Training and Curriculum Specialist

Summary The CYP T&C Specialist's purpose is threefold: to provide comprehensive staff training, assist in monitoring developmentally appropriate curriculum (ages 6 weeks-18 years), and promote career/education opportunities for professional growth. Quality training directly correlates to high-quality child and youth programming. Responsibilities Duties include but are not limited to: Training Serves as a lead participant in achieving and maintaining DoD certification and national accreditation or equivalent. Develops, coordinates, and delivers a comprehensive training program that is designed to expand the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies of individuals assigned to work with children and youth in Navy CYP, ensuring appropriateness for the age group(s)/program area that the learner is assigned. Arranges for subject matter experts to conduct/support specialized training, as needed. Identifies ongoing training needs by evaluating individual's strengths and challenges and tailors training plans and content to meet the needs of learners. Coordinates with CYP Directors to establish training plans that addresses the range of CYP training requirements, confirms each professional is scheduled for required learning opportunities and ensures resources are available to support career progression. Works primarily with CY Program Assistants to ensure DoD standardized courses are completed and competencies are documented as mastered within specified timeframes. Provides training to CYP employees so they can ensure classroom and activity area compliance with fire, safety, and sanitation rules and regulation. Maintains training records and individual development plans. Prepares training status reports and recommendations to supervisors and notifies CYP Directors of employees' and providers' training status and performance. Develops programs that encourage and support the pursuit of continuing higher education by documenting requirements for completion of the Child Development Associate (CDA) or the Military School-Age Credential (MSA), and providing information, assistance and guidance to employees and providers who are seeking college-level classes to meet their professional goals. Supports CYP employee's utilization of the employee tuition assistance program to pursue higher education and credentials. Develops a working relationship with local colleges, universities and professional organizations and advises employees/providers about continuing avenues of professional development. Assists the Family Child Care (FCC) Director and FCC Monitor(s) with requested training supports and to encourage providers to become accredited where applicable. Classroom/Programming Support Ensures compliance with law, policies, and regulations applicable to DoD CY programs. Monitors and provides quality assurance for the development and implementation of curriculum, activity plans, schedules, and routines that incorporate the observed needs of children and youth. Observes, reviews, evaluates, and modifies activities and plans for appropriateness and effectiveness to optimize the physical, social, emotional, cognitive and language development, unique developmental needs, and experiences in classrooms/activity areas and programs. Coordinates recommendations for adjustment and conducts follow up observations, as needed Provides frequent physical check of assigned classrooms/activity areas to ensure supervision and accountability measures are implemented and ensures professionals functioning in single ratio are supported as needed. Conducts quality assurance checks on classroom/activity records to include lesson plans, after action plans, medication and allergy documentation, classroom inspection checklists, temperature logs, child portfolios, inclusion and behavior support plans, accident/incident reports, child attendance and accountability reports, as well as any locally required documentation. Ensures the quality and consistency of developmental programming to include the environment, equipment, materials, program structure, curriculum, risk management practices, and oversight and coordination of activity schedules and lesson plans. Reviews inspection and accreditation requirements for knowledge of overall process and updates. Provides direction and support for CYP professionals in preparing for and completing tasks and procedures related to inspections and accreditation. Advises appropriate behavior management techniques and classroom management strategies while working with children and youth. Ensures best practices in supporting and responding to children and youth of all abilities. Facilitates inclusion of children who require accommodations for participation in CYP. Guides Program Assistant team in preparing and implementing program options for children and youth with special or unique requirements and individual needs. Monitors and ensures care for children with special needs is applied, evaluated, and modified, in accordance with policy. Supports the Installation Inclusion Action Team (IAT) by participating in meetings and supporting the development of Inclusion Support Plans (ISP). Monitors the implementation of ISPs and ensures classroom and program staff are trained on accommodations and supports documented in the ISP. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Resumes must include information which demonstrates experience and knowledge, skills, and ability (KSAs) as they relate to this position. Applicants are encouraged to be clear and specific when describing their experience level and KSAs. A qualified candidate possesses the following: A bachelor's or higher degree in child development or early childhood education and three years of full-time experience working with children and/or youth; or a combination of education and experience. Knowledge of early childhood or youth education principles, concepts, and techniques to develop, interpret, monitor and evaluate the execution of curriculum and age-appropriate activities. Knowledge of adult learning techniques and experience training adult learners. Knowledge of Federal and State laws governing the detection and prevention of child abuse and/or neglect. Knowledge of the national accreditation criteria and process, the required core programs of School Age Care (SAC) and Youth Programs (YP), and the skills and knowledge to implement the Department of Defense (DoD) certification standards. Skill in planning, organizing, and implementing a variety of programs. Skill to develop curriculum outlines, courses of study lesson plans/guides, and to conduct training workshops. Ability to support DOD certification, accreditation, and staff credentialing (Child Development Associate (CDA), Military School-Age (MSA) and higher education) by ensuring required training is administered and successfully accomplished to meet statutory and program requirements. Ability to provide guidance and leadership to CYP Professionals. Ability to identify and respond to emergency situations including evacuations, child illness, and physical and emotional disorders. Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing, and possess strong interpersonal communication skills. Education A bachelor's degree in child development or early childhood education and three years of full time experience working with children and/or youth. OR A combination of education and experience; education must include courses in a child-related field and total minimum of 24 higher level semester hours. In addition, three years of full time experience working with children and/or youth is required. Note: A copy of your official college transcripts (showing degree awarded/conferred) MUST be submitted when applying. Additional Information Executive Order 12564 requires a Federal workplace free of illegal drugs. According to the Executive Order, all Federal employees are required to remain drug free throughout their employment. Commander, Navy Installations Command is a Drug-Free Federal Workplace. The use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated, and use of or intoxication by illegal drugs will result in penalties up to and including removal from Federal Service. All individuals involved in the provision of child care services on a Department of Navy (DON) installation or in a DON-sanctioned program must complete the Installation Records Check (IRC). The IRC includes a check of the Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program (SARP) records in the Alcohol and Drug Management Information Tracking System (ADMITS) database, a check of the Family Advocacy Program (FAP) records in the Fleet and Family Support Management Information System (FFSMIS), and an installation security/base check via the Navy Justice Information System (NJIS) database and/or other law enforcement systems. This information will be used to determine suitability for the applicant in accordance with criteria for automatic and presumptive disqualifiers, per DoDI 1402.05. Per Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 1402.05 Background Checks on Individuals in DoD Child Care Services Programs, incumbents will be automatically disqualified for a conviction in either civilian or military court (to include any general, special, or summary court-martial conviction or if they received non-judicial punishment [under Article 15 or chapter 47 of Title 10, U.S.C]) for any of the following: a sexual offense, any criminal offense involving a child victim, or a felony drug offense. Additionally, the incumbent will be automatically disqualified if he/she has been held to be negligent in a civil adjudication or administrative proceeding concerning the death of or serious injury to a child or dependent person entrusted to the individual's care.