Child Development Specialist

Job Type


Full-time

Description

INTRODUCTION

1.1 The Child Development Specialist supports the psychosocial and developmental needs of children served by Easterseals West Kentucky. The primary responsibility of this role is to provide Child Life services within the Pediatric Prescribed Extended Care (PPEC) program, helping medically complex children cope with healthcare experiences, promote development, and enhance quality of life through therapeutic play and supportive interventions.

Approximately 75% of the role focuses on the PPEC setting, while 25% of the role involves supporting children in the Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC) by implementing developmentally appropriate behavior modification strategies within the Child Life/ Child Development Specialist's professional scope of practice.

As part of a unified, mission-driven organization, Easterseals West Kentucky team members are expected to work collaboratively across programs and locations to meet the evolving needs of those we serve. This position may also provide support to additional children's programs-including the Lori Center for Autism and Teen Program-as needed. Flexibility, teamwork, and a willingness to contribute beyond primary program assignments are essential to ensuring high-quality care across the organization.

2.0 BASIC FUNCTION

2.1 The basic function of the Child Development Specialist is to create and implement a safe,

nurturing, responsive environment for children and their families. This position

collaborates with interdisciplinary teams including nurses, therapists, educators,

and families to support children's emotional, developmental, and behavioral

needs.

3.0 REQUIREMENTS:

3.1 Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, or a related field.

3.2 Experience:

• Experience working with children with medical complexities preferred.

• Experience in early childhood settings or behavioral support is desirable.

3.3 Skill, Knowledge and Abilities:

Knowledge of child development and psychosocial care in medical

environments.

Strong ability to use therapeutic play and expressive activities as interventions.

Understanding of positive behavior supports and developmentally appropriate behavior management.

Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.

Strong communication skills with children, families, and staff.

Organizational and documentation skills consistent with healthcare and childcare program requirements.

3.4 Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, kneel, and engage in floor-based play with children.

• Ability to lift or assist children as required within safety guidelines.

• Ability to maintain an active presence in classroom and clinical environments.

3.5 Work Environment:

• Combination of clinical pediatric setting (PPEC) and early childhood daycare environment, with potential to support other childhood-focused programs, including the Lori Center for Autism and Teen Program, as needed. Requires active engagement with children including play, movement, and group activities.

• May involve interaction with children with complex medical and developmental needs.

4.0 REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

4.1 The Child Development Specialist provider will report directly to the Vice President of Child Services

5.0 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Child Life Services

• Provide developmentally appropriate Child Life interventions for medically complex children in the PPEC program.

• Develop and oversee educational curriculum for classrooms while working collaboratively with educators.

• Utilize therapeutic play, coping strategies, and developmental activities to reduce anxiety related to medical care and daily routines.

• Support children's social, emotional, and cognitive development in a medically supportive environment.

• Facilitate individual and group play activities designed to promote resilience, expression, and developmental progress.

• Prepare children for medical procedures and assist with coping during treatments when appropriate.

• Conduct developmental assessments and observations to guide individualized support plans.

• Collaborate with nursing staff and therapists to integrate psychosocial care into each child's care plan.

• Establish Individualized Program Plans (IPP), focusing on the psychosocial and emotional needs, helping children cope through play, preparation, and therapeutic activities in accordance with PPEC regulations.

• Provide family education and support regarding coping, development, and play strategies for children with complex medical needs.

• Document services in accordance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.

Behavior Support

• Implement developmentally appropriate behavior modification strategies for children enrolled in the organization's typically developing daycare program, and other departments as needed

• Observe and assess children's behaviors to identify developmental or environmental factors influencing behavior.

• Design and implement positive behavior support strategies, including reinforcement systems, redirection, and structured routines.

• Support teachers and staff with classroom management strategies and behavior guidance techniques.

• Provide coaching to childcare staff on developmentally appropriate behavioral expectations and interventions.

• Maintain documentation of observations and behavior support plans when appropriate.

• Ensure interventions remain within the professional scope of practice of a Certified Child Life Specialist/Child Development.

6.0 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Easterseals West Kentucky is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and the families we serve.

Requirements

3.1 Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, or a related field.

3.2 Experience:

• Experience working with children with medical complexities preferred.

• Experience in early childhood settings or behavioral support is desirable.

3.3 Skill, Knowledge and Abilities:

Knowledge of child development and psychosocial care in medical

environments.

Strong ability to use therapeutic play and expressive activities as interventions.

Understanding of positive behavior supports and developmentally appropriate behavior management.

Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.

Strong communication skills with children, families, and staff.

Organizational and documentation skills consistent with healthcare and childcare program requirements.

3.4 Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, kneel, and engage in floor-based play with children.

• Ability to lift or assist children as required within safety guidelines.

• Ability to maintain an active presence in classroom and clinical environments.

3.5 Work Environment:

• Combination of clinical pediatric setting (PPEC) and early childhood daycare environment, with potential to support other childhood-focused programs, including the Lori Center for Autism and Teen Program, as needed. Requires active engagement with children including play, movement, and group activities.

• May involve interaction with children with complex medical and developmental needs.