Child Development Specialist

East Texas Council of Governments•Kilgore, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

As a mentor and guide, you'll help childcare programs achieve and maintain Texas Rising Star (TRS) certification. From providing hands-on mentoring and technical assistance to directors, teachers, and staff, to modeling best practices and crafting engaging workshops, your role ensures that quality improvement plans are set and goals are met! You'll also be an advocate for growth and excellence, conducting assessments, supporting professional development, and helping directors become leaders in the field. Whether it's through mock assessments, leadership training, or creating a network of resources, you'll be a critical part of expanding high-quality childcare programs in the Workforce Solutions East Texas Board's 14-county region. Join us to make a meaningful impact and grow with a team dedicated to serving East Texas Childcare programs.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent.
Bachelor's or Associate degree in any field that includes at least 18 credit hours in early childhood education, child development, special education, child psychology, educational psychology, elementary education, or family and consumer science, with two years of suitable experience in early childhood education.
OR Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
Commitment to attain the Texas Rising Star mentor micro-credential within two years of employment.
Ability to obtain 36 hours of annual professional development and continuing education consistent with Texas Rising Star training requirements for a center director.
Complete the Texas Rising Star certification course.
Attain the Texas Rising Star mentor micro-credential within two years of employment.
Demonstrate knowledge of and use of the Texas Early Childhood Professional Development System (TECPDS).
Complete any additional requirements applicable to the Texas Rising Star Mentor position.
Minimum two years of full-time early childhood experience in child care, Early Head Start, Head Start or pre-kindergarten through third grade school program.
3 to 5 years of experience following best practices in early childhood classroom education.
Understanding of and experience with evaluations, observations and assessments of teachers, and children between the ages 0 to 6.
Must successfully pass and maintain an annual background and criminal history check in accordance with Texas Child Care Regulation (CCR) requirements, Texas State Law §42.159.

Nice To Haves

Prefer knowledge and understanding of TRS Certification Guidelines and the minimum standards of Texas childcare licensing.

Responsibilities

Provide hands-on mentoring and technical assistance to directors, teachers, and staff.
Model best practices in early childhood education.
Craft and deliver engaging workshops.
Ensure quality improvement plans are set and goals are met.
Conduct assessments.
Support professional development for childcare staff.
Help directors become leaders in the field.
Conduct mock assessments.
Provide leadership training.
Create a network of resources for childcare programs.