Child Development Specialist I, II or III

State of Oklahoma • Purcell, OK

6d • $26 - $31 • Hybrid

About The Position

SoonerStart is Oklahoma’s early intervention program designed to meet the needs of families with infants and toddlers (ages birth to 3 years old) with developmental delays and/or disabilities in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The program builds upon and provides supports and resources to assist family members to enhance infants or toddler’s learning and development through everyday learning opportunities. The Child Development Specialists in the SoonerStart program is responsible for providing individual and family services to increase parenting skills and enhance the developmental potential of young children. This includes assessing and/or screening development in young children; coaching and modeling skills for families to implement to enhance their child’s opportunities in cognitive, personal-social, language, and motor development; serving as a member of an interdisciplinary team to monitor the effectiveness of child development services. This position is responsible for providing developmental and educational services in the areas of child development. Services are provided in the child’s natural environment; settings in which children typically spend time, for example, home or childcare. Services include screenings, evaluations, intervention and parent education.

Requirements

• Level I: Requirements at this level consist of completion of a master’s degree in child development, early childhood education, early childhood special education, developmental psychology, or family relations/child development or a master’s degree in special education with a minimum of 18 graduate, post graduate, or upper level hours (300 or above) in any of the following areas: typical and atypical infant and toddler development, parent-child relations, positive guidance/discipline strategies with young children, family systems, family relationships, assessment/evaluation, working with parents of exceptional infants and toddlers, and developmentally and individually appropriate early childhood curriculum and instructional practices.
• Level II: Requirements at this level consist of completion of a Master’s degree in child development, early childhood education, early childhood special education, developmental psychology, or family relations/child development or a Master’s degree in special education with a minimum of 18 graduate, post graduate, or upper level hours (300 or above) in any of the following areas: typical and atypical infant and toddler development, parent-child relations, positive guidance/discipline strategies with young children, family systems, family relationships, assessment/evaluation, working with parents of exceptional infants and toddlers, and developmentally and individually appropriate early childhood curriculum and instructional practices. In addition, for Level II positions two years of post-master’s degree experience working in the area of child development, early childhood education, or early childhood special education are required as well as certification as a Child and Parenting Specialist (CCPS) through the Oklahoma Family Resource Coalition (OFRC) within one year of employment.
• Level III: Requirements at this level consist of completion of a Master’s degree in child development, early childhood education, early childhood special education, developmental psychology, or family relations/child development or a master’s degree in special education with a minimum of 18 graduate, post graduate, or upper level hours (300 or above) in any of the following areas: typical and atypical infant and toddler development, parent-child relations, positive guidance/discipline strategies with young children, family systems, family relationships, assessment/evaluation, working with parents of exceptional infants and toddlers, and developmentally and individually appropriate early childhood curriculum and instructional practices. In addition, for Level III positions three years of post-master’s degree experience working in the area of child development, early childhood education, or early childhood special education are required as well as certification as a Child and Parenting Specialist (CCPS) through the Oklahoma Family Resource Coalition (OFRC) within one year of employment.
• If education, certification or licensure is required to meet qualifications, applicants must provide documentation at the time of application.
• All applicants are subject to a background check and must be legally authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Oklahoma Family Resource Coalition Certification requirements: Child Development Specialist II-III: If certification is not held at time of employment, the Certified Child and Parenting Specialist (CCPS) through the Oklahoma Family Resource Coalition (OFRC) must be completed within one year of employment.

Responsibilities

• Educate parents and professionals in the area of child development through materials and curricula developed for this purpose.
• Collaborate with families and caregivers to identify goals, develop strategies and appropriate effective family intervention services plan.
• Participating as a member of an interdisciplinary team in completing assessments and developing Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs).
• Teach parents ways to enhance their child’s developmental potential.
• Maintains confidential records of services including progress notes and evaluation reports in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Provides early intervention services in the child and family’s natural environment (home, childcare, park etc.)
• Assist in the selection, preparation, and distribution of materials on child development which will further the purpose of this program.
• Provide individuals and families prevention information on topics related to parenting and child development.
• Provide referrals to individuals and families for relevant services to assist in achieving goals and enhancing their well-being.
• Collaborate with other community agencies as well as plans and conducts community wide efforts to promote the health, development, and behavioral well-being of young children and families.
• Initiate and implement steps necessary for smooth transition services from the early intervention program
• Participates in family interview.
• Conducts intakes, including client interviews, and conducts assessments to make appropriate recommendations for services.
• Being present at the office is an essential function of the job.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and supports mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior.
• Works effectively in team environment, participating and assisting their peers.

Benefits

• The hourly rate for this position is up to $31.25 based on education and experience.
• RESPECT. COLLABORATION. SERVICE. The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is committed to leading Oklahoma to prosperity through health. Our mission is to protect and promote health, prevent disease and injury, and cultivate conditions by which Oklahomans can thrive. Check out why we are passionate about public health and believe it is the career for you!!!

What This Job Offers

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