Child Development Specialist - Bilingual

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Child Development Specialist (CDS)
Reports to:   Program Manager
Department: Early Start Programs
Location: 2225 West Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Compensation: $19.50 - $23.50 /hr
Program Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Supervisory Responsibility: N/A

Position Summary

Under direction the CDS will provide services to children ages birth to 36 months, who have or are at risk of having developmental delays, and their families in a manner that is congruent with ECF’s mission. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan individual programs, conduct case management, and evaluate progress.  Employ trans-disciplinary approach to programming, conferring with team members and specialists.  Conduct assessments, determine goals and objectives, and track due dates for same.  Maintain a telephone log of all client-related calls in each client’s file.

• Develop a curriculum based on individual plan and goals that includes instructional grouping patterns and reinforcement techniques.  Make or otherwise secure instructional materials based on client’s goals and objectives.  Modify curriculum and materials as needed to achieve client’s success.  Prepare weekly lesson and activity plans that employ a balance between established routines and novel activities.  Understand components of classroom climate and create and maintain an environment that is attractive, safe, and conducive to learning.

• Ensure the safe and regular care of clients which includes toileting, diapering, feeding, and changing clothes, Provide direct supervision of clients at all times.  Manage and assist with arrival and departure supervision and loading/unloading buses as needed.  Ensure snacks are prepared daily. Center-based Only

• Supervise classroom staff.  Plan and organize activities to maximize student-centered utility of teacher’s aides and other staff.  Clearly communicate assignments and expectations.  Share and review client and program information with staff weekly. Center-based only.

• Maintain the site in a neat and orderly manner ensuring safety is a priority.  Supervise and assist with daily set up and clean up per the classroom schedule and assist with site set up and clean up routines as assigned.  Ensure all equipment and toys are disinfected daily. 

• Provide Regional Center case management.  Ensure the timely and regular documentation of center-based and/or home visit case notes, required reports, emails and evaluations-program goals. Complete paperwork (002) when clients’ services change.

• Write and update reports including developmental assessments, goals, progress notes, closing summaries, and other reports in professional report format as needed and as scheduled. Email to Regional Center counselors and place all documentations in client’s charts. 

• Follow home visit and center-based guidelines and policies and report concerns to the program manager.  Complete home visit notes daily and obtain parent signatures.  Attach copy to monthly attendance record and place in client’s file, and as directed by each program.

• Work with Parents and maintain regular communication to ensure they are informed of meetings, incidents, child’s progress, etc.  Answer questions or refer to the Program Manager.  Provide information for and attend parent meetings and goal report meetings.  Keep the Program Manager informed of all parental concerns, issues, and communications and coordinate plans to address issues with the program manager.  Assist parents as needed with transition plans, including visiting potential or new programs with the family. It is important to have good and appropriate dialogue with families.

• Report any suspected child abuse as mandated by California law and immediately to the program manager.  Assist with follow-up as needed.  Report client incidents and injuries to the program manager or other administrator immediately and conduct follow-up. 

• Attend and participate in meetings as scheduled, including staff meetings, supervision meetings, safety meetings, and in-service trainings. Prepare for and participate in IFSP, transition, and other client meetings.

Other Duties

·       Comply with ECF’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program.  Ensure safe use and operation of tools and/or equipment.

·         Comply with ECF policies and procedures, including mandated reporting requirements.

• Know the location and proper use of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and post emergency plan for site.  Know emergency procedures including fire, bomb threat, and earthquake drills and follow them during any real or simulated emergency. 
• Know, follow, and enforce all ECF policies attendance, timesheets and requests for time off.
• Know and follow appropriate dress code.

·         Regular, reliable attendance.

·         Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education/Licenses/Certifications: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Sociology, Special Education, Social Work or other human services field.  Twelve units in Early Childhood Education.

Experience: One year teaching or training/working with children aged birth to five years that have developmental delays, and their families. 

Knowledge/Abilities/Skills:  

·         Ability to assess development delays children ages birth to five years.

·         Ability to communicate effectively with clientele, service providers, families and agency personnel, observing tact and diplomacy at all times.

·         Ability to use sound judgment and conduct self in a professional manner at all times.

·         Ability to maintain confidentiality.

·         Ability to react quickly to emergencies.

·         Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

·         Bi-lingual skills (English/Spanish or English/Armenian) based on client needs.

·         Computer skills sufficient for report writing.

·         Good organizational skills and a high level of initiative.

Requirements

·    Driving is an essential function of this position. Proof of valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation, evidence of state-mandated car insurance, and insurable driving record are required. While driving for work, should a need arise, the employee’s insurance is deemed primary and ECF’s coverage is secondary.

·    Driving Disclaimer - Employees driving for company business must maintain a clean record and operate vehicles safely and responsibly. Company vehicles will be monitored and activity recorded. Violations of the driving policy may result in disciplinary action, including suspension of driving privileges, reassignment, or termination.

• Provide evidence of a negative TB test initially and every three years thereafter.
• Pass a pre-employment physical.
• Obtain and maintain infant First Aid and CPR certification

Work Environment

This is a program for infants and toddlers (age’s birth to 36 months) who have varying degrees of learning, behavioral, emotional, and developmental disabilities.  Employee may encounter children who are in crisis, exhibiting emotional/psychological distress, or behaving in an aggressive manner.  Work is performed at the center and in the child’s home.  Environment may include frequent interruptions, loud noise, odors, varying indoor temperature, and drafts. Outdoor temperature and weather will vary.  Employee may not be in a room alone with a child unless the door or blinds are open.  Children must never be left unattended.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job. 

• Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to attend meetings at various sites.
• Ability to communicate in person and over the telephone.
• Require the use of hands to produce records and/or documentation in manual or electronic format.
• Regular use of vision to read printed materials, computer screen, and supervise children.
• Regularly required to bend, squat, reach, kneel, stand, walk, sit, and push/pull and lift equipment and children up to 30 lbs.
• Regularly required to travel to various sites within Los Angeles County.
• Ability to implement First Aid and CPR.

Equal Opportunity Employer 

Exceptional Children’s Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.  We are on a mission to support independence, belonging and community. We strive to build a culture that is safe, respectful, fair, and supportive of all employees. We are proud to employ people of all backgrounds who possess talent, energy, and focus to accelerate our vision forward.

At-Will Statement

Employment with Exceptional Children’s Foundation, aka ECF is at-will employment which means that ECF or the employee may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without advance notice. ECF holds the right to modify the terms of employment, including but not limited to, job descriptions, duties, schedules, compensation, work locations, procedures, guidelines, practices or employee benefit programs with or without advance notice. I acknowledge and understand that the at-will nature of my employment relationship with ECF can only be changed by an express written agreement signed by the President/CEO of ECF and me.