Child Development Specialist

JOB SUMMARY This position is primarily responsible for assessing, supporting, and promoting the development ofyoung children working with the framework of Head Start and Early Head Start Programs. This includes evaluating children’s developmental progress, providing training to parents and staff, and connecting families with needed resources.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Primary Responsibilities:

Observe and assess learning environments to ensure staff are effectively implementing the curriculum, creating complete lessons plans, keeping the classroom safe, and creating a positive,warm classroom environment. Ensure that classroom/learning environment activities include all areas of learning, including cognitive, social, emotional, pre-literacy, pre-math, fine and gross motor skills. Ensure that all developmental screenings are conducted within the first 45 days of each child’senrollment.

Provide ongoing monitoring to ensure that all learning environments and playgrounds are safe,developmentally appropriate, and set up to facilitate learning. Provide regular on-site coaching , mentoring, and training to all teaching staff in education-related areas including classroom management, developmentally appropriate practices, lesson planning,implementation of curriculum, adhering to the daily schedule, and safety. Ensure that the child/staff ratios are always met. Provide consultation and guidance to teaching staff regarding inclusion of children with disabilities,managing challenging behaviors, and maintaining positive teacher/child and teacher/parent relationships.

Provide training to parents on effective parenting skills as well as developmentally appropriate practices and other areas of child development and education. Work with other content areas to provide comprehensive services to children and families. Assist with the process of transitioning children and families into and out of the Head Start Programs. Ensure compliance with all education related Head Start Program Performance Standards, Child Care Licensing, and all other regulations.

Ensure that the vision, philosophy, and values of CAP Head Start/Early Head Start are integrated inall classrooms, activities, and learning environments. Collect data, prepare reports, and establish tracking systems to create and maintain an effective and efficient education content area.

CAO of WNY, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Develop and implement outcome measuring systems, analyze results and adjust training and mentoring according to the needs of the teaching staff. Partner with all staff to maintain or receive the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation which is valid for a 5-year period OR the state equivalent.

Secondary Responsibilities:
Must present a professional image in conduct, attitude, and attire. Satisfactory completion of mandatory trainings. Additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development. Three (3) years’ experience in supervision Experience working with low-income children and families. Knowledge of infant and toddler development.

Experience with home visit techniques helpfulOR Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development. Five (5) years’ experience in supervision Experience working with low-income children and families. Knowledge of infant and toddler development.

Experience with home visit techniques helpful

Skills and Abilities:

Strong understanding of child development theories, principles, and stages of development. Must always maintain confidentiality. Active listening, writing, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interact effectively with children, parents, and…