Child Development Specialist - Outdoor Nature-Based Program (IST II - Part-time)

Join Our Team at Portland Community College

Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and 19th largest in the nation, serving approximately 80,000 full- and part-time students. With four comprehensive campuses, five workforce training and education centers, and 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area, our unique role is to make high-quality education accessible to everyone, creating opportunities for our students and contributing to the economic development of our community.

Under the direction of the Outdoor Nature-Based (ONB) Program and Child Development Center management, works with the Sr. Child Development Specialist (Mentor Teacher) to plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and programs for children (ages three years to five years old) in the Outdoor Nature-based Program. Models and provides feedback on appropriate interaction skills and teaching techniques for program students and parents. Interacts on a daily basis with children in the assigned labs, parents, Early Education and Family Studies students, program faculty, and Senior Child Development Specialist.

What You'll Do and Who We Are Looking For

This is a part time FTE for the full year, however, It is a 40 hours a week schedule from September through June in an academic year. This position is fully grant funded. Continued employment is contingent upon the availability of grant funding. If grant funding is reduced or discontinued, the position may be reduced or eliminated.

Distinguishing Characteristics: This is the journey-level position within a two-tier job family. The incumbent's primary responsibilities include guiding children and providing general support for the Outdoor Nature-Based (ONB) Program and Child Development Center lab settings. This role is distinguished from the Senior Child Development Specialist, which carries primary responsibility for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum, mentoring ECE students, and participating in the evaluation of student coursework, seminars, and instructional modules.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities:

• Guides and oversees children, ages three years through five years in the Outdoor Nature-Based Program and Child Development Center.
• Facilitates and provides guidance for developmentally appropriate learning activities under the direction of the Sr. Child Development Specialist. Activities may consist of arts and crafts, music, dramatic play, and may be in individual or group format.
• Works collaboratively with the Sr. Child Development Specialist during the assessment of children by observation.
• Monitors interactions in the lab for safety and intervenes if necessary.
• Maintains and sets up lab equipment and outdoor learning equipment.
• Monitor equipment use.
• Cleans up the lab and outdoor classroom after activities.
• Assists with program students in the lab by modeling and providing feedback on appropriate behavior with children and helping with projects.
• Assists Sr. Child Development Specialist in keeping accurate lab records; attendance, parent information, schedules, receipts, fees.
• Participates in Center-wide planning, facilities use, and program coordination.
• Maintains current knowledge regarding research and practices in Nature-Based Education, Early Childhood Education, and Family Studies.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with parents, including assisting with orientations and providing daily feedback.
• May assume responsibilities of Sr. Child Development Specialist in their absence.
• Provides direction to casual staff and interns.
• Positions in this classification may perform all or some of the responsibilities about and all positions perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

To be considered, your application must demonstrate these minimum qualifications. (Experience is calculated based on the start and end dates you provide multiplied by the number of hours per week worked).

• High School diploma or equivalent and associate's degree in early childhood education or related area or CDA (Child Development Associate). One year of relevant experience may substitute for fifteen (15) credit hours in Early Childhood Education or Child Development. Have completed 10 hours or 1 college quarter credit of nature-based education training approved by DELC.
• One year experience providing group care for young children. Must have good oral communication skills. First Aid certification, food handler's care required within 30 days of hire. Must be enrolled in the Department of Early Learning and Care Central Background Registry.
• Knowledge of: Current principles, practices and methods of nature-based and early childhood education; local, state, and federal laws, regulations, policies and practices governing child care programs; general health and wellness of children; assessment and program evaluation techniques; contemporary office practices, procedures and equipment; recordkeeping techniques; first aid and CPR techniques and methods.
• Ability to: Implement age-appropriate curriculum to foster growth and development; administer effective child development center policies and procedures; understand and follow specific instructions and procedures; provide basic nutrition and hygiene services for infants and young children; possess and demonstrate the required level of proficiency in desktop computers and other assigned software or electronic resources; communicate effectively both orally and in written form; develop and maintain effective working relationships.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's degree in early childhood education or related area or CDA (Child Development Associate). Have completed 10 hours or 1 college quarter credit of nature-based education training approved by DELC.

Work Environment

Need for flexibility and ability to adjust and adapt moving between various classrooms and a variety of ages. Work pressure, disturbances of work flow and/or irregularities in work schedule are expected and occur on an intermittent basis. Changes in the performance environment require occasional upgrading of skills. Working conditions may be somewhat disagreeable requiring occasional exposure to safety hazards, noise and temperature. Exposure to adverse weather during class time. Class time is 100% outdoors.

Physical Requirements: Some learned physical skills are required to appropriately lift and carry toddlers and small children. Requires physical effort as part of regular work routine, including frequent lifting of children, bending and squatting to children's level, setting up the classroom and playground equipment (climbers, bikes, wagons,) and carrying supplies.

Why You'll Love Working Here

The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning. As part of our College community, you'll enjoy:

• A collaborative and inspiring campus community
• Opportunities for learning and professional development

Portland Community College embraces equity and inclusion as a priority. We are committed to building a community with a variety of backgrounds, skills, views, and life experiences. The more we value equity and inclusion, the more we will add value to the work we do and how we serve our students, engage with each other, and the Oregon Community that we serve. Creating a culture that honors equity and inclusion is our objective and the smart path forward.