Child Development Specialist

OHIO VALLEY EDUCATIONAL COOPERATIVE
JOB DESCRIPTION

CHILD DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

PROGRAM: Head Start/Early Head Start

RESPONSIBLE TO: Director

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field required with experience teaching young children. Master's degree preferred. Minimum of 3 years of Early Childhood Education experience preferred. Experience in administering an infant/toddler program is preferred. Successful candidate must have knowledge of children and family systems and resources, and childcare licensing requirements. The Specialist must also be skilled in interpersonal communication, oral and written, organizational and public relations skills, and be able to work independently.

The Specialist must be able to stand, sit, bend and walk for periods of time to meet job requirements. Must have physical and TB test, and be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Must possess a valid driver's license, automobile liability insurance and have reliable transportation to travel to and from work, home visits, trainings and meetings (will receive mileage reimbursement based on OVEC's travel policy). All Head Start positions must clear and pass state criminal history records check and sex offender registry check prior to hire date and pass Child Abuse and Neglect state registry check (CAN) within 90 days of hire.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Plan, coordinate, and implement overall educational component in accordance with the Head Start Performance Standards. Ensure the provision of comprehensive education and child development services through curriculum, materials, equipment and services that meet the program goals and adhere to the Head Start Performance Standards.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Comply with Head Start Performance Standards as well as Kentucky Childcare Licensing regulations and Head Start and OVEC Policies and Procedures.

• Understand and comply with Child Care Licensing, STARS, ITERS (Infant Toddler Environmental Rating Scale), and ECERS (Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale) as applicable to position.

• Provide a comprehensive education and child development services that includes curriculum development, materials, equipment, and staff training that meets the Head Start Performance Standards.

• Arrange for staff training and professional learning activities to insure adherence to program goals and objectives, including Professional Learning Days and technical assistance provided through monitoring and evaluations.

• Develop and implement quality assurance activities including on site visitation, program review, records reviews, consultation and follow up.

• Develop procedures, forms, and other resources to provide for delivery of education services. Revise and update as needed to ensure Head Start Performance Standards and program goals are met.

• Provide and oversee securing educational supplies and equipment for use in the delivery of the educational services.

• Provide materials and resources for educational staff in order to enhance the delivery of services.

• Coordinate with other Head Start Specialists and LAM's to ensure integration of components.

• Assess and review annually, the education service area and develop a plan to enhance and improve the quality of services implemented.

• Coordinate accreditation programs such as STARS, etc. for Early Head Start and Full Day Full Year Sites. Provide training and technical assistance to assist staff in obtaining and maintaining accreditation.

• Coordinate a yearly Playground Inspection, develop a plan of correction based on inspection, work in collaboration with director and school districts to maintain playgrounds.

• Additional duties as assigned.

COMPENSATION: Annual contract with a maximum contract of 240 days. Salary based on rank and experience in accordance to OVEC's Head Start/Early Head Start Certified Employee Salary Schedule.

Job Type: Full-time