People Strategy, Equity, and Culture

Child Development Specialist

  • Title: Child Development Specialist
  • Category: Classified
  • FLSA: Non-Exempt
  • Grade: 14

Job Summary

Under the direction of Child Development Center management, works with the Sr. Child Development Specialist to plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and programs for children (ages infant to eight years old) in the Child Development Center labs. Models and provides feedback on appropriate interaction skills and teaching techniques for program students and parents. Interacts on a daily basis with children in the assigned labs, parents, Early Education and Family Studies students, program faculty, and Senior Child Development Specialist.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the journey level of two tiered job family where incumbent’s primary responsibilities involve guiding children and providing general support and maintenance for the Child Development Center labs. It is distinguished from the Sr. Child Development Specialist in that the senior specialist has primary responsibility for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum and programs for children; mentoring students and participating in the evaluation of program student coursework and in seminars and modules for students.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Guides and oversees children, ages infant up to eight years, in the Child Development Center.
  2. Facilitates and provides guidance for developmentally appropriate learning activities under the direction of the Sr. Child Development Specialist. Activities may consist of arts and crafts, music, dramatic play, and may be in individual or group format.
  3. Works collaboratively with the Sr. Child Development Specialist during the assessment of children by observation.
  4. Monitors interactions in lab for safety and intervenes if necessary.
  5. Maintains and sets up lab equipment and playground equipment. Monitors equipment use.
  6. Cleans up lab and playground after activities.
  7. Assists with program students in the lab by modeling and providing feedback on appropriate behavior with children and helping with projects.
  8. Assists Sr. Child Development Specialist in keeping accurate lab records; attendance, parent information, schedules receipts, fees.
  9. Participates in Center-wide planning, facilities use, and program coordination.
  10. Maintains current knowledge regarding research and practices in Early Education and Family Studies.
  11. Establishes and maintains relationships with parents, including assisting with orientation and providing daily feedback.
  12. May assume responsibilities of Sr. Child Development Specialist in their absence.
  13. Provides direction to casual staff and work-study students.

Positions in this classification may perform all or some of the responsibilities above and all positions perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent and Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related area or CDA (Child Development Associate). One year of relevant experience may substitute for fifteen (15) credit hours in Early Childhood Education or Child Development.

One year of experience providing group care of young children. Must have good oral communication skills. First Aid certification and food handler’s card required within 30 days of hire. Must be enrolled in the Oregon Child Care Division Criminal History Registry.

Knowledge of:

Current principles, practices and methods of early childhood education; local, state and federal laws, regulations, policies and practices governing child care programs; general health and wellness of children; assessment and program evaluation techniques; contemporary office practices, procedures and equipment; recordkeeping techniques; first aid and CPR techniques and methods.

Ability to:

Implement age appropriate curriculum to foster growth and development; administer effective child development center policies and procedures; understand and follow specific instructions and procedures; provide basic nutrition and hygiene services for infants and young children; possess and demonstrate the required level of proficiency in desktop computers and other assigned software or electronic resources; communicate effectively both orally and in written form; develop and maintain effective working relationships.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Some exposure to adverse weather during playground duty. Learned physical skill is required to appropriately lift and carry toddlers and small children. Requires physical effort as part of regular work routine, including frequent lifting of children, setting up classroom and playground equipment (climbers, bikes, wagons), and carrying supplies.

Revised: 03/09

  • Replaces: 06/07