Child Development Specialist

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.
• Completes all required paperwork.

SECONDARY DUTIES

• Has a thorough knowledge of child growth and development of the first years of life from birth to three years of age.
• Has a thorough knowledge of community resources related to the needs of young children and willingness to help families access them.
• Demonstrates sensitivity and understanding when relating to parents' situation and feelings.
• Possesses 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.
• Ability to supervise and evaluate child development personnel and volunteers.
• Ability to make sound decisions related to interactions between staff, parents and children.
• Ability to provide guidance and direction to staff in curriculum planning and implementation and planning children's activities.
• Ability to model team leadership skills on issues of child development.
• Ability to 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.
• Ability to work with other team members to develop relationship with the parents of enrolled children.
• Ability to maintain good communications with parent, provide support and guidance as needed and document contact.
• Ability to 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.
• Affords assistance with and attendance at special events held by St. Vincent de Paul.
• Creates an atmosphere of care and respect for staff, volunteers and clients.