Child Development Specialist

Pacific Clinics • Pasadena, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Child Development Specialist role involves providing support, training, and technical assistance to Family Childcare Providers (FCCP) offering Head Start/Early Head Start services. This position ensures compliance with state and federal regulations, Head Start performance standards, and fosters high-quality services in partner sites. The role requires supporting a caseload of Family Childcare partners by providing guidance on implementing child development best practices, ensuring adherence to licensing requirements and HS performance standards. It also involves comprehensive supervision of partner FCCs, maintaining observations, and providing ongoing training, mentoring, and goal planning using the practice-based coaching model. Regular coaching visits will be conducted to support curriculum implementation and alignment with assessment tools and program standards. The specialist will demonstrate and advocate for developmentally appropriate practices, serve as a resource for partners, and maintain accurate educational records. Collaboration with program staff is essential for optimal enrollment and supporting the family referral process. The role also includes assisting in organizing and participating in Family Engagement activities and working collaboratively with the team to support children, families, and partners in overcoming challenges through case conferencing and goal development. The position requires upholding the mission and values of Pacific Clinics.

Requirements

• BA/BS degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or related field.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in child development or early care and education programs.
• Strong understanding of Child Development & Developmentally Appropriate Practices.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work with diverse client populations.
• Valid California driver's license and insurable driving record required.
• Requires full background check and TB Exam.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of infant and toddler development preferred.
• Bilingual skills in Spanish, Armenian, or Mandarin preferred.
• Familiarity with assessment tools such as ECERS, FCCERS, DRDP, CLASS, and ASQ/ASQ: SE preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supports a caseload of Family Childcare partners by providing guidance on implementing child development best practices, ensuring adherence to licensing requirements and HS performance standards.
• Provide comprehensive supervision of partner FCC’s and keep and maintain observations to ensure compliance with contracts, licensing requirements, and HS performance standards.
• Provide ongoing training, mentoring, and goal planning for partners using the practice-based coaching model to measure progress and facilitate continuous improvement.
• Conduct regular coaching visits with partners to support the implementation of assigned curriculum and ensure alignment with assessment tools and program standards.
• Demonstrate and advocate for developmentally appropriate practices, serving as a vital resource for Family Childcare partners to elevate the quality of childcare.
• Maintain accurate educational records for partners and diligently monitor the progress ensuring timelines are met.
• Maintain a close collaboration with program staff to ensure optimal enrollment, supporting the team with family’s referral process and facilitating access to a wide array of comprehensive services.
• Assist in organizing and participating in Family Engagement activities, events, and training sessions to foster stronger connections between families and childcare partners.
• Collaboratively work with the team to support children, families, and partners in overcoming challenges. Facilitate case conferencing to promote resolutions and assist in developing goals to address and resolve challenges.
• Uphold Pacific Clinics’ mission and values in all interactions, fostering a culture of respect, inclusivity, and compassion.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision benefits
• Retirement options
• Flex Spending
• EAP
• Employee engagement and advocacy opportunities to advance our justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion agenda across our Agency and throughout the communities we serve.
• Benefits eligibility starts on Day 1!

What This Job Offers

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