124 - Child Development Specialist

COMMUNITY ACTION ORGANIZATION OF WESTERN NEW YORK INC•Buffalo, NY

18d•$24 - $25

About The Position

The Child Development Specialist assesses, supports, and promotes the development of young children within the framework of Head Start and Early Head Start Programs. The position evaluates children’s developmental progress, provides training to parents and staff, and connects families with needed resources. The role supports education quality and regulatory compliance across program sites in Erie and Niagara Counties.

Requirements

One of the following education and experience combinations: a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development and three years of supervisory experience; or a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development and five years of supervisory experience.
Experience working with low-income children and families.
Knowledge of infant and toddler development.
Maintain confidentiality.
Strong understanding of child development theories, principles, and developmental stages.
Active listening, writing, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interact effectively with children, parents, and other professionals.
Ability to observe and assess children’s development accurately, identify strengths and needs, and develop appropriate interventions.
Ability to plan, organize, and implement developmentally appropriate activities and programs.
Ability to work effectively with teachers, therapists, administrators, and other professionals.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Access to transportation to visit sites throughout Erie and Niagara Counties.
Ability to speak and hear, sit frequently, stand and walk occasionally, tolerate moderate to loud noise, and lift or move up to 25 pounds.
Complete the CAO Employment application, NYS SCR Clearance Form with acceptable clearance, Criminal Record Certification, and Release for Reference Checks.
Have no criminal convictions for crimes against children, misdemeanor or felony.
Submit to fingerprinting.

Nice To Haves

Experience with home visit techniques is helpful.

Responsibilities

Observe and assess learning environments to ensure staff implement the curriculum effectively, prepare complete lesson plans, maintain classroom safety, and foster a positive, warm environment.
Ensure learning activities address cognitive, social, emotional, pre-literacy, pre-math, fine motor, and gross motor development.
Ensure developmental screenings are completed within the first 45 days of each child’s enrollment.
Monitor learning environments and playgrounds to ensure they are safe, developmentally appropriate, and set up to facilitate learning.
Provide on-site coaching, mentoring, and training to teaching staff in classroom management, developmentally appropriate practices, lesson planning, curriculum implementation, daily schedules, and safety.
Ensure child-to-staff ratios are maintained at all times.
Advise teaching staff on including children with disabilities, managing challenging behaviors, and maintaining positive teacher-child and teacher-parent relationships.
Train parents in effective parenting skills, developmentally appropriate practices, and child development and education.
Work with other content areas to provide comprehensive services to children and families.
Assist with transitioning children and families into and out of Head Start Programs.
Ensure compliance with education-related Head Start Program Performance Standards, Child Care Licensing, and other regulations.
Integrate CAP Head Start/Early Head Start’s vision, philosophy, and values into classrooms, activities, and learning environments.
Collect data, prepare reports, and establish tracking systems for an effective and efficient education content area.
Develop and implement outcome measurement systems, analyze results, and adjust staff training and mentoring based on staff needs.
Partner with staff to maintain or obtain National Association for the Education of Young Children accreditation, valid for five years, or the state equivalent.
Maintain a professional image in conduct, attitude, and attire.
Complete mandatory trainings satisfactorily.
Perform additional duties as assigned.