CDA Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

CIFC's Danbury Early Learning Programs seek a skilled Child Development Associate (CDA) Specialist to join their team in Danbury/Norwalk. The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting 1-2 classrooms in developing and implementing educational plans, meals, and activities for pre-school and infant-toddler children aged 6 months to 5 years.

This position will serve as an aid in a classroom of 14 to 20 Head Start/Preschool children and/or 7-8 Infant/Toddler children, working under the direction of 1-2 assigned Lead Teachers and supervised by the Education Services Professional.

The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and organizational skills, with a passion for early childhood education.

• Unit: Early Learning
• Immediate Supervisor: Education Services Professional
• Classification: Standard / Full Time (1.0 FTE) or Part-Time (Hourly)
• Schedule: 9:45 AM-5:45 PM or 2:45-5:45 PM (Monday - Friday)
• Status: Non-Exempt
• Directly Supervises: None

Key Responsibilities:

1. Collaborate with licensed teachers to create engaging learning experiences for individual students or small groups.
2. Administer and record assessments to track student progress under the direction of the teacher.
3. Develop tailored strategies to reinforce material and skills for students with unique needs.
4. Assist with the operation and maintenance of educational equipment and materials.
5. Supervise students during non-classroom activities, such as assemblies, field trips, and recess.
6. Support with daily routines, including snack, lunch, and toileting.
7. Provide information and support to substitute teachers during absences.
8. Participate in group activities, such as storytelling and large group reading.
9. Notify teachers of any issues or concerns regarding students.
10. Perform administrative tasks as assigned by the teacher.
11. Uphold the highest standards of ethics and confidentiality when handling student information.
12. Participate in professional development training programs.
13. Perform other duties as necessary.

• Minimum High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required (completed or currently enrolled).
• Minimum 18+ years old, required.
• Previous babysitting or childcare experience is preferred.
• Basic computer experience is required (i.e. email, word processing, internet navigation).
• Child Development Associate (CDA) Certificate or a commitment to obtain a CDA within 1 year of employment is required (paid by the employer) is required.
• Early Childhood Education Credits are preferred; and/or Associate and/or Bachelor degrees are preferred.
• Recent fit for duty Health examination.
• Ability to lift 40 lbs.
• Entry level position;
• Bilingual candidates strongly encouraged to apply.
• Applicants with multiple language capabilities (English, Spanish, and/or Portuguese) are preferred.

Desirable Qualifications:

Applicants with prior experience in babysitting or childcare, as well as those with bilingual skills or multiple language capabilities, are highly encouraged to apply.

Early Childhood Education Credits, Associate, or Bachelor degrees are also preferred.

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Leave
• Sick Leave
• Retirement Plan
• Tuition Assistance
• Professional Development

• Comprehensive fringe benefits package including paid holidays, paid time off, health, dental, vision coverage and retirement program.