Child Development Specialist I, II or III

State of Oklahoma • Sayre, OK

5d • $61,000

About The Position

SoonerStart is Oklahoma’s early intervention program designed to meet the needs of families with infants and toddlers (ages birth to 3 years old) with developmental delays and/or disabilities in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The program builds upon and provides supports and resources to assist family members to enhance infants or toddler’s learning and development through everyday learning opportunities. The Child Development Specialists in the SoonerStart program is responsible for providing individual and family services to increase parenting skills and enhance the developmental potential of young children. This includes assessing and/or screening development in young children; coaching and modeling skills for families to implement to enhance their child’s opportunities in cognitive, personal-social, language, and motor development; serving as a member of an interdisciplinary team to monitor the effectiveness of child development services. This position is responsible for providing developmental and educational services in the areas of child development. Services are provided in the child’s natural environment; settings in which children typically spend time, for example, home or childcare. Services include screenings, evaluations, intervention, and parent education.

Requirements

• Level I: Requirements at this level consist of completion of a master’s degree in child development, early childhood education, early childhood special education, developmental psychology, or family relations/child development or a master’s degree in special education with a minimum of 18 graduate, post graduate, or upper level hours (300 or above) in any of the following areas: typical and atypical infant and toddler development, parent-child relations, positive guidance/discipline strategies with young children, family systems, family relationships, assessment/evaluation, working with parents of exceptional infants and toddlers, and developmentally and individually appropriate early childhood curriculum and instructional practices.
• Level II: Requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level I plus one year of post-master’s experience working in child development, early childhood education, or early childhood special education and eligible for certification as a Child and Parenting Specialist (CCPS) through the Oklahoma Family Resource Coalition (OFRC). NOTE: If certification is not held at the time of employment, it must be achieved within 12 months of accepting the position.
• Level III: Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of completion of a master’s degree in child development, early childhood education, early childhood special education, developmental psychology, or family relations/child development or a master’s degree in special education with a minimum of 18 graduate, post graduate, or upper level hours (300 or above) in any of the following areas: typical and atypical infant and toddler development, parent-child relations, positive guidance/discipline strategies with young children, family systems, family relationships, assessment/evaluation, working with parents of exceptional infants and toddlers, and developmentally and individually appropriate early childhood curriculum and instructional practices; plus three years of post-master’s experience working in the area of child development, early childhood education, or early childhood special education, and eligible for certification as a Child and Parenting Specialist (CCPS) through the Oklahoma Family Resource Coalition (OFRC). NOTE: If certification is not held at the time of employment, it must be achieved within 12 months of accepting the position.
• If education, certification or licensure is required to meet qualifications, applicants must provide documentation at the time of application.
• All applicants are subject to a background check and must be legally authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Provides early intervention services in the child and family’s natural environment (home, childcare, park etc.)
• Educates parents and professionals in the area of child development through materials and curricula developed for this purpose.
• Participates in family interview.
• Conducts intakes, including client interviews, and conducts assessments to make appropriate recommendations for services.
• Collaborates with families and caregivers to identify goals, develop strategies and appropriate effective family intervention services plan.
• Participates in the development and implementation of the Individualized Family Service Plan according to state and federal guidelines.
• Serves as a member of an interdisciplinary team to monitor the effectiveness of child health and development services.
• Teaches parents ways to enhance their child’s developmental potential.
• Maintains confidential records of services including progress notes and evaluation reports in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Assists in the selection, preparation, and distribution of materials on child development which will further the purpose of this program.
• Provides individuals and families prevention information on topics related to parenting and child development.
• Provides referrals to individuals and families for relevant services to assist in achieving goals and enhancing their well-being.
• Collaborates with other community agencies as well as plans and conducts community wide efforts to promote the health, development, and behavioral well-being of young children and families.
• Initiates and implements steps necessary for smooth transition services from the early intervention program.
• Being present at the office is an essential function of the job.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums.
• A wide choice of insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions or limitations.
• Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses and/or dependent care.
• Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match.
• 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave the first year for full time employees.
• 11 paid holidays a year.
• Student Loan repayment options & tuition reimbursement.
• Employee discounts with a variety of companies and venders.
• Longevity Bonus for years of service

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees