Child Development Specialist Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• One of the following education and experience combinations: a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development and three years of supervisory experience; or a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development and five years of supervisory experience.
• Experience working with low-income children and families.
• Knowledge of infant and toddler development.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Strong understanding of child development theories, principles, and developmental stages.
• Active listening, writing, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interact effectively with children, parents, and other professionals.
• Ability to observe and assess children’s development accurately, identify strengths and needs, and develop appropriate interventions.
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement developmentally appropriate activities and programs.
• Ability to work effectively with teachers, therapists, administrators, and other professionals.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Access to transportation to visit sites throughout Erie and Niagara Counties.
• Ability to speak and hear, sit frequently, stand and walk occasionally, tolerate moderate to loud noise, and lift or move up to 25 pounds.
• Complete the CAO Employment application, NYS SCR Clearance Form with acceptable clearance, Criminal Record Certification, and Release for Reference Checks.
• Have no criminal convictions for crimes against children, misdemeanor or felony.
• Submit to fingerprinting.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with home visit techniques is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Observe and assess learning environments to ensure staff implement the curriculum effectively, prepare complete lesson plans, maintain classroom safety, and foster a positive, warm environment.
• Ensure learning activities address cognitive, social, emotional, pre-literacy, pre-math, fine motor, and gross motor development.
• Ensure developmental screenings are completed within the first 45 days of each child’s enrollment.
• Monitor learning environments and playgrounds to ensure they are safe, developmentally appropriate, and set up to facilitate learning.
• Provide on-site coaching, mentoring, and training to teaching staff in classroom management, developmentally appropriate practices, lesson planning, curriculum implementation, daily schedules, and safety.
• Ensure child-to-staff ratios are maintained at all times.
• Advise teaching staff on including children with disabilities, managing challenging behaviors, and maintaining positive teacher-child and teacher-parent relationships.
• Train parents in effective parenting skills, developmentally appropriate practices, and child development and education.
• Work with other content areas to provide comprehensive services to children and families.
• Assist with transitioning children and families into and out of Head Start Programs.
• Ensure compliance with education-related Head Start Program Performance Standards, Child Care Licensing, and other regulations.
• Integrate CAP Head Start/Early Head Start’s vision, philosophy, and values into classrooms, activities, and learning environments.
• Collect data, prepare reports, and establish tracking systems for an effective and efficient education content area.
• Develop and implement outcome measurement systems, analyze results, and adjust staff training and mentoring based on staff needs.
• Partner with staff to maintain or obtain National Association for the Education of Young Children accreditation, valid for five years, or the state equivalent.
• Maintain a professional image in conduct, attitude, and attire.
• Complete mandatory trainings satisfactorily.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.