Child Development Specialist

$22.00-$28.00/hr 

Helping people reclaim the life they deserve

At Schenectady Community Action Program (SCAP), we believe in supporting one another as we all work collaboratively towards one common goal - eradicating poverty. By joining our team, you will be joining in the mission to help improve communities, alleviate poverty, and change people's lives. SCAP is an anti-poverty agency dedicated to serving low-income individuals and families who "are in economic, educational or social need.". We recognize the importance of employee satisfaction and will provide you with all the tools you need every step of the way. Here at SCAP, we will provide you with competitive wages, work-life balance, career advancement and an amazing benefits package.

We believe that empowering people is the best way to help families move out of poverty. Come join our team if you're looking to make a positive impact on our local community.

What SCAP offers for you!

• Paid Personal Time
• Paid Sick Time
• Company Holidays
• Medical Insurance
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• 403(b) with Company Match!
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Referral Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Parental Leave
• AND MORE!

Responsibilities

• Facilitate the completion of required paper work, including but not limited to, classroom evaluations, attendance records, volunteer timesheets, and follows through as appropriate.
• Conduct announced and unannounced site visits and classroom observations to ensure that the overall classroom environment supports the development of each child’s social, emotional, cognitive, language and physical skills through guidance, observation, modeling and training. (A minimum of one visit every two weeks to family child care partners).
• Observe classroom staff ensuring appropriate trainings are obtained and reinforced, and best practices and policies are implemented.
• Ensure partnering staff conduct home visits in a timely manner, provides support to ensure high quality parent communications during meetings and home visits. Ensures the development of Individualized Education Plans (IEP) on a timely basis and facilitates all team meetings. Ensures adequate documentation of team meetings and follow through of decisions.
• Ensure appropriate communication with partners and works to ensure good relationships with partners. Communicates issues proactively to management team and works to create solutions to problems.
• Responsible for actively assisting Coordinators working as a team to ensure the component is meeting its goals. Clearly communicates within the team and with the management team and colleagues.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or a related field. Master’s Degree Preferred.
• A minimum of three (3) years classroom teaching experience and a minimum of two (2) years supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate peer-to-peer learning both one-on-one or in a group setting.
• Demonstrated computer expertise; consistently upgrading skills to remain up to date on the use of technology in the classroom and the workplace.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills and the ability to lead a team.
• Must provide on a biennial basis a physical from a licensed health care provider, clearing you under New York State Day Care regulations. 
• Background check is required prior to employment as required by NYS Day Care regulations and Federal Head Start Performance Standards.    
• Knowledge and understanding of issues related to individuals and families in poverty. Ability to build upon the strengths of those we serve with diverse racial, cultural, social, educational and economic backgrounds, including high risk populations, to provide high-level services and lasting solutions to fit each individual’s and family’s needs.

If you are a motivated individual and see yourself in this role, please complete our application and we will follow up with you on the next steps of the interview process.

Schenectady Community Action Program is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, national origin, disability or handicap, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.