Child Development Specialist (CDS)

Exceptional Childrens Foundation•Arleta, CA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under direction, the CDS will provide services to children ages birth to 36 months, who have or are at risk of having developmental delays, and their families in a manner that is congruent with ECF’s mission. This role involves planning individual programs, conducting case management, and evaluating progress using a trans-disciplinary approach. The specialist will also develop curriculum, create a conducive learning environment, and ensure the safe and regular care of clients, including toileting, diapering, feeding, and changing clothes. Direct supervision of clients is required at all times. The position also includes managing arrival and departure supervision, preparing snacks, and maintaining the site in a neat and orderly manner. For center-based roles, supervision of classroom staff and planning activities to maximize staff utility is expected. Documentation of case notes, reports, emails, and evaluations is crucial, along with completing specific paperwork when clients' services change. The CDS will work closely with parents, maintaining regular communication, providing information for and attending meetings, and assisting with transition plans. Reporting suspected child abuse and client incidents/injuries immediately to the program manager is a mandated responsibility. The role requires attendance and participation in various meetings, including staff, supervision, safety, and in-service trainings, as well as preparing for and participating in IFSP and transition meetings. Compliance with ECF’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program, safe use of equipment, and adherence to ECF policies and procedures, including mandated reporting, are essential. Emergency procedures and ECF policies regarding attendance, timesheets, and time off must be followed. Regular, reliable attendance and performance of other assigned duties are expected.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Sociology, Special Education, Social Work or other human services field.
Twelve (12) units in Early Childhood Education.
One year teaching or training/working with children aged birth to five years that have developmental delays, and their families.
Ability to assess development delays children ages birth to five years.
Ability to communicate effectively with clientele, service providers, families and agency personnel, observing tact and diplomacy at all times.
Ability to use sound judgment and conduct self in a professional manner at all times.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to react quickly to emergencies.
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Bi-lingual skills (English/Spanish or English/Armenian) based on client needs.
Computer skills sufficient for report writing.
Good organizational skills and a high level of initiative.
Driving is an essential function of this position.
Proof of valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation, evidence of state-mandated car insurance, and insurable driving record are required.
Provide evidence of a negative TB test initially and every three years thereafter.
Pass a pre-employment physical.
Obtain and maintain infant First Aid and CPR certification.

Nice To Haves

While driving for work, should a need arise, the employee’s insurance is deemed primary and ECF’s coverage is secondary.
Employees driving for company business must maintain a clean record and operate vehicles safely and responsibly.
Company vehicles will be monitored and activity recorded.
Violations of the driving policy may result in disciplinary action, including suspension of driving privileges, reassignment, or termination.

Responsibilities

Plan individual programs, conduct case management, and evaluate progress.
Employ trans-disciplinary approach to programming, conferring with team members and specialists.
Conduct assessments, determine goals and objectives, and track due dates for same.
Maintain a telephone log of all client-related calls in each client’s file.
Develop a curriculum based on individual plan and goals that includes instructional grouping patterns and reinforcement techniques.
Make or otherwise secure instructional materials based on client’s goals and objectives.
Modify curriculum and materials as needed to achieve client’s success.
Prepare weekly lesson and activity plans that employ a balance between established routines and novel activities.
Understand components of classroom climate and create and maintain an environment that is attractive, safe, and conducive to learning.
Ensure the safe and regular care of clients which includes toileting, diapering, feeding, and changing clothes.
Provide direct supervision of clients at all times.
Manage and assist with arrival and departure supervision and loading/unloading buses as needed.
Ensure snacks are prepared daily.
Supervise classroom staff.
Plan and organize activities to maximize student-centered utility of teacher’s aides and other staff.
Clearly communicate assignments and expectations.
Share and review client and program information with staff weekly.
Maintain the site in a neat and orderly manner ensuring safety is a priority.
Supervise and assist with daily set up and clean up per the classroom schedule and assist with site set up and clean up routines as assigned.
Ensure all equipment and toys are disinfected daily.
Provide Regional Center case management.
Ensure the timely and regular documentation of center-based and/or home visit case notes, required reports, emails and evaluations-program goals.
Complete paperwork (002) when clients’ services change.
Write and update reports including developmental assessments, goals, progress notes, closing summaries, and other reports in professional report format as needed and as scheduled.
Email to Regional Center counselors and place all documentations in client’s charts.
Follow home visit and center-based guidelines and policies and report concerns to the program manager.
Complete home visit notes daily and obtain parent signatures.
Attach copy to monthly attendance record and place in client’s file, and as directed by each program.
Work with Parents and maintain regular communication to ensure they are informed of meetings, incidents, child’s progress, etc.
Answer questions or refer to the Program Manager.
Provide information for and attend parent meetings and goal report meetings.
Keep the Program Manager informed of all parental concerns, issues, and communications and coordinate plans to address issues with the program manager.
Assist parents as needed with transition plans, including visiting potential or new programs with the family.
Report any suspected child abuse as mandated by California law and immediately to the program manager.
Assist with follow-up as needed.
Report client incidents and injuries to the program manager or other administrator immediately and conduct follow-up.
Attend and participate in meetings as scheduled, including staff meetings, supervision meetings, safety meetings, and in-service trainings.
Prepare for and participate in IFSP, transition, and other client meetings.
Comply with ECF’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program.
Ensure safe use and operation of tools and/or equipment.
Comply with ECF policies and procedures, including mandated reporting requirements.
Know the location and proper use of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and post emergency plan for site.
Know emergency procedures including fire, bomb threat, and earthquake drills and follow them during any real or simulated emergency.
Know, follow, and enforce all ECF policies attendance, timesheets and requests for time off.
Know and follow appropriate dress code.
Regular, reliable attendance.
Perform other duties as assigned.