Infant​/Toddler CDA Specialist

Position: Infant / Toddler CDA Specialist
Connecticut Institute for Communities, Inc.

Description:

CDA Specialists work under the direction of an assigned Lead Teacher. The position is responsible for assisting 1-2 classrooms in planning and implementing classroom routines, curriculum, meals, and related activities for pre-school and/or infant toddler children (ages 6 months-5 years).

Summary:

The position is responsible for assisting 1-2 classrooms in planning and implementing classroom routines, curriculum, meals, and related activities for pre-school and/or infant toddler children (ages 6 months-5 years). This position serves as the assistant in a classroom of 14 to 20 Head Start /Preschool children and/or 7-8 Infant/Toddler children. This position is chiefly responsible to aid in the core functions of the Head Start program and performs other tasks as needed.

* Unit:
Early Learning
* Immediate Supervisor:
Education Services Professional
* Classification:
Standard / Full Time (1.0 FTE) or Part-Time (Hourly)
* Status:
Non-Exempt
* Directly Supervises:
None ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Essential

Job Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or abilities required.
* Works under the supervision of a licensed teacher or assistant teacher to enforce learning for individual students or small groups of students.
* Administers, and records achievement and diagnostic tests under the direction of the teacher or assistant teachers for individual students or groups of students.
* Assists the teacher or assistant teacher in devising special strategies for reinforcing material or skills based on an understanding of individual students, their needs, interests and abilities.
* Assists the teacher or assistant teacher in the handling, operation and care of equipment, including media, and instructional materials.
* Assists the teacher or assistant teacher in the supervision of students during emergency drills, assembles, play periods, field trips and in other non-classroom activities.
* Assists the teacher or assistant teacher with non-instructional duties such as snack, lunch, toilet and clothing routines.
* Serves as a source of information and help to any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the regular teacher.
* Assists the teacher or assistant teacher in drill work, large group reading or storytelling.
* Alerts the regular teacher or assistant teacher to any problem or special information about an individual student.
* Performs clerical duties as assigned by the teacher or assistant teacher, as needed.
* Maintains the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as is expected of a licensed teacher or assistant teacher.
* Participates in professional development training programs, as assigned.
* Performs related duties as appropriate for the position. Knowledge and Abilities to be achieved within 6-months of employment:
Knowledge
* Knowledge of the principles and practices of Early Childhood.
* Knowledge of child development and learning styles.
* Knowledge of computer data entry processes. Knowledge of family-centered practices.
* Knowledge of local resources, customs and languages, preferred. Abilities
* Ability to know and implement the Head Start Performance Standards and requirements and policies of CIFC Early Learning Programs.
* Ability to exercise judgment in evaluating and making decisions.
* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, parents, clients, outside agencies, and the public.
* Ability to keep program information confidential.
* Ability to carry-out daily functions.
* Ability to use program software, use computer for data entry.
* Reliable transportation to get self to and from home, office, Head Start sites, and other program locations.
* Preferred to posses a valid Driver's license and have minimum automobile insurance coverage legally required by the state of Connecticut. Language skills
* Ability to…