Child Development Specialist
The Child Development Specialist provides a developmentally appropriate comprehensive educational program for children enrolled in the Head Start Program and ensures the cohesion of program systems in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards.
The Fort Valley State University Head Start program serves four counties in Georgia – Crisp, Dooly, Macon, and Taylor. Based on the needs of the program, the Child Development Specialist (Teacher Assistant/Aide) may be assigned to any of these counties.
• Complete an initial screening on all children
• Maintain a developmentally appropriate classroom setting
• Maintain confidential files on all children
• Maintain attendance roster
• Teach and develop lesson plans in conjunction with the monthly theme
• Assure the classroom operates within the guidelines and standards of the Fort Valley State University Head Start Policies and Procedures and the Head Start Performance Standards
• Provide supervision and guidance to all children
• Correspond and work with parents both formally and informally, individually or in groups when the need arises
• Submit appropriate incident/accident reports when needed
• Responsible for the health, safety and welfare of all children in the group
• Complete and submit classroom and playground inventories three times per year
• Make referrals, participate in meetings with experts in disabilities and health and with the appropriate personnel, to plan and implement the IEP
• Provide an environment that reflects the cultures of all children in the program in an integrated way
• Serve as a bus monitor, team leader and other duties as assigned to ensure program compliance
• Bring a willingness to learn and grow with other members of the school and community by participating in staff development opportunities
• Willing to relocate to another center within the program if needed
• Perform other duties as deemed necessary to the effective functioning of the program
Also, the Child Development Specialist will display a high level of effort and commitment to performing work; operates effectively within the organizational structure, and is inclusive of children with disabilities.
Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in Infant and Child Development, Early Childhood Education or related area
• Significant experience and alternative training in early child care and development may be considered in lieu of degree
• Pass a drug screening and background check
• Good communication skills, flexibility, and team work
Preferred:
• Experience with children 3-5 years of age
• Current CPR and First Aid certificates
Interested persons should submit an FVSU employment application, letter of interest, resume, official transcript(s), three (3) professional reference letters and a background investigation consent form to:
Office of Human Resources
Fort Valley State University
1005 State University Drive
Fort Valley, GA 31030-4313
