Child Development Specialist, Godine Early Learning Center, Newton, MA

About the role

The Child Development Specialist (CDS) supports children, parents, preschool staff, and teachers at the Godine Early Learning Center, Newton, MA. The CDS works with outside agencies to help children reach their full potential and collaborates with teaching teams to implement developmentally appropriate practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive developmental support to children and families through assessment, individualized planning, consultation, collaboration, referrals, staff support, and specialized services
• Support children 0-3 with infant and toddler programs
• Work directly with parents, teachers, and staff to support children in the classroom
• Audit all 3-year-old students using the ESI-R standardized screening tool. Review findings with parents, caregivers, and teachers. Refer to specialists as needed
• Identify strategies to help children with areas of special needs including, but not limited to, developmental delays, gross and fine motor, speech, transitions, and behaviors
• Meet regularly with the classroom teachers to discuss children, their needs, and implementation of developmentally appropriate practices and strategies
• Develop written individual educational plans as they pertain to the ELC for children that clearly state strategies, recommendations, modes, and methods of implementation, and goals
• Serve as a resource to parents, caregivers, and staff regarding topics of typical or atypical child development
• Use resources and referral skills to assist parents in identifying outside services to support their children's development, including but not limited to Early Intervention, School Systems, Developmental Pediatricians, Mental Health Agencies, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, or Neuropsychologists
• Work collaboratively and continuously with systems involved in ELC children's care such as local Early Intervention and/or School Systems or private agencies to meet common goals
• Attend early intervention, school system, or other multidisciplinary meetings held to advocate for and discuss the progress and goals of ELC children
• Provide training and development to Early Learning Center team members, as needed
• Support the Director and/or Assistant Director in the daily running of the Early Learning Center, as needed
• Create skill building on self-regulation, friendship skills, social pragmatics, or other psycho-social or psycho-emotional focus as needed by the population of children at the ELC
• Supervise curriculum and facilitate short-term social skills groups for children, as directed

Requirements

• Requires a Master's Level degree in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Child Development, Developmental Psychology, Social Work or related field
• Two or more years experience in a related field
• Experience in early childhood teaching preferred
• Experience with Early Intervention Program Required

Skills and Abilities

• Strong communication skills, both orally and in writing, and to exercise initiative and independent judgment
• Strong organizational skills which are needed to manage this fast-paced environment
• Mastery of typical and atypical child development, early childhood care, within the Sheva Framework and methods and curricula of early childhood education and special education, or a related field
• Remain current in new research and methodology in early childhood education
• Expertise in resource and referral and case management and be able to work cooperatively and effectively with parents and outside professionals
• Demonstrate ability to establish and maintain a good working relationship with classroom teachers, parents, and school administrators
• Must have a valid driver's license and be able to drive a motor vehicle and pass a MRV review

Prior Experience

• Experience in early childhood teaching preferred
• Experience With Early Intervention Program Required

Physical Requirements

• Work environment is fast-paced and energetic
• The CDS must have the ability to relate well to children, staff, and parents
• The CDS must have the ability and skills to work with children who present with difficult behavior
• The CDS is required to be aware of and sensitive to cultural differences
• Moderate to heavy physical effort that may include frequent sitting, standing, walking; periodic lifting of moderate to heavy children up to 50 lbs
• The job has an indoor/outdoor work environment; some exposure to environmental extremes

About JCC Greater Boston

JCC Greater Boston is deeply committed to valuing and celebrating the uniqueness of each constituent. We welcome staff and participants from diverse backgrounds. While being proudly Jewish, we strive in every way to provide an open and welcoming setting for all, irrespective of personal practices, beliefs, or background. We are guided by JCC Greater Boston's core values - Belonging, Joyfulness, Collaboration, and Transformation - which resonate with many who do not identify as Jewish.

Benefits

• Competitive cost-sharing Health and Dental Insurance
• JCC Sponsored/Paid Health Reimbursement Account
• JCC Sponsored/Paid Group Life Insurance/LTD Coverage
• Generous paid time off
• Tax-deferred 403(b) retirement savings plan
• Voluntary Supplemental Vision Insurance
• Additional Voluntary Supplemental Life/ADD coverage for you and your family
• AbilityAssist Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Norton Cyber Security Program
• LegalEase Insurance program
• JCCGB Perks! This position is eligible for a free individual membership to JCC Greater Boston's top class fitness, recreation and wellness facility in Newton - offering virtual and in-person programs including indoor swimming, many fitness classes, and workout facilities, as well as discounts to many JCCGB events, classes, outdoor pool, and more!
• Complimentary individual membership includes: Use of the Fitness Center at Leventhal-Sidman Access to group fit classes, Arts & Culture adult programming at member rates Discounts on a variety JCCGB's fitness/wellness programs and servicesFree wellness events!Discounted child care at JCCGB Early Learning Centers and after-school programDiscounted JCCGB camp tuition
• A Great Place to Work! JCC Greater Boston is consciously evolving as a great place to work! In our recent 2023 employee engagement survey, at least 88% of our staff gave us top ratings on: Supportive colleaguesTeam camaraderieHow their managers treat themIndividual autonomyKnowing what their work contributes to and how it impacts othersPride in working for the JCCProgram and service qualityHolding ourselves accountable