Child Development Specialist

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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field required
Minimum 2 years of relevant experience required
eligibility for Fl Teaching Certificate or Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist ( ITDS)
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.

Responsibilities

Provides evaluations, reports, goals, direct therapy, and consultation services.
Implements services and activities for children with a variety of developmental and diagnostic indicators.
Delivers consultation services to parents, caregivers, teachers, and community specialists and professionals regarding client progress and recommendations.
Assists children with physical, social, and behavioral needs.
Maintains effective communications with parents.
Preserves confidentiality while communicating with parents and other departments about individual children and family needs and progress.
Ensures all licensing regulations are complied with at all times.
Inputs patient data into appropriate computer systems in a timely manner.
Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.
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.