Coordinator, Early Childhood, DECE - 27322
Community Coordinator
N/A
Division of Early Childhood Education
- Coordinate the development, implementation and monitoring of policy initiatives that support DECE priorities and early childhood program quality.
- Support the design and administration of surveys, data collection tools and feedback mechanisms to inform policy development.
- Conduct research and analysis of local, State, and Federal policies, regulations, and legislation impacting early childhood education, and synthesize findings to inform DECE policy development, implementation, and leadership decision-making. Lead policy development and implementation projects from research and stakeholder consultation through drafting, rollout, monitoring, and follow-up, under the direction of Policy leadership.
- Review existing policies, procedures, guidance, and program requirements to identify gaps, inconsistencies, or areas requiring clarification, and develop recommendations and draft revisions to strengthen implementation.
- Serve as a policy resource for DECE teams by researching and responding to policy and regulatory questions and supporting consistent interpretation and application of requirements across early childhood program models.
- Assist in drafting policy briefs, guidance documents, presentations and communications for internal and external audiences.
- Support the development of policies related to enrollment, staffing, program budgets, compliance and other key early childhood topics.
- Coordinate with internal and external partners to support alignment of DECE policy with broader NYCPS and regulatory requirements.
- Coordinate and assist in monitoring compliance with City, State and Federal regulations across early childhood programs.
- Analyze data and support the identification of trends, challenges, and opportunities to improve policy implementation.
- Facilitate and support the preparation of reports, presentations and materials for DECE leadership and stakeholders.
- Assist in planning and coordinating meetings, trainings, and professional development sessions related to policy implementation.
- Maintain organized documentation and track progress toward policy related milestones and deliverables.
- Provide general project management support to ensure timely advancement of policy initiatives.
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two (2) years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
- High school graduation or equivalent and six (6) years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
- Education and/or experience which is equivalent to “1” or “2” above. However, all candidates must have at least one (1) year of experience as described in “1” above.
- Experience supporting policy development, research, or program implementation in education or public sector settings.
- Knowledge of NYCPS policy and procedures and the ability to interpret and apply policies effectively, particularly within early childhood education.
- Familiarity with DOHMH Article 43 and 47 regulations, OCFS Child Care regulations, and Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS).
- Strong research and analytical skills, including experience working with data to inform decision making.
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Ability to organize and present information clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- High attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate documentation.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications.
DOE Non- Discrimination Policy
The Department of Education of the City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's actual or perceived sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or pregnancy. For more information, please refer to the DOE Non-Discrimination Policy.
REQUESTING AN ACCOMMODATION - APPLICANTS
Any prospective employee (applicant) who is a qualified individual with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation to assist in the application process. If an applicant for employment believes that they have a qualifying disability and are in need of a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application process on an equal basis as applicants who do not have a disability, they should request an accommodation with their interview team or contact ODA by emailing ODA@schools.nyc.gov. The determination of the accommodation request will be communicated to the applicant in writing.
https://infohub.nyced.org/docs/default-source/doe-employees-only/personnel-memorandum-6-2024-2025-accommodations.pdf
Administrative and Central Office
Policy Development Coordinator, Early Childhood, DECE - 27322
Community Coordinator
N/A
Division of Early Childhood Education
- Coordinate the development, implementation and monitoring of policy initiatives that support DECE priorities and early childhood program quality.
- Support the design and administration of surveys, data collection tools and feedback mechanisms to inform policy development.
- Conduct research and analysis of local, State, and Federal policies, regulations, and legislation impacting early childhood education, and synthesize findings to inform DECE policy development, implementation, and leadership decision-making. Lead policy development and implementation projects from research and stakeholder consultation through drafting, rollout, monitoring, and follow-up, under the direction of Policy leadership.
- Review existing policies, procedures, guidance, and program requirements to identify gaps, inconsistencies, or areas requiring clarification, and develop recommendations and draft revisions to strengthen implementation.
- Serve as a policy resource for DECE teams by researching and responding to policy and regulatory questions and supporting consistent interpretation and application of requirements across early childhood program models.
- Assist in drafting policy briefs, guidance documents, presentations and communications for internal and external audiences.
- Support the development of policies related to enrollment, staffing, program budgets, compliance and other key early childhood topics.
- Coordinate with internal and external partners to support alignment of DECE policy with broader NYCPS and regulatory requirements.
- Coordinate and assist in monitoring compliance with City, State and Federal regulations across early childhood programs.
- Analyze data and support the identification of trends, challenges, and opportunities to improve policy implementation.
- Facilitate and support the preparation of reports, presentations and materials for DECE leadership and stakeholders.
- Assist in planning and coordinating meetings, trainings, and professional development sessions related to policy implementation.
- Maintain organized documentation and track progress toward policy related milestones and deliverables.
- Provide general project management support to ensure timely advancement of policy initiatives.
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two (2) years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
- High school graduation or equivalent and six (6) years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
- Education and/or experience which is equivalent to “1” or “2” above. However, all candidates must have at least one (1) year of experience as described in “1” above.
- Experience supporting policy development, research, or program implementation in education or public sector settings.
- Knowledge of NYCPS policy and procedures and the ability to interpret and apply policies effectively, particularly within early childhood education.
- Familiarity with DOHMH Article 43 and 47 regulations, OCFS Child Care regulations, and Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS).
- Strong research and analytical skills, including experience working with data to inform decision making.
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Ability to organize and present information clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- High attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate documentation.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications.
DOE Non- Discrimination Policy
The Department of Education of the City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's actual or perceived sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or pregnancy. For more information, please refer to the DOE Non-Discrimination Policy.
REQUESTING AN ACCOMMODATION - APPLICANTS
Any prospective employee (applicant) who is a qualified individual with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation to assist in the application process. If an applicant for employment believes that they have a qualifying disability and are in need of a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application process on an equal basis as applicants who do not have a disability, they should request an accommodation with their interview team or contact ODA by emailing ODA@schools.nyc.gov. The determination of the accommodation request will be communicated to the applicant in writing.
https://infohub.nyced.org/docs/default-source/doe-employees-only/personnel-memorandum-6-2024-2025-accommodations.pdf
See All 25 Entry Level Early Childhood Specialist Jobs
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Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education18
- Healthcare & Medical Services3
- Government & Public Sector2
- Agriculture & Farming1
Entry Level Early Childhood Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level early childhood specialist job?
Entry level early childhood specialist employers look for a degree in early childhood education, child development, or a related field, along with hands-on experience from student teaching, practicum hours, or volunteer work with young children. A strong candidate at this stage demonstrates knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice, holds or is pursuing a relevant certification such as a Child Development Associate credential, and can speak to specific age groups they have worked with.
Which companies hire entry level early childhood specialists?
Companies hiring entry level early childhood specialists right now include Spring Independent School District, YMCA, and Evergreen Center, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. At this experience level, hiring tends to come from childcare centers, school districts, Head Start programs, and nonprofit organizations that actively recruit new graduates and junior candidates ready to grow on the job.
Are there remote entry level early childhood specialist jobs?
Yes, though most positions in this field involve direct work with children and are on-site. About 0% of entry level early childhood specialist openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those roles typically involve curriculum development, family support coordination, or early intervention services that can be delivered partially online rather than in a classroom or center setting.
Are these new grad early childhood specialist jobs?
Yes, these listings include new grad, recent graduate, and junior early childhood specialist roles. A posting is new-grad friendly when it welcomes zero to two years of experience, counts internships or practicum placements toward that experience, or accepts a portfolio of curriculum work in place of a long employment history. Searching for roles that mention "new grad" or "entry level" will surface the most accessible openings at this stage.
Which industries hire the most entry level early childhood specialists?
Entry Level early childhood specialist roles concentrate in Education, Healthcare & Medical Services, and Government & Public Sector, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive hiring at the entry level because they operate programs that consistently need qualified staff, receive public funding tied to staffing ratios, and have structured onboarding that makes them well suited for candidates building their first years of professional experience.