124 - Child Development Specialist in Buffalo, New York at The Community Action Organization of Western New York Inc

JOB SUMMARY
This position is primarily responsible for assessing, supporting, and promoting the development of
young children working with the framework of Head Start and Early Head Start Programs. This
includes evaluating children’s developmental progress, providing training to parents and staff, and
connecting families with needed resources.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Primary Responsibilities:
 Observe and assess learning environments to ensure staff are effectively implementing the
curriculum, creating complete lessons plans, keeping the classroom safe, and creating a positive,
warm classroom environment.
 Ensure that classroom/learning environment activities include all areas of learning, including
cognitive, social, emotional, pre-literacy, pre-math, fine and gross motor skills.
 Ensure that all developmental screenings are conducted within the first 45 days of each child’s
enrollment.
 Provide ongoing monitoring to ensure that all learning environments and playgrounds are safe,
developmentally appropriate, and set up to facilitate learning.
 Provide regular on-site coaching , mentoring, and training to all teaching staff in education-related
areas including classroom management, developmentally appropriate practices, lesson planning,
implementation of curriculum, adhering to the daily schedule, and safety.
 Ensure that the child/staff ratios are always met.
 Provide consultation and guidance to teaching staff regarding inclusion of children with disabilities,
managing challenging behaviors, and maintaining positive teacher/child and teacher/parent
relationships.
 Provide training to parents on effective parenting skills as well as developmentally appropriate
practices and other areas of child development and education.
 Work with other content areas to provide comprehensive services to children and families.
 Assist with the process of transitioning children and families into and out of the Head Start
Programs.
 Ensure compliance with all education related Head Start Program Performance Standards, Child
Care Licensing, and all other regulations.
 Ensure that the vision, philosophy, and values of CAP Head Start/Early Head Start are integrated in
all classrooms, activities, and learning environments.
 Collect data, prepare reports, and establish tracking systems to create and maintain an effective
and efficient education content area.
CAO of WNY, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
 Develop and implement outcome measuring systems, analyze results and adjust training and
mentoring according to the needs of the teaching staff.
 Partner with all staff to maintain or receive the National Association for the Education of Young
Children (NAEYC) accreditation which is valid for a 5-year period OR the state equivalent.
Secondary Responsibilities:
 Must present a professional image in conduct, attitude, and attire.
 Satisfactory completion of mandatory trainings.
 Additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
 Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development.
 Three (3) years’ experience in supervision
 Experience working with low-income children and families.
 Knowledge of infant and toddler development.
 Experience with home visit techniques helpful
OR
 Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development.
 Five (5) years’ experience in supervision
 Experience working with low-income children and families.
 Knowledge of infant and toddler development.
 Experience with home visit techniques helpful

Skills and Abilities:
 Strong understanding of child development theories, principles, and stages of development.
 Must always maintain confidentiality.
 Active listening, writing, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interact effectively
with children, parents, and other professionals.
 Ability to accurately observe and assess children’s development, identify strengths and needs, and
develop appropriate interventions.
 Ability to plan, organize, and implement developmentally appropriate activities and programs.
 Ability to work effectively with other professionals, including teachers, therapists, and
administrators.
 Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
 Access to transportation is required to visit all sites throughout Erie and Niagara Counties.
Physical Demands:
 Must be able to speak and hear.
 Frequently required to sit and occasionally required to stand and walk.
 Must be able to tolerate moderate to loud noise.
 Ability to lift/move up to 25 pounds.
CAO of WNY, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
Application Requirements:
 Completion of the following documents:
o CAO Employment application
o NYS SCR Clearance Form with acceptable clearance
o Criminal Record Certification and free of criminal convictions of crimes against children
(misdemeanor or felony)
o Fingerprinting required.
o Release for Reference Checks
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential
job functions.