Infant Toddler Specialist

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

22h•Onsite

About The Position

The Infant Toddler Specialist is a member of the Family Development Team, responsible for delivering programming and professional development to childcare providers and parents of children aged birth to five in Herkimer, Madison, and Oneida Counties. The role involves delivering established educational programs on topics such as OCFS guidelines, physical activity, engaged learning environments, program organization, parent/provider communication, developmentally appropriate practice, program development, business practices, professionalism, and responsibility. The specialist will also perform data entry requiring confidentiality and provide information on other Extension programs and community services.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child & Family Studies or related field, including Infant/Toddler specific coursework or Associate Degree and 2 years transferable program/functional experience.
At least three years of experience working directly with young children and families in a childcare or early education program.
Must possess NYS Early Learning Trainer Credential or achieve credential within one year of initial employment.
Experience delivering adult education training and/or providing coaching and technical assistance to childcare staff and providers.
Demonstrated ability to plan, teach, and evaluate educational programs through a variety of delivery methods to reach individuals and groups.
Ability to plan and organize personal work responsibilities according to priorities developed with immediate supervisor.
Demonstrated ability to relate to various audiences.
Ability to communicate effectively through oral, written, and visual means.
Basic computer and word processing skills.
Demonstrated ability to function as a team member working with staff.
Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
Ability to meet acceptable background check standards.
Ability to work flexible hours, which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
Proficiency or ability to learn and effectively use software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, Excel).

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Development or related field
Familiarity with NY State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) childcare regulations.
Infant Toddler certificate

Responsibilities

Utilize existing program materials and educational framework to provide education on quality early care and education and program requirements to program participants.
Provide research-based material and resources to providers, parents, staff and other groups as they are identified.
Serve as a subject-matter resource on infants and toddlers.
Interact effectively with program participants to provide educational resources that meet their specific needs.
Provide one-to-one technical assistance and consultation to providers on infant/toddler development and professional development issues by telephone, e-mail, and/or in-person (in office, community sites).
Respond to infant/toddler development and child rearing questions from parents.
Meet or exceed targeted delivery goals assigned by the supervisor as indicated by the funding source.
Inform child care providers and parents of other Extension programs, community agencies, and services.
May occasionally apply established subject matter knowledge to create lesson plans to deliver educational programs.
Represent CCE to the public, community leaders, government officials and Cornell University in a professional manner as part of program delivery.
Interact with program participants and clientele to collect evaluation data for improving programs and services.
Implement program evaluation as designed.
Assist supervisor in the process of analyzing program data, and based on that analysis, assist in making recommendations for improvements in program offerings.
Communicate evaluation findings to constituents as appropriate.
Provide input in planning the structure of delivering educational programs via various methods.
Assist in the planning of Family Development programs and events.
Assist supervisor in initiating effective professional relationships with other agencies and organizations that promote effective communication to facilitate continued programming efforts.
Provide programmatic guidance to volunteers and co-workers, including those performing similar work.
Solve problems and resolve conflicts that arise within educational programs utilizing appropriate policies and procedures.
Maintain records of program participants, complete monthly reports, and accurately prepare paperwork in a timely manner as required for the program.
Occasionally transports self along with program materials and resources to child care provider sites.
Coordinate, compile, and organize existing program resources and program materials surrounding infants and toddlers.
Provide information as requested to assist with preparation of reports, success stories on program progress and accomplishments for funders, advisory committee, Board and others as necessary.
Complete all data entry in local data system and state data system as well as end of the month paperwork and quarterly reports as part of funder reporting requirements.
In cooperation with supervisor and/or Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes and Association priorities.
Participate in all required orientation, training, and/or in-service meetings and trainings as scheduled/required.
Pursue personal growth through expanding personal knowledge of the total organization and through updating techniques and technical skills relating to the position.
Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension including but not limited to attendance at staff meetings, timely reporting of expenses, working with other staff, general marketing of Cooperative Extension programs and other duties as assigned.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.
Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment.
Be familiar with and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, Association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.