Child Development Specialist

JOB TITLE: Child Development Specialist

JOB CODE: 45026

FLSA: Non-Exempt

GRADE: S08

JOB SUMMARY: Serves as a lead or assistant teacher for an early childhood classroom. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provides quality early care and education to young children by planning and implementing developmentally appropriate activities in the cognitive, language, physical and social domains; provide a safe and healthy environment.

• Supervises and models' appropriate practices for volunteers, work study and lab students assigned to the classroom.

• Observes and documents children's developmental milestones; develop children's portfolios; maintains records and assessments.

• Provides optimal coordination of home and Center in terms of research-based teaching and parenting; schedule and conduct parent/teacher conferences.

• Completes departmental forms such as attendance records, meal counts, first aid/accident reports, child medication, health and safety checks, etc.

• Attends staff meetings and required training including initial orientation, pre-service and annual training.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associate's degree in child development or early childhood education or a combination of relevant experience, education and training that equates to the required degree.

• Two years of experience in a licensed child care center or early childhood program.

• Must complete 30 clock hours of annual training each year relevant to the age of children for whom care is provided as required by National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation, the Texas Rising Star program certifying organization, and the State of Texas.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree.

• Three years of experience working in a licensed child care center or early childhood program.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Pediatric first aid and Pediatric child/infant CPR and adult CPR.

• Must pass pre-employment physical exam.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of state licensing standards and NAEYC accreditation requirements.

• Knowledge of principals/practices of child development and early childhood education.

• Knowledge of Texas standards for licensed childcare centers or programs; Texas Rising Star; and NAEYC accreditation criteria.

• Must have ability to effectively work with young children, families, and college students.

• Must exercise patience and understanding of children during stressful times.

• Must have the ability to speak with kindness and sensitivity while maintaining an overall tone of professionalism.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to organize with attention to detail.
  • Excellent customer service skills.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Working conditions involve some exposure to moderate risk of accident and require following safety precautions. Physical demands include moderate physical activity that includes prolonged standing and/or walking, handling moderate weight objects and/or using or carrying equipment. Must be able to lift/manipulate up to 40 lbs.; move furniture/equipment; frequently stoop, squat, bend, and easily get up/down to the floor. Work may require some travel.

SECURITY SENSITIVE: Specific job requirements or physical location of some positions allocated to this classification may render the position security sensitive, and thereby subject to the provisions of section Texas Education Code.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.20 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending