124 - Child Development Specialist

Community Action Organization Of Western New York Inc; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Action Organization Of Western New York Inc in Buffalo, NY is seeking a Senior Education Specialist to assess, support, and promote development of young children within Head Start and Early Head Start programs. You will evaluate progress, train parents and staff, and connect families with needed resources.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, with several years of supervisory experience and a proven ability to work

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of child development theories, principles, and stages of development.
• Active listening, writing, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to observe and assess children’s development and develop interventions.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities and programs.

Responsibilities

• Observe and assess learning environments to ensure staff implement the curriculum and create a safe, engaging classroom.
• Provide on-site coaching, mentoring, and training to teaching staff on classroom management and curriculum implementation.
• Ensure child/staff ratios are maintained and inclusive practices are followed.
• Collaborate with staff to transition children and families into Head Start/Early Head Start and maintain compliance with standards.

Skills

Child development theories

Observation & assessment

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Team collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

JOB SUMMARYThis 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. Thisincludes evaluating children’s developmental progress, providing training to parents and staff, andconnecting families with needed resources.RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIESPrimary Responsibilities: Observe and assess learning environments to ensure staff are effectively implementing thecurriculum, 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, includingcognitive, 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-relatedareas 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/parentrelationships. Provide training to parents on effective parenting skills as well as developmentally appropriatepractices 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 StartPrograms. Ensure compliance with all education related Head Start Program Performance Standards, ChildCare 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 effectiveand efficient education content area.CAO of WNY, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Develop and implement outcome measuring systems, analyze results and adjust training andmentoring according to the needs of the teaching staff. Partner with all staff to maintain or receive the National Association for the Education of YoungChildren (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.QUALIFICATIONSEducation 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 helpfulSkills 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 effectivelywith children, parents, and other professionals. Ability to accurately observe and assess children’s development, identify strengths and needs, anddevelop appropriate interventions. Ability to plan, organize, and implement developmentally appropriate activities and programs. Ability to work effectively with other professionals, including teachers, therapists, andadministrators. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite Access to transportation is required to visit all sites throughout Erie and Niagara Counties.Physical Demands: Must be able to speak and hear. Frequently required to sit and occasionally required to stand and walk. Must be able to tolerate moderate to loud noise. Ability to lift/move up to 25 pounds.CAO of WNY, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.Application Requirements: Completion of the following documents:o CAO Employment applicationo NYS SCR Clearance Form with acceptable clearanceo Criminal Record Certification and free of criminal convictions of crimes against children(misdemeanor or felony)o Fingerprinting required.o Release for Reference ChecksTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essentialjob functions.