Child Development Specialist

GULF COAST COMMUNITY SERVICES ASSOCIATION•Houston, TX

3d•$62,220 - $65,331

About The Position

The Child Development Specialist supports the Child Development Manager in designing and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum that addresses young children’s cultural, social, language, literacy, and cognitive needs. The position works closely with partner school districts, programs, and community agencies to help ensure the Head Start program prepares children for school success. The Specialist supports teaching staff in classroom practices, curriculum implementation, child screening and assessment, family engagement, and professional development. Duties include observing classrooms and children, helping staff develop and implement lesson plans and individualized learning strategies, supporting behavior interventions, and leading training and coaching. The role also leads the creation, execution, and monitoring of the CLASS Action Plan in collaboration with teaching staff and administrators. Work locations vary according to duties and may include offices, workstations, classrooms, food pantries, warehouses, training rooms, and counseling rooms. Noise levels are generally quiet to moderately noisy. The position requires travel to job-related activities and assigned work locations, as well as reliable transportation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development, Elementary Education, or a related field; a combination of lesser education and strong proven experience may be considered.
At least three years of classroom teaching experience.
Exceptional interpersonal and customer-service skills.
Ability to read and comprehend intermediate to complex instructions.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to write concise, logical, grammatically correct communications and clear correspondence.
Advanced technological skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 applications and client-tracking software.
Effective leadership and organizational skills.
Ability to problem-solve effectively and make data-driven decisions.
Familiarity with the Head Start/Early Head Start Act, Head Start Performance Standards, and Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Childcare Licensing Standards.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a challenging work environment.
Ability to prioritize and balance multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Ability to complete assignments on schedule with minimal supervision and appropriate judgment.
Ability to exercise judgment and discretion and maintain confidentiality of GCCSA stakeholders.
Ability to avoid interests or activities that conflict with GCCSA’s Standards of Conduct.
Experience in conflict resolution and ability to uphold GCCSA’s mission, values, and goals ethically.
Ability to remain stationary at least 50% of the time, move around to access office equipment, occasionally ascend or descend a ladder, observe details at close range, move items weighing up to 50 pounds, travel between work locations, reach overhead and to the floor, and wear personal protective equipment when necessary.
Reliable transportation for travel to assigned work locations and job-related activities.

Nice To Haves

Background in curriculum development and analysis.
Knowledge of adult learning styles and effective approaches to adult learning.
Experience working in multidisciplinary teams.
Experience working with children, preferably birth to five years.
Knowledge of issues affecting low-income families, especially minority groups.
Experience in Head Start/Early Head Start.
Ability to provide large- or small-group training.
Bilingual English/Spanish skills.

Responsibilities

Support teaching staff in implementing developmentally appropriate teaching and learning approaches.
Plan and implement activities supporting children’s literacy, language, cognitive, social/emotional, and physical/health development.
Help establish positive, nurturing classrooms that foster children’s emotional security and confidence.
Use flexible grouping and varied teaching strategies, including approaches that support children with disabilities or special needs.
Ensure classrooms are organized and classroom equipment and materials are clean and accessible.
Coordinate with Head Start/Early Head Start Specialists, Licensing, and Accreditation on new or improved teaching approaches.
Conduct weekly classroom observations, support staff with behavior interventions, and maintain program deadlines.
Develop and implement weekly lesson plans aligned with developmentally appropriate curricula and follow classroom daily schedules.
Use best practices in teaching methods and materials, ensure learning materials reflect diversity and are inclusive, and demonstrate effective materials, curricula, and approaches to teaching staff.
Observe children daily, conduct quarterly developmental assessments, and provide individualized learning strategies based on assessment results.
Assist teachers and Center Administrators with assessment processes, including guidance to support accurate and efficient evaluation of children’s progress.
Encourage parent involvement through weekly family activities, classroom volunteering, and monthly parent meetings.
Maintain regular communication with parents about children’s development and progress.
Lead the creation, execution, and monitoring of the CLASS Action Plan in collaboration with teaching staff and administrators.
Coach and provide ongoing support to teaching staff to foster professional development and improve instructional practices.
Train staff in best practices in early childhood education.
Coordinate with the Child Development and Professional Development Coordinator to develop training plans tailored to each center’s needs.
Facilitate ongoing training and professional development for teaching staff.
Attend job-related meetings, training, workshops, and other activities in and outside the service areas.
Travel to and from assigned work locations and maintain reliable transportation.