Child Development Specialist

St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore; Baltimore (MD); On-site; Full time

Job summary

A community service organization in Baltimore seeks an individual to oversee child development programs. Responsibilities include ensuring children's safety, planning developmentally appropriate activities, and providing guidance to parents and staff. Candidates should demonstrate strong knowledge of child growth, effective communication skills, and the ability to manage records. The role involves collaboration with team members and ongoing education participation. This position supports the mission and vision of the organization.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of community resources related to the needs of young children.
• Sensitivity and understanding towards parents' situations.
• Basic management skills and ability to supervise personnel.

Responsibilities

• Oversee health, safety, and well-being of all children.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate programs.
• Provide guidance to staff in curriculum planning.

Skills

Effective written and verbal communication skills

Knowledge of child growth and development

Ability to plan and implement activities for children

Ability to maintain records and reports

Job description

PRIMARY DUTIES

• Oversees the health, safety and well-being of all the children.
• Plans and implements a developmentally appropriate program for infants and toddlers, including screenings, assessments and development of children's individual classroom plans.
• Demonstrates a sound knowledge of good teaching practices and of child growth and development.
• Participates in program staff meetings and trainings provided by MFN or sponsoring agency.
• Provides parents with information and support in their parenting role.
• Complete all required paperwork.

SECONDARY DUTIES

• Have a thorough knowledge of child growth and development of the first years of life from birth to three years of age.
• Have a thorough knowledge of community resources related to the needs of young children and willingness to help families access them.
• Demonstrate sensitivity and understanding when relating to parents' situation and feelings.
• Possess basic management skills to include:
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Knowledge and ability to design and maintain an appropriate environment for infants and toddlers.
  • Ability to plan and implement activities for children individually and as a group.
  • Ability to maintain records and reports on young children.
  • Ability to reinforce health and safety standards in the child development room.
  • Supervise and evaluate child development personnel and volunteers.
  • Make sound decisions related to interactions between staff, parents and children.
  • Provide guidance and direction to staff in curriculum planning and implementation and planning children's activities.
  • Model team leadership skills on issues of child development.
  • Model/teach parents and staff how to nurture and interact with babies and young children.
  • Ability to lift up to 50lbs.
  • Ability to get up and down from the floor.
• Work with other team members to develop relationship with the parents of enrolled children.
• Maintain good communications with parent, provide support and guidance as needed and document contact.
• Support volunteers as part of the classroom team and offer hospitality to visitors.
• Upholds the vision, mission and values of St. Vincent de Paul.
• Participates in and attends continuing education and informational trainings and meetings as needed.
• Assists with and attends special events held by St. Vincent de Paul.
• Creates an atmosphere of care and respect for staff, volunteers and clients.
• Other duties as assigned within the scope of the position.