Child Development Specialist (Linda Ray Intervention Center)

University of Miami•Miami, FL

About The Position

The Child Development Specialist works with children, their parents, and educators in assessing a child’s development needs, deficiencies, and goals. Moreover, this position offers parents and caretakers advice on how to best overcome the challenges presented by developmental issues. Department Specific Responsibilities Implement the Florida FLEPIC coaching model for center-based services to provide evidence-based coaching to caregivers and early intervention providers. Support early interventionists and service coordinators in strengthening coaching practices during classroom time and at team meetings. Provide reflective feedback and model effective coaching strategies that promote caregiver engagement and child development. Participate in professional development on the FLEPIC framework to maintain fidelity in coaching practices. Participate in initial and ongoing eligibility evaluations and assessments with the multidisciplinary team. Conduct developmental screenings and assessments as assigned, using standardized tools in accordance with Early Steps policies. Interpret evaluation results for families and team members to support eligibility determination and service planning. Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members, including therapists, service coordinators, and family resource specialists, to ensure coordinated, holistic service delivery. Utilize coaching and modeling strategies to support caregiver competence and confidence in promoting child development within daily routines. Develop and implement strategies to support the Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP) outcomes based on family priorities and developmental needs. Monitor child progress toward IFSP outcomes and adapt strategies in collaboration with the caregiver and team as needed. Assist in reviewing and updating IFSPs during six-month reviews and annual meetings, ensuring goals remain relevant and attainable. Attend and contribute to IFSP meetings, team case reviews, and transition conferences as required. Complete timely and accurate documentation in accordance with policies and procedures. Use data to inform decision-making and support accountability in service provision. Provide support in classroom settings in emergency situations where staff shortages pose an immediate risk to child safety or supervision, and when no other qualified personnel are available to respond. This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in education or relevant field required
Minimum 2 years of relevant experience required.
Experience working with children with delays or disabilities.
Learning Agility: Ability to learn new procedures, technologies, and protocols, and adapt to changing priorities and work demands.
Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with others and contribute to a team environment.
Technical Proficiency: Skilled in using office software, technology, and relevant computer applications.
Communication: Strong and clear written and verbal communication skills for interacting with colleagues and stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

FL Department of Education Teacher eligibility or professional certificate, or Infant and Toddler Developmental Specialist ( ITDS) certification preferred.
Any relevant education, certifications and/or work experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

Implement the Florida FLEPIC coaching model for center-based services to provide evidence-based coaching to caregivers and early intervention providers.
Support early interventionists and service coordinators in strengthening coaching practices during classroom time and at team meetings.
Provide reflective feedback and model effective coaching strategies that promote caregiver engagement and child development.
Participate in professional development on the FLEPIC framework to maintain fidelity in coaching practices.
Participate in initial and ongoing eligibility evaluations and assessments with the multidisciplinary team.
Conduct developmental screenings and assessments as assigned, using standardized tools in accordance with Early Steps policies.
Interpret evaluation results for families and team members to support eligibility determination and service planning.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members, including therapists, service coordinators, and family resource specialists, to ensure coordinated, holistic service delivery.
Utilize coaching and modeling strategies to support caregiver competence and confidence in promoting child development within daily routines.
Develop and implement strategies to support the Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP) outcomes based on family priorities and developmental needs.
Monitor child progress toward IFSP outcomes and adapt strategies in collaboration with the caregiver and team as needed.
Assist in reviewing and updating IFSPs during six-month reviews and annual meetings, ensuring goals remain relevant and attainable.
Attend and contribute to IFSP meetings, team case reviews, and transition conferences as required.
Complete timely and accurate documentation in accordance with policies and procedures.
Use data to inform decision-making and support accountability in service provision.
Provide support in classroom settings in emergency situations where staff shortages pose an immediate risk to child safety or supervision, and when no other qualified personnel are available to respond.