Child Development Specialist

SUMMARY

Responsible for planning, developing, delivering, and evaluating professional development opportunities and activities to enhance the professional growth and leadership skills of participants in the quality initiative; providing on-site technical assistance; developing individual classroom and center professional development plans; and demonstrating effective strategies for sustaining quality programs.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

All positions operate on a hybrid schedule, requiring a minimum of three (3) days per week of onsite presence at CCRI. Consistent adherence to this schedule is an essential function of this role, as it facilitates the efficient execution of key job duties and team collaboration. 

• Provides on-site technical assistance, including assessment, coaching, mentoring, and modeling to improve the quality of instruction available to children.
• Develops and delivers training (face-to-face and online) as needed to the early care and education community on quality improvement and leadership development. 
• Networks with appropriate organizations, agencies programs, and services within the community to determine community needs.
• Develops materials and resources to meet the needs of the early care and education community.
• Works closely with early care and education directors/providers and teachers to determine individual program needs and evaluate progress towards goals.
• Keeps informed of local, state, and federal licensing regulations, as well as national standards assessment tools, that affect quality care for children and youth and communicates this information program participants. 
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date program files, database and site visit reports as well as program assessments.   Provides reports, in an accurate and timely manner, as requested by the department supervisor.
• Assists the department supervisor in submitting grant proposals, developing work procedures, and in training and orienting new staff.
• Collaborates with other CCRI trainers on an on-going basis to improve and coordinate the agency’s delivery of training and technical assistance.
• Practices professional renewal through a variety of means, such as attending regional and national conferences, participating in professional organizations, and remaining abreast of current research and literature.
• Performs other duties as needed to further the agency’s mission and goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development or related field from an accredited 4-year university 
• NC Early Care and Education Professional Certification, level 11 or higher and apply for and receive the TAP and PDE endorsement within one year of hire.
• Three to five years of experience as a teacher and/or administrator in an early childhood or school-age program; or three to five years of training experience.
• Knowledge of child growth and development. 
• Knowledge of appropriate programs and services to meet the needs of children and youth. 
• Knowledge of inclusion and special needs best practices (desirable) 
• Skills and willingness to be flexible in performing other job-related tasks as needs arise. 
• Mastery of Microsoft Office, especially Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Knowledge of North Carolina licensing standards and the Environment Rating Scales.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills required.                           
• Valid Driver’s License, Auto Liability Coverage, and Transportation.

CCRI offers a generous benefits package including health and retirement plans along with an organizational match.

CCRI is an equal opportunity employer. CCRI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, age, disability, veteran status or any other basis protected under federal, state or local laws.

CCRI requires all employees be COVID-19 vaccinated.