JOB DESCRIPTION



Durham Early Head Start

Job Description

INFANT TODDLER SPECIALIST

Reports to: Early Childhood and Disability Manager Status: Exempt

Subordinates: None

Job Summary:

The Infant/Toddler Specialist (ITS) is responsible for carrying out tasks related to EHS education mandates as assigned by the Early Childhood and Disability Manager (ECM). The ITS will track and support the professional development of all EHS partner teaching staff and will serve as CDA advisor for non-degreed staff.. The ITS will monitor and support the quality of care and education for children enrolled in center-based EHS through educational record reviews, site visits, classroom observations, and by serving as a resource for training and technical assistance for EHS teachers. The ITS will maintain records for each center-based classroom teacher for EHS. The ITS will ensure that children’s emergent literacy skills are promoted effectively and appropriately in all options. The ITS will develop materials and system and train all partnering EHS teachers and Family Service Coordinators and other Home Visitors on appropriate curricula and ongoing assessment for use with children 0-3 enrolled in EHS. The ITS will serve as member of DEHS Early Childhood Team to assist in planning and self-assessment and on ERSEA team as EHS center-based education representative.

General Staff Responsibilities:

1. Participate in staff meetings, attend conferences, training/workshops, and meet education standards as required.

2. Demonstrate familiarity with Durham Early Head Start (EHS) policies and procedures, and Head Start Performance Standards.

3. Maintain congenial and respectful relations with staff, children, families and community.

4. Keep current and accurate records.

5. Maintain confidentiality in regards to staff and family information.

6. Maintain professional standards and professional courtesy policies.

7. Actively participate in professional development opportunities and ongoing self-improvement.

8. Fulfill role as mandated reporter as stated in Durham Early Head Start Child Abuse and Neglect Policy.

9. Be present at work in order to provide consistency of services.

10. Be a contributory team member in a positive and productive manner.

11. Flexibility to accommodate changes in job responsibilities due to changing program demands as requested by your supervisor.

12. Demonstrate commitment to Durham Early Head Start mission, values and policies in the performance of daily job duties.

13. Commit and contribute to program quality improvement as it relates to the following program-wide systems: Program Governance, Planning, ERSEA, Communication, Record-Keeping and Reporting, Ongoing Monitoring, Self-Assessment, Human Resources, and Fiscal Management.

14. Commit to reflective supervision as a cornerstone of program and staff development.

Major Duties/Functions/Responsibilities:

1. Promote quality care for all enrolled EHS children by enhancing teachers’ and home visitors’ abilities to: form positive, trusting relationships with enrolled children and their families, respond appropriately and consistently to children’s behavior, use routines as opportunities for growth and learning and provide developmentally appropriate activities that facilitate children’s overall growth and development.

2. Serve as CDA Advisor for all EHS teaching staff working towards CDA to include setting deadlines, providing assistance and training, completing CDA Observations, overseeing application process and ensuring that all staff meet mandates of CDA within one year of hire.

3. Develop individual professional development plans for all non-degreed EHS teaching staff and assist staff in working toward and reaching professional goals and EHS mandates

4. Serve as occasional substitute teacher as needed in EHS classrooms as directed by ECM

5. Serve as a resource for EHS education mandates to EHS home-based and teaching staff as needed

6. Provide support, information and training around EHS education mandates, child development and developmentally appropriate practice for EHS center and home-based staff and families.

7. Work with partnering child care programs to assure appropriate educational services and environments for children with disabilities.

8. Carry out other duties assigned by the ECM.

9. Record Keeping and Monitoring

• Complete monitoring tasks (educational record reviews, observations, etc.) as assigned in EHS classrooms.

• Document all monitoring tasks and assistance to teachers and summarize all activities in monthly reports

• Maintain Center-Based education tracking systems for EHS center-based children and teaching staff

Qualifications and Knowledge/Skills Required:

• Minimum of BA in Early Childhood or other related field with experience developing consistent, stable, supportive relationships with infants, toddlers and preschoolers in group settings.

• At least 2 years direct experience with children under 3 living in poverty

• Be well informed of state licensing regulations, NAEYC Standards, Health and Safety guidelines for young children in group care, developmentally appropriate practice, best practices in group care for children under 3, and child development.

• Strong organizational, time management and communication skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively to identify and address problems and concerns

• Computer literacy (word processing)

• Awareness of cultural differences, learning styles, education level and community norms and how they may impact on a home visitor’s or teacher’s professional development and performance.

Preferred qualifications:

• At least one year supervising and training early childhood professionals and paraprofessionals.

• At least one year of program administration in the early childhood field

• Master’s degree in related field

• Experience home visiting children under 5 living in poverty

• Experience working with children under 3 with special needs

• Experience carrying out a curriculum and providing ongoing assessment with children under 3

• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, CDA process and Parents As Teachers curriculum

Other Requirements:

• Negative pre-employment drug screening may be required.

• Satisfactory reference check and criminal record check.

• Employee shall submit prior to first day working with children a dated report of satisfactory TB test or chest X-ray. and a signed medical statement dated not more than 12 months prior to employment.

• Responsibility for meeting all applicable federal, state & local health requirements.

• Responsibility for meeting the transportation needs as required by the nature of the position.

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