Infant Development Specialist

Infant Development SpecialistAn Infant Development Specialist establishes a climate of respect for each infant/toddler's individual personality, physical characteristics, traits, temperament, language, and family culture. They support the individual planning and implementation of Catalyst's program for children ranging in age zero to three years old. The Infant Development Specialist moves with their group of children from the time they enter the program until they move to preschool (age 2.9 or up) supporting their development, building strong family relationships, setting the trajectory for future success in the child/families' school success and ensuring continuity of care for the child until they move to preschool. Catalyst Infant Development Specialists must be able to facilitate a variety of age-appropriate experiences that support children's social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development, and ensure all children are supervised at all times in a healthy and safe environment.Essential Functions:Create and implement individual developmentally appropriate curriculum and small group experiences that are directly connected to the interests and development of infants/toddlers, supported by learning frameworks and foundations that promote positive wholistic and culturally responsive practicesUnderstand the growth and development of infants/toddlers ages zero-three years and meet their needs based on their developmental ageKeep infant/toddlers healthy and safe by connecting proper supervision, following compliance regulations, positive, empathetic, consistent interactions, healthy habits, and nurturing culturally diverse relationshipsCreate, implement and maintain intentional, enriched and supportive learning environments connected to curriculum and quality experiences that are appropriate for all children and allow opportunities for safe risksEnsure the environment meets the needs of the developmental age of infant/toddlers as they grow through the first three years of lifeProvide excellent customer service by establishing and maintaining authentic connections and reciprocal, culturally responsive relationships with children, families, communities and center/classroom teamComplete a daily report and provide continual evaluation for families detailing the child's individual progress and developmental milestonesWork collaboratively with each other connecting workplace values, education and experience to provide the highest quality programs and creative workplacesWork Environment All infant Development Specialists are expected to demonstrate behaviors that are essential for successful programs and environment including the following:Positive, nurturing, patient, and developmentally appropriate interactions with infants/toddlersMaintain kind, respectful, and safe emotional and physical environments for childrenBe on time and present on a regularly scheduled basisBe supportive and nurturing in outdoor and indoor programsBe physically and mentally capable of interacting with infants/toddlers zero to three meeting all their needs and ensuring their safetyBe aware of and implement safety guidelines; report any health & safety issues or incidents to management, and remain calm if providing first aid (as needed) during emergency situationsPhysical & Environmental Conditions Infant Development Specialists are responsible for various program elements on a daily basis and will routinely be exposed to indoor and outdoor elements. Infant Development Specialists may be required to:Visually inspect the environment for hazards to children and implement preventive actions (i.e., set up cones to limit the play area) to maintain a safe environment for childrenBe comfortable with occasional loud noise in or outside the classroom during active/loud activitiesBe comfortable holding, lifting diapering and nurturing infants and toddlers ages 0-3 years during caregiving routines.Be comfortable with frequent bending, lifting, twisting, reaching, pushing and pullingPush, lift, carry, and hold various objects up to 15 lbs. - by individual or team effort - such as equipment carts, emergency back packs, food coolers, classroom furnishings, and other similar program materialsWork inside the classroom or outside the room in all weather conditions which are safe for children.Traverse various terrains (grass, blacktop, dirt) and heights (ladders, playgrounds) depending on the school outdoor environmentAdapt to the physical level of infants/toddlers (example, sitting on the floor, kneeling, squatting) for activities and problem-solving/interactionsSupervise walks around the communityQualifications & Experience:Infant Development Specialists are the individuals with the highest educational qualifications assigned to a group of children/classroom/center/program. They may also direct/supervise other members of the teaching team.Education:Education and permit requirements may vary by center needs/require at least three units specific to the Infant/Toddler (0-3yrs) age group.24 units in child development, early childhood development or related field, plus 16 general education units and (at least three units in Infant/Toddler (0-3) specifically)AA degree in ECE, CD, or related field from a national accredited collegeBA degree in ECE, CD, or related field from a national accredited college/universityTeacher or above Child Development Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher CredentialingAny degree must also include at least three units in Infant/Toddler (0-3yrs) specifically)Experience & Skills:2 years of experience in a group care environment where care/teaching was provided for a consistent age group preferred1 year experience supervising adults or equivalent Adult Supervision units preferredEffective problem solving, conflict resolution, classroom management, and communication with children and familiesEffective organization, time management, curriculum and assessment documentation (Individualized lesson plans, portfolios, anecdotal notes)Ability to work alongside colleagues and maintain a professional team environmentCurrent adult and infant/child CPR/First Aid certification preferredBilingual/Multilingual language preference based on individual center needsShift Type: Full TimeSchedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:30pmWhat We Offer:Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits401(k) Retirement plan and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)Personal Health AdvocatePaid vacation, sick time, and holidaysEducation Reimbursement ProgramCommuter pre-tax benefitDiscounted childcareAccess to the Calm appTickets at Work employee discountsBe constantly in a learning and growth process with training and professional growth advisoryWe are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace.Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.