Child Development Specialist, Godine Early Learning Center, Newton, MA

Job Description

Job Description

Reporting to the Director of the Godine Early Learning Center, and in partnership with colleagues across the team, the Child Development Specialist (CDS) provides direct support and consultation services to children, parents, preschool staff and teachers at the Godine Early Learning Center, Newton, MA. The CDS works in conjunction with, and as a liaison to outside collaterals, i.e. private or public agencies, schools, early intervention, and/or specialty services in order to help each child reach their highest potential emotionally, socially, and cognitively.

The CDS works closely with teaching teams and directors to facilitate developmentally appropriate practices within our educational framework and in compliance with key policies and best practices.

JCC Greater Boston is deeply committed to valuing and celebrating the uniqueness of each constituent. We welcome staff and participants from diverse backgrounds. While being proudly Jewish, we strive in every way to provide an open and welcoming setting for all, irrespective of personal practices, beliefs, or background. We are guided by JCC Greater Boston’s core values - Belonging, Joyfulness, Collaboration, and Transformation - which resonate with many who do not identify as Jewish.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Provide comprehensive developmental support to children and families through assessment, individualized planning, consultation, collaboration, referrals, staff support, and specialized services:

• Support children 0-3 with a focus on our infant and toddler programs.
• Work directly with parents, teachers and staff to support children in the classroom.
• Assess all 3 year old students using the ESI-R standardized screening tool. Review findings with parents, caregivers and teachers. Refer to specialists as needed.
• Identify strategies to help children with areas of special needs including, but not limited to developmental delays, gross and fine motor, speech, transitions and behavios.
• Meet regularly with the classroom teachers to discuss children, their needs and implementation of developmentally appropriate practices and strategies.
• Develop written individual educational plans as they pertain to the ELC for children that clearly state strategies, recommendations, modes and methods of implementation, and goals.

Provide families and team members with supportive communications, tools, referrals and resources:

• Serve as 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.
• Attend early intervention, school system, or other multidisciplinary meetings held to advocate for and discuss the progress and goals of ELC children.
• Provide training and development to Early Learning Center team members, as needed.
• Support the Director and/or Assistant Director in the daily running of the Early Learning Center, as needed.

Design curriculum and facilitate short term social skills groups for children, as directed:

• Create skill building on self-regulation, friendship skills, social pragmatics, or other psycho-social or psycho-emotional focus as needed by the population of children at the ELC.

Supervisory responsibilities: None

This is a part-time (32 hours per week), in-person, year-round salaried position offers a comprehensive benefits package, and a competitive starting salary range of $44,104 - $53,488 annually.

The salary offered will ultimately be determined by relevant qualifications, experience, and JCC's internal equity.

About JCC Greater Boston

Since opening its doors in 1983, JCC Greater Boston has been committed to its mission of creating a vibrant, inclusive, and diverse community by nurturing meaningful and lasting relationships. Through our network of early learning centers, day camps, regional teen and family programs, health and wellness offerings, and adult arts and ideas classes, JCC Greater Boston provides highly valued connections, learning, and experiences for the Jewish community and friends.

JCC Greater Boston staff enjoy working in an innovative, friendly, and welcoming environment where their talents and contributions are appreciated. In our recent employee survey, staff rated their direct management and organizational alignment experiences close to 90% positive. If you want to upgrade your working experience and have a better work-life balance, we encourage you to explore becoming part of the JCC team!

The JCC is deeply committed to valuing and celebrating the uniqueness of each constituent. We welcome staff and participants from diverse backgrounds. While being proudly Jewish, we strive in every way to provide an open and welcoming setting for all, irrespective of personal practices, beliefs, or background. We are guided by JCC Greater Boston's core values: Belonging, Joyfulness, Collaboration, and Transformation, which we hope resonate with all.

To learn more about what makes JCC Greater Boston a wonderful place to work, please visit our careers page at

JCC Greater Boston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or disability. In a continuing effort to maintain and enrich a diverse environment, we actively encourage applications from women and members of underrepresented groups.

Requirements

Education: Requires a Master’s Level degree in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education,  Child Development, Developmental Psychology, Social Work or related field. 

Two or more years experience in a related field.  Experience in early childhood teaching preferred.

Experience with Early Intervention Program required.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong communication skills, both orally and in writing, and to exercise initiative and independent judgment.
• Strong organizational skills which are needed to manage this fast-paced environment.
• Mastery of typical and atypical child development, early childhood care, within the Sheva Framework and methods and curricula of early childhood education and special education, or a related field.  
• Remain current in new research and methodology in early childhood education.
• Expertise in resource and referral and case management and be able to work cooperatively and effectively with parents and outside professionals.
• Demonstrate ability to establish and maintain a good working relationship with classroom teachers, parents, and school administrators. 

Must have a valid driver’s license and be able drive a motor vehicle and to pass a MRV review.

Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted at the JCC's discretion to meet this minimum hiring criteria.

Physical Requirements: Work environment is fast-paced and energetic.  The CDS must have the ability to relate well to children, staff, and parents.  The CDS must have the ability and skills to work with children who present with difficult behavior.  The CDS is required to be aware of and sensitive to cultural differences.  Moderate to heavy physical effort that may include frequent sitting, standing, walking; periodic lifting of moderate to heavy children up to 50 lbs.  The job has an indoor/outdoor work environment; some exposure to environmental extremes.

ADA Statement: Individuals must possess these knowledges, skills and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation using some other combination of skills and abilities.

Benefits

In addition to a rewarding career within our mission-driven, values-driven, and family-centric environment, JCC Greater Boston proudly offers full-time employees a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that includes :

• Competitive cost-sharing Health and Dental Insurance
• JCC Sponsored/Paid Health Reimbursement Account
• JCC Sponsored/Paid Group Life Insurance/LTD Coverage
• Generous paid time off supporting a quality work-life balance
• Tax-deferred 403(b) retirement savings plan
• Voluntary Supplemental Vision Insurance
• Additional Voluntary Supplemental Life/ADD coverage for you and your family
• AbilityAssist Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Norton Cyber Security Program
• LegalEase Insurance program

JCCGB Perks! This position is eligible for a free individual membership to JCC Greater Boston's top class fitness, recreation and wellness facility in Newton – offering virtual and in-person programs including indoor swimming, many fitness classes, and workout facilities, as well as discounts to many JCCGB events, classes, outdoor pool, and more! Complimentary individual membership includes: 

• Use of the Fitness Center at Leventhal-Sidman
• Access to group fit classes, Arts & Culture adult programming at member rates
• Discounts on a variety JCCGB's fitness/wellness programs and services
• Free wellness events!
• Discounted child care at JCCGB Early Learning Centers and after-school program
• Discounted JCCGB camp tuition

Benefits are subject to review and change by the Organization, and plan documents are the primary determinant.

A Great Place to Work! JCC Greater Boston is consciously evolving as a great place to work! In our recent 2023 employee engagement survey, at least 88% of our staff gave us top ratings on:

• Supportive colleagues
• Team camaraderie
• How their managers treat them
• Individual autonomy
• Knowing what their work contributes to and how it impacts others
• Pride in working for the JCC
• Program and service quality
• Holding ourselves accountable    

Our staff and leadership bring experience, excellence, and commitment to everything we offer and we are dedicated to a culture where all our employees may thrive. Our culture is built on our values, driven by our mission, and nurtured through the expert contributions of our professionals.