124 - Child Development Specialist

The Community Action Organization of Western New York Inc; New York (NY); On-site; USD 33,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The Community Action Organization of Western New York Inc is seeking a Child Development Specialist to support Head Start and Early Head Start programs in na, NY 14214. You will assess development, train parents and staff, and connect families with needed resources to promote school readiness.

Responsibilities include observing learning environments, coaching teachers, ensuring safe, compliant classrooms, and delivering developmentally appropriate activities.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development with 3 years’ supervisory experience.
• Experience with low-income families and Head Start programs.
• Knowledge of infant and toddler development.
• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development with 5 years’ supervisory experience.
• Experience with home visit techniques helpful.

Responsibilities

• Observe and assess learning environments to ensure curriculum implementation and safety.
• Coach, mentor, and train teaching staff in education-related areas including classroom management and lesson planning.
• Ensure child/staff ratios are met and environments are safe and developmentally appropriate.
• Provide training to parents on developmentally appropriate practices and child development.
• Collaborate with staff to provide comprehensive services and assist with transitions in Head Start programs.
• Ensure compliance with Head Start standards and licensing; collect data and maintain records.

Job description

Position Title: 124 - Child Development Specialist

Location: na, NY 14214

Overview

Salary Range: $24.04 - $25.00 Hourly

Position Type: Full Time

Description

JOB SUMMARY This position is primarily responsible for assessing, supporting, and promoting the development of
young children working with the framework of Head Start and Early Head Start Programs. This
includes evaluating children’s developmental progress, providing training to parents and staff, and
connecting families with needed resources.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Primary Responsibilities:
Observe and assess learning environments to ensure staff are effectively implementing the
curriculum, 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, including
cognitive, 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’s
enrollment.
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-related
areas 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/parent
relationships.
Provide training to parents on effective parenting skills as well as developmentally appropriate
practices 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 Start
Programs.
Ensure compliance with all education related Head Start Program Performance Standards, Child
Care Licensing, and all other regulations.
Ensure that the vision, philosophy, and values of CAP Head Start/Early Head Start are integrated in
all classrooms, activities, and learning environments.
Collect data, prepare reports, and establish tracking systems to create and maintain an effective
and efficient education content area.
CAO of WNY, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
Develop and implement outcome measuring systems, analyze results and adjust training and
mentoring according to the needs of the teaching staff.
Partner with all staff to maintain or receive the National Association for the Education of Young
Children (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.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS
Education 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 helpful
OR
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 helpful
Skills 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 effectively
with children, parents, and other professionals.
Ability to accurately observe and assess children’s development, identify strengths and needs, and
develop appropriate interventions.
Ability to plan, organize, and implement developmentally appropriate activities and programs.
Ability to work effectively with other professionals, including teachers, therapists, and
administrators.
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.

To 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 essential job functions.