Child Behavioral Focus InternAt — Little Explorers Academy

The Child Behavioral Focus Intern will support the behavioral assessment and care efforts within our child care facility. This role is designed for undergraduate psychology students seeking hands-on experience in child development, behavioral observation, and early intervention practices. The intern will assist with observing children, documenting behaviors, supporting assessments, and working one-on-one with children as needed under supervision.

Tasks:

1. Observe and document children's behaviors in structured and unstructured settings, using professional observation tools and techniques learned during training.
2. Assist in behavioral screenings and informal assessments under supervision, helping gather data used to support individual behavior plans.
3.Support the implementation of behavior management strategies within the classroom or child care setting, including redirection, positive reinforcement, and emotional regulation techniques.
4. Provide one-on-one behavioral support to children displaying challenging behaviors, as assigned by supervisory staff.
5.Collaborate with behavioral specialists and child care staff during team meetings to discuss observations, contribute to planning, and reflect on intervention strategies.
6.Engage in regular supervision and feedback sessions with a mentor or supervisor to reflect on experiences, integrate psychological concepts, and refine professional skills.

Training:

Interns will begin their placement with a general orientation that introduces them to the child care facility's policies, safety procedures, confidentiality guidelines, and professional expectations. During the first phase of the internship, students will shadow experienced staff members to observe routines, behavioral strategies, and the overall environment. Each task assigned—such as behavior documentation or assisting with assessments—will be clearly explained and contextualized so the intern understands its purpose and relevance. A designated supervisor or mentor will provide ongoing guidance and meet weekly with the intern for one-on-one check-ins to support learning and address any questions. Throughout the placement, interns will receive informal coaching and feedback, and may also be offered brief training materials or readings related to child development, behavior management, or relevant psychological concepts to enhance their understanding and skillset.

Learning Outcome:

- Gain foundational experience in supporting behavioral assessments by assisting in screenings and learning how assessment tools are used in early childhood environments.

- Build professional communication and collaboration skills through working closely with behavioral staff, child care providers, and multidisciplinary teams.

- Apply psychological theory to real-life child behavior by connecting classroom knowledge (e.g., developmental stages, behavioral principles) to observed behaviors and interventions.