Harrison Street Academy Early Childhood Developmental Support Specialist Leesburg, VA · Full time Company website

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Harrison Street Academy strives to provide a warm, caring and stimulating environment that prepares children to be leaders in a S.T.E.A.M. powered world. As a Christian preschool, Harrison Street Academy promotes the development of wholesome values: honesty, integrity, fairness, and caring for others more than self. Virtues that must be taught, practiced, and lived-out daily. Our program graduates will have received caring guidance and a firm foundation not only in academics, but in life and relational skills as well.

Early Childhood Developmental Support Specialist

  

About Us: 

Harrison Street Academy strives to provide a fun, warm, caring and stimulating environment that prepares children to be Christian leaders in a S.T.E.A.M. powered world.

As a Christian preschool, Harrison Street Academy promotes the development of wholesome values: honesty, integrity, fairness, and caring for others more than self. Virtues that must be taught, practiced, and lived-out daily. Our program graduates will have received caring guidance and a firm foundation not only in academics, but in life and relational skills as well. Our goal is for each child to understand how much God loves them, how to love those around them, get a GREAT first “taste” of school, and a STRONG academic foundation to launch them into their learning years.

 

As a staff member at HSA, you can expect to have awesome co-workers, a loving, supportive environment, flexibility for family, and a strong career path

Job Description:

We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Early Childhood Developmental Support Specialist to join our preschool team. This role is designed to support young children who benefit from additional guidance in the classroom—helping them participate, engage, and thrive alongside their peers.

The ideal candidate brings a background in child development, therapy, or special education and has a heart for helping children build independence, confidence, and emotional regulation within a nurturing classroom environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide individualized and small-group support for children who experience challenges with transitions, self-regulation, communication, or classroom participation
• Collaborate closely with classroom teachers to implement supportive strategies within daily routines
• Use developmentally appropriate techniques to support social-emotional growth, sensory needs, and adaptive skills
• Observe and document progress, sharing insights with teachers and administration
• Maintain a calm, encouraging presence that promotes inclusion and independence
• Partner respectfully with families and, when appropriate, outside professionals to ensure consistency of care

Qualifications:

• Background in one or more of the following:
• Early Childhood Education
• Child Development
• Special Education
• Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, ABA, or related therapeutic field (formal licensure not required)
• Experience supporting children with developmental differences, sensory needs, or social-emotional challenges
• Personal Christian Faith in line with our school’s missions and values
• Strong collaboration and communication skills
• Warm, patient, and child-centered approach
• Must have excellent written and spoken English communication skills
• Must be able to lift more than 50 lbs, kneel, run, and be able to keep up with the active energy of young children

What We Offer:

• A supportive, team-oriented, Christian preschool environment
• Opportunities to positively impact children during critical developmental years
• Competitive compensation based on experience
• A mission-driven setting that values kindness, dignity, and growth