
Child Development Specialist
Job Description
SUMMARY
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 classrooms 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.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Child Development, or related field.
- 3 years’ experience working with young children from birth to three years old, required.
- 1 year’ supervisory experience, required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
__X__ Primarily Indoor Work
TYPE OF WORK
___X__MEDIUM WORK: Lifting 50 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects up to 25 pounds.