Child Development Specialist, Godine Early Learning Center, Newton, MA

JCC Greater Boston • Newton, MA

38d • $44,104 - $53,488 • Onsite

About The Position

The Child Development Specialist (CDS) at the Godine Early Learning Center reports to the Director and collaborates with colleagues to provide direct support and consultation services to children, parents, preschool staff, and teachers. The CDS acts as a liaison with external agencies, schools, and early intervention services to foster each child's emotional, social, and cognitive development. This role involves working closely with teaching teams and directors to ensure developmentally appropriate practices align with the educational framework and best practices. JCC Greater Boston is committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds while maintaining its Jewish identity. The center's core values are Belonging, Joyfulness, Collaboration, and Transformation.

Requirements

• Master’s Level degree in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Child Development, Developmental Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.
• Two or more years of experience in a related field.
• Experience with Early Intervention Program required.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment.
• Strong organizational skills to manage a fast-paced environment.
• Mastery of typical and atypical child development, early childhood care within the Sheva Framework, and methods/curricula of early childhood education and special education, or a related field.
• Ability to remain current in new research and methodology in early childhood education.
• Expertise in resource and referral and case management.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with parents and outside professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain a good working relationship with classroom teachers, parents, and school administrators.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive a motor vehicle with a clean MRV review.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted at the JCC's discretion.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in early childhood teaching preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive developmental support to children and families through assessment, individualized planning, consultation, collaboration, referrals, staff support, and specialized services.
• Support children aged 0-3, with a focus on infant and toddler programs.
• Work directly with parents, teachers, and staff to support children in the classroom.
• Assess all 3-year-old students using the ESI-R standardized screening tool and review findings with parents, caregivers, and teachers, referring to specialists as needed.
• Identify strategies to assist children with special needs, including developmental delays, gross and fine motor skills, speech, transitions, and behaviors.
• Meet regularly with classroom teachers to discuss children's needs and the implementation of developmentally appropriate practices and strategies.
• Develop written individual educational plans for children that include strategies, recommendations, implementation methods, and goals.
• Provide families and team members with supportive communications, tools, referrals, and resources.
• Serve as a resource to parents, caregivers, and staff on typical and atypical child development.
• Assist parents in identifying outside services to support their children's development, such as Early Intervention, School Systems, Developmental Pediatricians, Mental Health Agencies, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, or Neuropsychologists.
• Collaborate with systems involved in ELC children's care, including Early Intervention, School Systems, or private agencies, to achieve common goals.
• Attend early intervention, school system, or other multidisciplinary meetings to advocate for and discuss the progress and goals of ELC children.
• Provide training and development to Early Learning Center team members as needed.
• Support the Director and/or Assistant Director in the daily operations of the Early Learning Center.
• Design curriculum and facilitate short-term social skills groups for children, focusing on self-regulation, friendship skills, social pragmatics, or other psycho-social/emotional needs.

Benefits

• Competitive cost-sharing Health and Dental Insurance
• JCC Sponsored/Paid Health Reimbursement Account
• JCC Sponsored/Paid Group Life Insurance/LTD Coverage
• Generous paid time off supporting a quality work-life balance
• Tax-deferred 403(b) retirement savings plan
• Voluntary Supplemental Vision Insurance
• Additional Voluntary Supplemental Life/ADD coverage for you and your family
• AbilityAssist Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Norton Cyber Security Program
• LegalEase Insurance program
• Free individual membership to JCC Greater Boston's fitness, recreation and wellness facility
• Discounts to many JCCGB events, classes, outdoor pool, and more
• Use of the Fitness Center at Leventhal-Sidman
• Access to group fit classes, Arts & Culture adult programming at member rates
• Discounts on a variety JCCGB's fitness/wellness programs and services
• Free wellness events!
• Discounted child care at JCCGB Early Learning Centers and after-school program
• Discounted JCCGB camp tuition

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level