Child Development Education Specialist

JCC Greater Boston seeks a Child Development Specialist (CDS) for the Ledgewood Programs. The CDS will provide direct service and consultation services to children, parents, preschool staff, and teachers at the Early Learning Centers of the JCC. In collaboration with external partners such as private or public agencies, schools, early intervention, and specialty services, the CDS will help the children reach their highest potential emotionally, socially, and cognitively. Working closely with teaching teams and directors, the CDS will facilitate developmentally appropriate practices within the Sheva Framework, whether in a classroom or therapeutic environment. This exciting 32-hour position will commence in September 2024 and will be based at our vibrant Newton facility. Join us at our dynamic Community Center, which also offers on-site fitness opportunities for staff.

The starting salary for this Full-Time 32-hour position is $53,250 per year. The salary offered will ultimately be determined by the hours the employee will work, the scope of the position, the candidate’s relevant experience, and internal equity.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Work directly with parents, teachers, and staff to support children in the classroom. Serves as a partner with a peer Child Development Specialist.
• Identify strategies to help children with areas of special needs, including but not limited to developmental delays, gross and fine motor, speech, transitions, and behavior
• Develop written individual educational plans as they pertain to the ELC for children that clearly state goals, strategies and recommendations, as well as modes and methods of implementation
• Meet with parents, caregivers, and collateral service providers as necessary to discuss the progress, goals, and objectives of children
• Closely monitor identified children’s progress and review progress notes or changes in goals during regularly scheduled meetings with teachers, parents, collaterals, and/or other relevant staff
• Keep and maintain anecdotal records, necessary forms, progress reports, parent contact summaries, end-of-the-year summaries, and other reports pertaining to children, staff, and/or classrooms
• Be a resource to parents, caregivers, and staff regarding topics of typical or atypical child development
• Use resources and referral skills to assist parents in identifying outside services to support their children’s development, including but not limited to Early Intervention, School Systems, Developmental Pediatricians, Mental Health Agencies, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, or Neuropsychologists
• Work collaboratively and continuously with systems involved in ELC children’s care, such as local Early Intervention and/or School Systems or private agencies, to meet common goals