Infant Development Specialist

Job Description

An Infant Development Specialist establishes a climate of respect for each infant/toddler's personality, physical characteristics, traits, temperament, language, and family culture. They support the planning and implementation of Catalyst's program for children ranging in age zero to three years. The Specialist works with their group of children from program entry until they transition to preschool (age 2.9+), supporting development, building strong family relationships, setting a trajectory for future success, and ensuring continuity of care.

• Create and implement individual and small group curriculum aligned with infant/toddler interests, supported by learning frameworks and culturally responsive practices.
• Understand and respond to the growth and development of infants/toddlers ages 0‑3, meeting needs based on developmental age.
• Keep infants/toddlers healthy and safe by proper supervision, compliance with regulations, positive interactions, healthy habits, and nurturing culturally diverse relationships.
• Create and maintain intentional, enriched, and supportive learning environments that allow safe risk-taking.
• Ensure the environment meets developmental needs as children grow through the first three years.
• Provide excellent customer service, establishing authentic connections with children, families, communities, and the team.
• Complete daily reports and continually evaluate families, detailing each child’s progress and milestones.
• Work collaboratively, connecting workplace values, education, and experience to provide high‑quality programs.

• Positive, nurturing, patient, and developmentally appropriate interactions with infants/toddlers.
• Maintain a kind, respectful, and safe emotional and physical environment for children.
• Punctuality and regular presence.
• Supportive indoor and outdoor programs.
• Physically and mentally capable of meeting all developmental needs of infants/toddlers, ensuring safety.
• Implement safety guidelines, report incidents, remain calm during first aid or emergencies.

• Inspect environment for hazards and take preventive actions.
• Handle occasional loud noise during active activities.
• Lift, hold, diaper, and nurture infants/toddlers ages 0‑3 during caregiving routines.
• Perform frequent bending, lifting, twisting, reaching, pushing, and pulling.
• Carry objects up to 15 lb individually or with a team.
• Work inside and outside the classroom in all safe weather conditions.
• Traverse various terrains and heights as required.
• Adapt physical level to infants/toddlers for activities and interactions.
• Supervise community walks.

Highest educational qualifications are required; may direct or supervise other teaching team members.

• At least 24 units in child development, early childhood development, or related field, plus 16 general education units, including a minimum of three units specifically for Infant/Toddler (0‑3 yrs).
• Associate’s degree in ECE, CD, or related field from a nationally accredited college, or higher degree.
• Teacher or higher Child Development Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
• All degrees must include at least three units in Infant/Toddler (0‑3 yrs).

• Two years in a group care environment caring for a consistent age group (preferred).
• One year of supervising adults or equivalent adult‑supervision units (preferred).
• Effective problem‑solving, conflict resolution, classroom management, and communication with children and families.
• Strong organization, time management, and curriculum/assessment documentation (individualized lesson plans, portfolios, anecdotal notes).
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and maintain a professional team environment.
• Current adult and infant/child CPR/First Aid certification (preferred).
• Bilingual or multilingual language preferences based on center needs.

Full Time

Monday – Friday, 9 am – 6 pm

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• 401(k) retirement plan and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Personal health advocate.
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays.
• Education reimbursement program.
• Commuter pre‑tax benefit.
• Discounted childcare.
• Access to the Calm app.
• Employee discounts.
• Continuous learning and professional growth opportunities.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug‑free workplace.