Child Development Specialist

Reporting to the Director of the Godine Early Learning Center, and in partnership with colleagues across the team, the Child Development Specialist (CDS) provides direct support and consultation services to children, parents, preschool staff and teachers at the Godine Early Learning Center, Newton, MA. The CDS works in conjunction with, and as a liaison to outside collaterals, i.e. private or public agencies, schools, early intervention, and/or specialty services in order to help each child reach their highest potential emotionally, socially, and cognitively.

The CDS works closely with teaching teams and directors to facilitate developmentally appropriate practices within our educational framework and in compliance with key policies and best practices.

JCC Greater Boston is deeply committed to valuing and celebrating the uniqueness of each constituent. We welcome staff and participants from diverse backgrounds. While being proudly Jewish, we strive in every way to provide an open and welcoming setting for all, irrespective of personal practices, beliefs, or background. We are guided by JCC Greater Boston’s core values - Belonging, Joyfulness, Collaboration, and Transformation - which resonate with many who do not identify as Jewish.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Provide comprehensive developmental support to children and families through assessment, individualized planning, consultation, collaboration, referrals, staff support, and specialized services:

• Support children 0-3 with a focus on our infant and toddler programs.
• Work directly with parents, teachers and staff to support children in the classroom.
• Assess all 3 year old students using the ESI-R standardized screening tool. Review findings with parents, caregivers and teachers. Refer to specialists as needed.
• Identify strategies to help children with areas of special needs including, but not limited to developmental delays, gross and fine motor, speech, transitions and behaviors.
• Meet regularly with the classroom teachers to discuss children, their needs and implementation of developmentally appropriate practices and strategies.

This is a part-time (32 hours per week), in-person, year-round salaried position offers a comprehensive benefits package, and a competitive starting salary range of $44,104 - $53,488 annually.

The salary offered will ultimately be determined by relevant qualifications, experience, and JCC's internal equity.

Education: Requires a Master’s Level degree in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education,  Child Development, Developmental Psychology, Social Work or related field. 

Two or more years experience in a related field.  Experience in early childhood teaching preferred.

Experience with Early Intervention Program required.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong communication skills, both orally and in writing, and to exercise initiative and independent judgment.
• Strong organizational skills which are needed to manage this fast-paced environment.
• Mastery of typical and atypical child development, early childhood care, within the Sheva Framework and methods and curricula of early childhood education and special education, or a related field.  
• Remain current in new research and methodology in early childhood education.

For more information and to apply, click the link below:
https://apply.workable.com/jcc-greater-boston/j/BEB954A6AE

Feel free to email msingleton@jccgb.org with any questions!