CHILD DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
Wage Level: $10.00/per hour
Shift: Full Time/40 Hours per week
SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Youth Services Supervisor, the Child Development Specialist will serve as a lead staff person for a group of children ages 2- 5yrs who are part of the Friendly House Kid’s Corner Preschool Program, a licensed child care center which is part of Friendly House.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Program Curriculum
- Using Creative Curriculum, a research based developmentally appropriate tool, prepare weekly lesson plans for age related classroom
- Ensure materials include activities designed to foster physical, language, social, emotional and creative development of each child
- Create a classroom environment that supports the curriculum goals and ensures that each child can reach maximum social and cognitive development
Direct Supervision
- Maintain clear visual contact and accurate count of all children assigned to class at all times
- Engage with children one on one and a group as supervision is provided for all activities.
- Attend to the physical, emotional and educational needs of the children providing caring/nurturing interaction that is empathetic and demonstrates patience
- Use approved child guidance and care giving techniques that support overall program objectives.
Communication
- Maintain timely written and verbal communication with child’s parents/ guardians with regards to the child
- Maintain timely written and verbal communication with team members and supervisor
- Document all incidents, accidents clearly to parents/ guardians, team members and supervisor
- Document all special instructions that parents/ guardians may provide
- Communicate need for supplies or teaching resources to Youth Services Supervisor in a timely manner
State and Friendly House Kid’s Corner Guidelines
- Understand and adhere to all policies as outlined in the Friendly House Personnel Policies handbook
- Meet licensing guidelines daily of Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS), Quality Rating System (QRS) and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
- Attend in-service training and staff meets as requested
- Meet all requirements of being a Child Development Specialist including training in First Aid/CPR, Universal Precautions, Child Abuse Reporting and other training that meet the hours required per year.
Safety
- Ensure that children are in a safe environment at all times
- Maintain safety procedures as outlined in policies of Friendly House and State of Iowa
- Be familiar with the Friendly House Disaster Preparedness Plan
- Participate in all safety drills
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge
- Education and training in early childhood development
- Knowledge of human behavior and performance
- Knowledge of policies, procedures and strategies
Skills
- Communicate with others effectively
- Effective classroom management and curriculum development
- Monitoring/assessing performance of yourself and others
- Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions
Abilities
- Ability to communicate information and ideas
- Ability to listen and understand information through words and actions
- Ability to be proactive when looking at the environment to ensure it meets best practice standard
- Ability to work with others to achieve goals and contribute to a positive working environment
- Able to lift at least 50 pounds
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
- High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
- Prefer Associates degree in Education, Early Childhood Development, Human Services or related field and at least one year of experience in Early Childhood Education
CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
- Background Check/Fingerprinting
- First Aid/CPR
- Mandatory Child Abuse
- Safety Preparedness
- Medical Exam and TB test
OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this position. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Friendly House reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet program and organizational needs as necessary.
To apply for this job, please email resume to Terry Hendershott.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
It is the policy of Friendly House to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals regardless of age, race, religion, color, creed, physical or mental disability, marital status, gender, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, familial status or sexual orientation. All applicants are considered for employment and/or promotion based on their education, training, experience, skill, attitude, and any other pertinent job requirement.
Friendly House will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. This policy governs all aspects of employment including: selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination and access to benefits and training.
Employees have a right to work in an environment free from harassment, whether: based on race, sex, or any other characteristics. Harassment may be verbal, physical, written or visual. Any employee who feels he or she has been harassed should contact their supervisor, the Assistant Director or the Executive Director. Employees can raise concerns and make reports without fear of reprisal. Anyone found to be engaging in any type of unlawful discrimination will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
It is the policy of Friendly House to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals regardless of age, race, religion, color, creed, physical or mental disability, marital status, gender, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, familial status or sexual orientation. All applicants are considered for employment and/or promotion based on their education, training, experience, skill, attitude, and any other pertinent job requirement.
Friendly House will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. This policy governs all aspects of employment including: selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination and access to benefits and training.
Employees have a right to work in an environment free from harassment, whether: based on race, sex, or any other characteristics. Harassment may be verbal, physical, written or visual. Any employee who feels he or she has been harassed should contact their supervisor, the Assistant Director or the Executive Director. Employees can raise concerns and make reports without fear of reprisal. Anyone found to be engaging in any type of unlawful discrimination will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.