Early Intervention Specialist

Organization: Crystal Academy

Location: Center-based services and community services in Coral Gables and Key Biscayne, Florida

Compensation: $25–$30 per hour, depending on experience and skills

Language Requirement: Bilingual proficiency required.

Position Overview:

Crystal Academy is seeking a qualified, energetic, and compassionate Early Intervention Specialist to work with neurodiverse children from birth through age 18 who have developmental delays or special needs.

This hourly position includes individualized, one-to-one services at our center, as well as services within the communities of Coral Gables and Key Biscayne. The specialist will help children develop communication, social interaction, play, daily living, and independence skills through engaging activities and everyday experiences. In addition, academic goals created for the child will also be worked on.

We are looking for someone who loves working with children, believes in each child’s capacity to grow, and thinks creatively to make learning meaningful. The ideal candidate brings high energy, flexibility, and a nurturing approach to supporting children and their families.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide individualized, one-to-one early intervention services at the center and within the community.
• Plan engaging, developmentally appropriate activities tailored to each child’s strengths, interests, needs, and goals.
• Incorporate skill development into play, daily routines, and community experiences.
• Use creative approaches to encourage communication, participation, social interaction, and independence.
• Coach parents and caregivers on strategies they can use to support their child’s development.
• Collaborate with providers and team members to coordinate services and promote consistent support.
• Monitor progress and adjust intervention strategies within the scope of the role.
• Complete accurate session notes, progress updates, and required documentation within established deadlines.
• Communicate professionally with families in both required languages.
• Maintain a safe, nurturing environment and follow organizational policies and applicable program requirements.

Required Education and Experience:

Candidates must meet one of the following qualification pathways. Required experience must be paid, hands-on professional experience obtained after completion of the qualifying degree, working directly with young children from birth through age 5 who have developmental delays or special needs.

In-Field Degree Path:

A bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields:

• Early Childhood Education.
• Early Childhood/Special Education.
• Child and Family Development.
• Family Life Specialist.
• Communication Sciences.
• Psychology.
• Social Work.

An equivalent degree with at least 18 credit hours in an approved field

Candidates qualifying through this pathway must have at least one year of paid, hands-on, post-degree professional experience working directly with this population.

Out-of-Field Degree Path:

A bachelor’s degree in a field outside the approved list above, along with at least five years of paid, hands-on, post-degree professional experience in early intervention, working directly with young children from birth through age 5 who have developmental delays or special needs.

Required Skills and Qualities:

• Bilingual proficiency, with the ability to communicate effectively with children, families, and team members.
• High energy and enthusiasm for working with young children.
• A strong belief in supporting each child’s growth and potential.
• Creativity and a willingness to think outside the box when planning activities and addressing challenges.
• Understanding of early childhood development and individualized developmental support.
• Patience, flexibility, and a warm, nurturing approach.
• Strong communication, family coaching, and teamwork skills.
• Reliable organization, time management, and timely documentation.
• Ability to provide services at the center and travel to community service locations in Coral Gables and Key Biscayne.

Compensation:

This role will begin as an hourly position paying $25–$30 per hour, based on relevant experience and demonstrated skills.

Application Instructions:

Please submit your résumé and a brief statement describing your qualifications to [email protected]. Include your degree field, relevant post-degree experience, languages spoken, and availability.

Education, coursework, and professional experience will be reviewed to confirm eligibility under the applicable qualification pathway.