Infant / Toddler CDA Specialist

Connecticut Institute For Communities, Inc. (CIFC); Danbury (CT); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive fringe benefits package

Health care coverage

Retirement program

Job summary

Connecticut Institute For Communities, Inc. (CIFC) is seeking CDA Specialists in Danbury, CT to assist in classrooms for Head Start/Preschool and Infant/Toddler children. Responsibilities include aiding teachers, supervising activities, and maintaining confidentiality of student information.

This position expects candidates to hold a High School Diploma or equivalent and a commitment to obtaining a Child Development Associate (CDA) Certificate within a year. Bilingual skills are preferred, alongside a passion for early childhood education.

Qualifications

• Must have a valid driver's license and minimum automobile insurance coverage.
• Experience with children preferred, with a focus on bilingual capabilities.
• Ability to input data using computer software.

Responsibilities

• Assist licensed teachers in classroom routines and curriculum.
• Administer achievement and diagnostic tests for students.
• Supervise students during various non-classroom activities.

Skills

Ability to communicate ideas and instructions orally and in writing

Knowledge of child development

Ability to maintain confidentiality

Knowledge of early childhood principles

Education

High School Diploma or GED equivalent

Child Development Associate (CDA) Certificate

Early Childhood Education Credits

Tools

Basic computer experience

Job description

Description CDA Specialists work under the direction of an assigned Lead Teacher. The position is responsible for assisting 1-2 classrooms in planning and implementing classroom routines, curriculum, meals, and related activities for pre‑school and/or infant toddler children (ages 6 months‑5 years).

Summary

This position serves as the assistant in a classroom of 14 to 20 Head Start / Preschool children and/or 7 to 8 Infant/Toddler children. It is chiefly responsible to aid in the core functions of the Head Start program and performs other tasks as needed.

Job Details

• Unit: Early Learning
• Immediate Supervisor: Education Services Professional
• Classification: Standard / Full Time (1.0 FTE) or Part-Time (Hourly)
• Status: Non‑Exempt
• Directly Supervises: None

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Works under the supervision of a licensed teacher or assistant teacher to enforce learning for individual students or small groups of students.
• Administers, and records achievement and diagnostic tests under the direction of the teacher or assistant teachers for individual students or groups of students.
• Assists the teacher or assistant teacher in devising special strategies for reinforcing material or skills based on an understanding of individual students, their needs, interests and abilities.
• Assists the teacher or assistant teacher in the handling, operation and care of equipment, including media, and instructional materials.
• Assists the teacher or assistant teacher in the supervision of students during emergency drills, assemblies, play periods, field trips and in other non‑classroom activities.
• Assists the teacher or assistant teacher with non‑instructional duties such as snack, lunch, toilet and clothing routines.
• Serves as a source of information and help to any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the regular teacher.
• Assists the teacher or assistant teacher in drill work, large group reading or storytelling.
• Alerts the regular teacher or assistant teacher to any problem or special information about an individual student.
• Performs clerical duties as assigned by the teacher or assistant teacher, as needed.
• Maintains the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as is expected of a licensed teacher or assistant teacher.
• Participates in professional development training programs, as assigned.
• Performs related duties as appropriate for the position.

Knowledge and Abilities to be achieved within 6 months of employment

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of Early Childhood.
• Knowledge of child development and learning styles.
• Knowledge of computer data entry processes. Knowledge of family‑centered practices.
• Knowledge of local resources, customs and languages, preferred.

Abilities

• Ability to know and implement the Head Start Performance Standards and requirements and policies of CIFC Early Learning Programs.
• Ability to exercise judgment in evaluating and making decisions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, parents, clients, outside agencies, and the public.
• Ability to keep program information confidential.
• Ability to carry‑out daily functions.
• Ability to use program software, use computer for data entry.
• Reliable transportation to get self to and from home, office, Head Start sites, and other program locations.
• Preferred to possess a valid Driver’s license and have minimum automobile insurance coverage legally required by the state of Connecticut.

Language Skills

• Ability to communicate ideas and instructions orally and in writing.
• Ability to speak, read and write English at a level well enough to understand and be understood by others.
• Ability to hear and understand all emergency announcements in English.
• Ability to write observations and business correspondence.
• Ability to read, retain and understand Health & Safety procedures for sanitization, disinfection, and meal‑time distribution.
• Ability to speak within groups of individuals, such as Parent Conferences and staff meetings.
• Bilingual skills helpful (English/Spanish or English/Portuguese).

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to calculate amounts by adding, subtracting and dividing.
• Ability to accurately count the number of children in a classroom.
• Ability to understand 1:4, 2:8, 1:10, 2:20 child to staff member ratios.

Requirements

• Minimum High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) Certificate or a commitment to obtain a CDA within 1 year of employment is required (paid by the employer).
• Early Childhood Education Credits are preferred; and/or Associate and/or Bachelor degrees are preferred.
• Bilingual candidates strongly encouraged to apply.
• Entry level position; previous babysitting or childcare experience is preferred.
• Basic computer experience is required (i.e. email, word processing, internet navigation).
• Applicants with multiple language capabilities (English, Spanish, and/or Portuguese) are preferred.

Health Requirements

• Recent documentation free of communicable diseases; and
• Recent fit for duty examination.
• Ability to lift 40 lbs.

Competitive compensation, plus comprehensive fringe benefits package including health care coverage and retirement program.