Child Development Specialist - Outdoor Nature-Based Program (IST II - Part-time)

Portland Community CollegePortland, OR
$24 - $24Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Outdoor Nature-Based (ONB) Program and Child Development Center management, works with the Sr. Child Development Specialist (Mentor Teacher) to plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and programs for children (ages three years to five years old) in the Outdoor Nature-based Program. Models and provides feedback on appropriate interaction skills and teaching techniques for program students and parents. Interacts on a daily basis with children in the assigned labs, parents, Early Education and Family Studies students, program faculty, and Senior Child Development Specialist.

Requirements

  • High School diploma or equivalent and associate’s degree in early childhood education or related area or CDA (Child Development Associate).
  • One year of relevant experience may substitute for fifteen (15) credit hours in Early Childhood Education or Child Development.
  • Have completed 10 hours or 1 college quarter credit of nature-based education training approved by DELC.
  • One year experience providing group care for young children.
  • Must have good oral communication skills.
  • First Aid certification, food handler’s care required within 30 days of hire.
  • Must be enrolled in the Department of Early Learning and Care Central Background Registry.
  • Knowledge of: Current principles, practices and methods of nature-based and early childhood education; local, state, and federal laws, regulations, policies and practices governing child care programs; general health and wellness of children; assessment and program evaluation techniques; contemporary office practices, procedures and equipment; recordkeeping techniques; first aid and CPR techniques and methods.
  • Ability to: Implement age-appropriate curriculum to foster growth and development; administer effective child development center policies and procedures; understand and follow specific instructions and procedures; provide basic nutrition and hygiene services for infants and young children; possess and demonstrate the required level of proficiency in desktop computers and other assigned software or electronic resources; communicate effectively both orally and in written form; develop and maintain effective working relationships.

Nice To Haves

  • Associate’s degree in early childhood education or related area or CDA (Child Development Associate).
  • Have completed 10 hours or 1 college quarter credit of nature-based education training approved by DELC.

Responsibilities

  • Guides and oversees children, ages three years through five years in the Outdoor Nature-Based Program and Child Development Center.
  • Facilitates and provides guidance for developmentally appropriate learning activities under the direction of the Sr. Child Development Specialist. Activities may consist of arts and crafts, music, dramatic play, and may be in individual or group format.
  • Works collaboratively with the Sr. Child Development Specialist during the assessment of children by observation.
  • Monitors interactions in the lab for safety and intervenes if necessary.
  • Maintains and sets up lab equipment and outdoor learning equipment.
  • Monitor equipment use.
  • Cleans up the lab and outdoor classroom after activities.
  • Assists with program students in the lab by modeling and providing feedback on appropriate behavior with children and helping with projects.
  • Assists Sr. Child Development Specialist in keeping accurate lab records; attendance, parent information, schedules, receipts, fees.
  • Participates in Center-wide planning, facilities use, and program coordination.
  • Maintains current knowledge regarding research and practices in Nature-Based Education, Early Childhood Education, and Family Studies.
  • Establishes and maintains relationships with parents, including assisting with orientations and providing daily feedback.
  • May assume responsibilities of Sr. Child Development Specialist in their absence.
  • Provides direction to casual staff and interns.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefit package
  • Oregon PERS contribution
  • Tax deferred annuity program and a deferred compensation program
  • Tuition waiver for you, your spouse/domestic partner, and dependent children under 24 years of age, as well as partial tuition reimbursement for full-time employees at other accredited institutions
  • Free access to the sport centers / campus gymnasiums, performing arts, and cultural events
  • Paid Leave (Pro-rated by FTE for Part-Time Employees)
  • 8 hours of vacation leave per month
  • 1 day of sick leave per month
  • 12 paid holidays
  • PCC Winter Break (when College is Closed)
  • 24 hours of personal leave per year
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