Child Development Specialist, Godine Early Learning Center, Newton, MA

Reporting to the Director of the Godine Early Learning Center, and in partnership with colleagues across the team, the Child Development Specialist (CDS) provides direct support and consultation services to children, parents, preschool staff and teachers at the Godine Early Learning Center, Newton, MA. The CDS works in conjunction with, and as a liaison to outside collaterals, i.e. private or public agencies, schools, early intervention, and/or specialty services in order to help each child reach their highest potential emotionally, socially, and cognitively.

The CDS works closely with teaching teams and directors to facilitate developmentally appropriate practices within our educational framework and in compliance with key policies and best practices.

JCC Greater Boston is deeply committed to valuing and celebrating the uniqueness of each constituent. We welcome staff and participants from diverse backgrounds. While being proudly Jewish, we strive in every way to provide an open and welcoming setting for all, irrespective of personal practices, beliefs, or background. We are guided by JCC Greater Boston’s core values - Belonging, Joyfulness, Collaboration, and Transformation - which resonate with many who do not identify as Jewish.

Provide comprehensive developmental support to children and families through assessment, individualized planning, consultation, collaboration, referrals, staff support, and specialized services:

• Support children 0-3 with a focus on our infant and toddler programs.
• Work directly with parents, teachers and staff to support children in the classroom.
• Assess all 3 year old students using the ESI-R standardized screening tool. Review findings with parents, caregivers and teachers. Refer to specialists as needed.
• Identify strategies to help children with areas of special needs including, but not limited to developmental delays, gross and fine motor, speech, transitions and behavios.
• Meet regularly with the classroom teachers to discuss children, their needs and implementation of developmentally appropriate practices and strategies.
• Develop written individual educational plans as they pertain to the ELC for children that clearly state strategies, recommendations, modes and methods of implementation, and goals.

Provide families and team members with supportive communications, tools, referrals and resources:

• Serve as a resource to parents, caregivers and staff regarding topics of typical or atypical child development.
• Use resources and referral skills to assist parents in identifying outside services to support their children’s development, including but not limited to Early Intervention, School Systems, Developmental Pediatricians, Mental Health Agencies, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, or Neuropsychologists.
• Work collaboratively and continuously with systems involved in ELC children’s care such as local Early Intervention and/or School Systems or private agencies to meet common goals.
• Attend early intervention, school system, or other multidisciplinary meetings held to advocate for and discuss the progress and goals of ELC children.
• Provide training and development to Early Learning Center team members, as needed.
• Support the Director and/or Assistant Director in the daily running of the Early Learning Center, as needed.

• Create skill building on self-regulation, friendship skills, social pragmatics, or other psycho-social or psycho-emotional focus as needed by the population of children at the ELC.

Supervisory responsibilities:

None

This is a part-time (32 hours per week), in-person, year-round salaried position offers a comprehensive benefits package, and a competitive starting salary range of $44,104 - $53,488 annually.

The salary offered will ultimately be determined by relevant qualifications, experience, and JCC's internal equity.

Since opening its doors in 1983, JCC Greater Boston has been committed to its mission of creating a vibrant, inclusive, and diverse community by nurturing…