2026-2027 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.

Minimum Requirements

• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or equivalent coursework
• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education preferred

• 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:
  
  Required to perform multiple tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: preparing and maintaining accurate records; using pertinent software applications; and organizational skills.
• Knowledge-based
  
  Competencies:
  
  Required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percentages, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: stages of child development; age appropriate activities; lesson plan requirements; methods of motivating and controlling responding to the individual needs of children;
  
  and awareness of codes, regulations, and laws related to counseling students.
• Ability-based
  
  Competencies:
  
  Required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; often gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing specific, defined processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with similar types of data;
  
  and utilize job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: providing direction and leadership; communicating with persons of varied backgrounds; maintaining confidentiality; establishing and maintaining constructive relationships;
  
  and adapting to changing priorities.

• Implements instructional programming and adapts classroom work for the purpose of providing students with instructional materials that address individualized learning needs within established lesson plans.
• Advises parents and/or legal guardians of student progress (parent-teacher meetings, home visits, etc.) for the purpose of communicating…