Child Development Specialist - Head Start Program - Lansing, MI

Capital Area Community Services•Lansing, MI

About The Position

Capital Area Community Services, Inc. is now hiring a full time, full year Child Development Specialist for the Head Start Program . Job Summary Under the direction and guidance of the Partner Specialist , the Child Development Special ist ensures education staff within childcare partnership in-home and classroom settings are supported by u sing elements of the researched based Practice Based Coaching ( PBC ) model . The PBC model provides ongoing coaching to support effective teaching practices that lead to positive outcomes for children within the context of a collaborative relationship . In addition, Child Development Specialists will provid e and arrang e Head Start Policy and Performance Standard(s) regulatory guidance as well as technical support in the use of approved curriculums and child screenings ; child assessments ; weekly learning experiences ; c lassroom observatio n and anecdotal documentation ; home -to-school connections ; and the implementation of Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS). Child Development Specialists also play an integral role in partner data collection and documentation, as well as the continuing education efforts of partner staff associated with earning Child Development Associate Credential (CDA).

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree with a major in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or a related field.
Minimum of 5 years of related and progressively more responsible experience in classroom and home-based teaching.
Minimum of two 2 years supervisory and/or administrative experience in a child development program.
Successfully completed and maintained Basic First Aid and CPR certification, or willingness to obtain.
Successfully completed maintained Infant/Toddler and Preschool Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) certification; or willingness to obtain.
Successfully completed and maintained Infant/Toddler and Preschool Great to Quality Approved Assessor status; or willingness to obtain.
Successfully completed and maintained Approved Trainer status with MiRegistry ; or willingness to obtain .
S trong communication and leadership skills , and experience in conflict resolution.
Must be able to travel between multiple sites.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree with a major in Early Childhood Educatio n preferred.

Responsibilities

Meet periodically with Partner Specialist and team to provide operational data, share observational feedback, and evaluate the progress of monitoring and oversight; as well as implementing practices and requirements to meet Head Start Performance standards and guidelines for partner staff of Lead Teachers, Teacher Assistants, Classroom Assistants, and additional support staff, where applicable and assigned.
Meet routinely with relevant partner provider staff to discuss support and completion of HSPPS requirements.
Implement elements of Practice Based Coaching which is a research-based, coordinated coaching strategy for education staff rooted in relationships.
Monitor partner classrooms to identify strengths, areas of support needed , and determine appropriate follow-up .
Provide opportunities for coaching to those staff identified through the monitoring process, including opportunities for goal setting, observation, reflection, feedback, and modeling of effective teacher practices directly related to program performance goals .
Attend all required meetings, conferences, and training.
Review CLASS data with the Partner Specialist and relevant partner program administration; conduct CLASS observations for fidelity to improve effective teacher-child interaction
Utilize Internal Monitoring tools to assess classrooms, in order to provide support, feedback, and recommendations for continuous improvement to the program along with support and guidance from the Partner Specialist and relevant partner program administration.
Collaborate with partner program administration on performance goals such as school readiness, curricula, teaching practices, and approaches to professional development.
Facilitate training sessions, workshops, and professional learning opportunities for program staff on relevant topics such as program leadership, child development, curriculum implementation, and behavior management, when approved and applicable.
Use monitoring data to inform classroom strategies aligned with program performance goals and research-based curriculum.
Provide ongoing communication and cultivate positive and collaborative relationships with partner classroom staff, Partner Specialist, partner program leadership, and other stakeholders/relevant staff.
Serve as a resource and point of contact for program staff to seek guidance, and access additional support as needed to comply with specific CACS Head Start requirements.
Maintain accurate records of internal monitoring, observations, and any additional collaboration for each partner program assigned.
Compile data and prepare reports to track program outcomes, assess effectiveness of interventions, and inform program planning and decision-making.
Support policy, procedure, and system efforts in collaboration with Instructional Support Manager.
Work collaboratively with all CACS comprehensive service departments, when applicable, to ensure partners providers stay up-to-date and feel well supported.