Child Development Specialist (Poppleton Only)

POSITION SUMMARY STATEMENT 

UWCM is well known for its Family Center programming, which operates within UWCM Neighborhood Zones, geographical regions, where we listen deeply to residents and co-create solutions based on an asset-based framework.  An experienced Child Development Specialist is needed to provide overall management, coordination, and administration of the Family Center’s early childhood development program to ensure the delivery of high-quality early childhood education to infants and toddlers enrolled in the center.

OBJECTIVES

• Ensure strong programmatic planning and implementation of the Family Center model in accordance with UWCM, MFN and CARF standards. 

• Support all child development staff. (Lead Teachers and Childcare Aides)
• Understand and be committed to the overall philosophy of Family Support.
• Ensure MSDE licensing standards are maintained for all child development staff and classrooms.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (included but not limited to):  

Weight (%) duties and responsibilities in priority order to total 100% 

60% – Program Management and Supervision of the Child Development Team  

• Recruit, train and supervise the child development staff to ensure the provision of a warm, nurturing, and inclusive environment while maintaining MSDE and Center model standards. 
• Coordinate ongoing professional development opportunities for the child development staff 
• Plan and implement a developmentally appropriate program using Teaching Strategies’ Gold or Frog Street Curriculum; ensure data is input into online system
• Assess and track each child’s developmental progress using appropriate curriculum and the Ages and Stages Questionnaires, supporting staff in the use of the results of the questionnaire
• Develop and supervise the implementation of individualized plans for each child to help them improve developmentally
• Refer all children who display developmental delays or disabilities to the Maryland Infant and Toddler Program
• Ensure lesson plans are completed in a timely manner, are developmentally appropriate, and aligned with the approved curriculum
• Coordinate the center schedule of events and all programming in collaboration with the Family Center Director. 
• All other duties as assigned. 

20% – Communication 

• Counsel families on topics pertaining to child development and parenting in concert with the Family Services Coordinator and In-Home Interventionist. 
• Collect necessary data and outcomes for reports to funders
• Manage the selection, formulation and dispersion of materials related to child development. 
• Work with the Family Center Director and Administrator to coordinate the purchase and tracking of supplies.  

20% – Processes and Procedures 

• Provide support and create tickler system for deadlines, reports (i.e., grants), training requirements, CARF requirements, permits, licensing, and budgeting.  
• Assess and track each child’s developmental progress using Teaching Strategies Gold and the Ages and Stages Questionnaires, supporting staff in the use of the results of the questionnaire 
• Maintain accurate client files and ensure daily participant documentation is complete 
• Ensure that all child development staff stay up to date on all certifications and trainings

INTERACTION (Internal and External):  

Internal: Interact with UWCM office staff on an as needed basis to coordinate new hire onboarding; provide information as needed, participate on staff committee/team activities; develop cooperative and effective working relationships with Neighborhood Zone staff, including Impact Strategies team members and other UWCM colleagues. 

External: Interact with volunteers, staff and community partners, collaborators, and other organizations on a regular basis to respond to inquiries, provide technical assistance and community impact activities as assigned/identified.  

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS (required education, years of experience, skills, and abilities): 

• CDA ECE minimally with 5 years experience, Associate degree in child development , early childhood education or related field from an accredited institution; bachelor’s preferred. 
• Minimum of five years of experience working directly with young children from birth to 48 months with a minimum of one year of supervisory experience. 
• Maintain respect for the confidentiality of information divulged by or on behalf of participants. 
• Possess the ability to relate to people of diverse educational, cultural, and economic backgrounds. 
• Have a race equity lens and utilize a healing approach. 
• Model appropriate interaction with young children and parents. 
• Have the ability to work independently and as a team member and leader. 
• Be willing to submit to and pass a criminal background investigation.
• Have current medical evaluation, including a tuberculosis screen within 6 months prior to employment
• Effective written and verbal communication skills. 

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS   

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

Frequent walking or standing is required. The hands are regularly used to write, type, key and handle or feel small controls and objects. The employee must frequently talk and hear. Weights of up to 25 pounds are frequently lifted. There is extensive use of a computer. Employee is occasionally seated while performing the duties of the position.  May be exposed to such occupational hazards as communicable diseases, blood pathogens, and aggressive or combative program participants. 

 

TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume via email to:

United Way of Central Maryland 
Attention: Human Resources
1800 Washington Boulevard, Suite 340 
Baltimore, MD 21230