Head Start Child Development Specialist

Position Summary

The job of Head Start Child Development Specialist (190 day classified teacher) is done for the purpose/s of delivering instruction that includes all elements of standards based instruction across all developmental domains; assessing student progress and adjusting instruction according to student’s needs; and providing a responsive, well‑organized, smoothly functioning classroom environment in which students are achieving.

Division: Office of Early Learning
Grade: G29-H
Department: Head Start
Work Day: 190
Reports To: Director of Early Learning
FLSA Status: Non Exempt
Job Class: 433D
Group: Classified

• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or equivalent coursework
• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education (preferred)
• Criminal Justice Fingerprint, Background Clearance, Sex Offender Registry Check, Child Abuse Registry Check
• Valid Georgia driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Health Examination
• Bilingual and bi‑literate in English and Spanish (preferred)
• Experience working with children under age five and their families

• Skills-based
  
  Competencies:
  
  Preparing and maintaining accurate records; using pertinent software applications; and organizational skills.
• Knowledge-based
  
  Competencies:
  
  Basic math including fractions, percentages, and ratios; reading manuals, writing documents following prescribed formats, and presenting information to others; analyzing situations. Also includes stages of child development, age‑appropriate activities, lesson plan requirements, methods of motivating and controlling responses, and awareness of codes, regulations, and laws related to counseling students.
• Ability-based
  
  Competencies:
  
  Scheduling activities, meetings, or events; gathering, collating, or classifying data; using basic job‑related equipment; flexibility to work with others; problem‑solving and creating action plans; providing direction and leadership; communicating with persons of varied backgrounds; maintaining confidentiality; establishing constructive relationships; adapting to changing priorities.

• Implement instructional programming and adapt classroom work to provide students with instructional materials that address individualized learning needs within established lesson plans.
• Advise parents and/or legal guardians of student progress through parent‑teacher meetings, home visits, etc.; communicate expectations, achievements, improvement methods, and reinforce classroom goals in the home environment.
• Collect and analyze data (screening, formative and summative assessment) to adjust instructional strategies; attend meetings and in‑service presentations; communicate with parents, guardians, and district personnel.
• Develop weekly standards‑based lesson plans to implement designated curriculum and meet federal, state, and local requirements.
• Implement security measures and wellness protocols (active supervision, daily sanitizing of touched surfaces, handwashing, potty training, safety drills, care plans); respond to emergency situations.
• Maintain learning and play spaces ensuring safety; manage family‑style meals; manage assigned projects and activities to meet timelines.
• Organize age‑appropriate indoor and outdoor activities; prepare written documents for substitute teachers, parents, and guardians; document activities and provide written references.
• Provide ongoing feedback based on formative assessment to inform supervisor, teachers, and parents of students’ progress.
• Establish positive relationships with parents and children; facilitate interactive Parent And Child Together (PACT) activities and conferences; improve school attendance; attend family engagement activities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Vision:
Ability to read small print and view a computer screen for prolonged periods.

Hearing:
Ability to tolerate exposure to noisy conditions.

Speech:
Ability to be understood in face‑to‑face communications and over a telephone or computer.

Upper Body Mobility:
Ability to use hands to grasp, manipulate small objects; manipulate fingers, twist and bend at wrist and…