JOB TITLE:                 CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER, SPECIALIST I

DESCRIPTION OF BASIC FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the direction of the Child Development Center Specialist III, the CDC Specialist I assists staff in planning and implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum for a multi-aged preschool group.  CDC Specialist I staff members will meet the individual needs of each child within the context of the group experience while providing a rich and varied learning environment and curriculum which is in compliance with the State Department of Education, Child Development Division Funding Terms and Conditions.

Title 5 regulations and Title 22 Community Care Licensing Regulations.

TYPICAL DUTIES:

• Assist CDC Specialist III in planning and implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum
• Interact daily with each child and his or her learning processes
• Assist parent/caregiver and child with the separation process by providing physical and emotional support
• Provide direct support to children in play and learning experiences
• Establish a climate of respect for each child as an individual
• Respond sensitively to racial and/or ethnic and cultural values, behaviors and diversity
• Participate in formal and informal communication regarding children’s behavior, development, and program practice as facilitated by the Specialist III
• Maintain a safe, orderly classroom including adjacent indoor and outdoor areas
• Follow health and safety standards for food handling, toileting of young children, hand washing, and universal precautions with exposure to blood
• Comply with State Department of Education, Child Development Division Funding Terms and Conditions, Title 5 regulations and Title 22 Community Care Licensing Regulations
• Perform other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Credential and/or License

Child Development Associate Teacher Permit issued by the State of California within probationary period.  Valid First Ai and CPR certificate (infant/child/adult) issued by the American Red Cross, Heart Association, or other authorized agency and completion of health and safety training required by Title 22 Community Care Licensing Regulations within probationary period.

Education/Experience

Any combination equivalent to twelve (12) units of ECE/CD including core courses and experience amounting to at least fifty (50) days of three (3) plus hours per day within the last two years OR Alternative Qualifications including Child Development Associate Credentials OR CTC approved training.

Knowledge and Ability

• Techniques and methods used in planning and implementing an early care and education program for young children
• Theories and research in child development
• Basic principles of early childhood
• Developmentally appropriate practices which foster the physical cognitive, and social-emotional growth of the child
• Knowledge of Core curriculum components
• Knowledge of Community Care Licensing Regulations Title 22
• First aid and CPR (infant/child/adult) Health and Safety Regulations
• Oral and written communications skills
• Interpersonal skills including tact, patience and courtesy
• Work with diverse ethnic populations of children, families and staff
• Read, interpret and apply curriculum guides, procedure manuals and related materials
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing using correct English usage, grammar spelling, punctuation and vocabulary
• Make simple arithmetic calculations quickly and accurately
• Recognize the scope and limits of assignment
• Supervise children in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities
• Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relations with other staff members
• Learn and work within policies, functions and requirements of the area of assignment
• Prepare the classroom and play yard for children’s activities
• Maintain records and prepare written materials

 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must regularly stand and walk for long periods; use hands and fingers to write, operate audio-visual or other equipment or pass out materials;’ reach with arms and hands; bend, stoop, kneel or crouch to work with children; speak clearly and distinctly and hear sufficiently to communicate with others over the telephone and in person.  Must regularly lift, carry and/or move instructional materials and equipment weighing up to twenty-five (25) pounds.  Occasionally may need to lift children weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.  Must see to assist and monitor children in the classroom or on the playground.