People Strategy, Equity, and Culture

Senior Child Development Specialist

  • Title: Senior Child Development Specialist
  • Category: Classified
  • FLSA: Non-Exempt
  • Grade: 16

Job Summary

Under the direction of Child Development Center management, incumbent has primary responsibility for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum and programs for children (ages infant through six years old) in the Child Development Center labs. Assists the Early Education and Family Studies (EEFS) program faculty by mentoring and supporting program students. Acts as a resource to students by providing knowledge-based experience, guidance and assistance. In collaboration with faculty, evaluates student progress and interacts on a regular basis with children, parents, EEFS program students and faculty, Child Development Specialist and supervisor.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This class is distinguished from the Child Development Specialist in that incumbents have primary responsibility for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum and programs for children and mentoring program students and participating in the evaluation of program student coursework and in seminars and modules for students.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Plans and supervises daily implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum and programs for children in the Child Development Center labs.
  2. Works closely with EEFS faculty to ensure that children’s programs provide desired opportunities for program students to meet instructional goals.
  3. Assists EEFS faculty by providing feedback on teaching skills of program students. Observes, mentors and assists program students with projects; models and provides guidance regarding appropriate behavior with children; provides daily feedback, including explanations of best practices as supported by research; and assists with preparation of instructional materials. Participates in student orientations, practicums, modules, seminars, team meetings and student teaching conferences.
  4. Conducts assessments of children in the labs. Maintains lab records; evaluations/observations of children, attendance, parent information and schedules.
  5. Provides regular, on-going feedback to parents regarding their child’s development. Arranges parent orientation meetings and conducts regular parent conferences. Provides referrals when appropriate. Produces parent newsletter.
  6. In the absence of the Supervisor, Child Development Center, assumes emergency decision making responsibilities.
  7. Provides direction to the Child Development Specialists, casual staff and work study students in assigned lab room.
  8. Participates in Center-wide planning, facilities use, and program coordination.
  9. Maintains current knowledge regarding research and practices in Early Education and Family Studies.
  10. Monitors Center’s adherence to state licensing requirements.

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. Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related area with early childhood course work.

Three years of early childhood classroom experience. Must have the ability to plan and implement an effective children’s program for ages toddler through six years old. Must have good organization and verbal communication skills, and the ability to lead others. First aid certification and food handler’s card required within 30 days of hire. Must be enrolled in the Oregon Childcare Division Criminal History Registry.

Knowledge and Abilities

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; provide work direction to assigned staff; 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. Work pressure, disturbances of work flow and/or irregularities in work schedule are expected and occur on an intermittent basis.

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.

Rev: 6/09

  • Replaces: 04/26/05