Child Development Education Specialist

JCC Greater Boston seeks a Child Development Specialist (CDS) for the Ledgewood Programs. The CDS will provide direct service and consultation services to children, parents, preschool staff, and teachers at the Early Learning Centers of the JCC. In collaboration with external partners such as private or public agencies, schools, early intervention, and specialty services, the CDS will help the children reach their highest potential emotionally, socially, and cognitively. Working closely with teaching teams and directors, the CDS will facilitate developmentally appropriate practices within the Sheva Framework, whether in a classroom or therapeutic environment. This exciting 32-hour position will commence in September 2024 and will be based at our vibrant Newton facility. Join us at our dynamic Community Center, which also offers on-site fitness opportunities for staff.

The starting salary for this Full-Time 32-hour position is $53,250 per year. The salary offered will ultimately be determined by the hours the employee will work, the scope of the position, the candidate’s relevant experience, and internal equity.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Work directly with parents, teachers, and staff to support children in the classroom. Serves as a partner with a peer Child Development Specialist.
• Identify strategies to help children with areas of special needs, including but not limited to developmental delays, gross and fine motor, speech, transitions, and behavior
• Develop written individual educational plans as they pertain to the ELC for children that clearly state goals, strategies and recommendations, as well as modes and methods of implementation
• Meet with parents, caregivers, and collateral service providers as necessary to discuss the progress, goals, and objectives of children
• Closely monitor identified children’s progress and review progress notes or changes in goals during regularly scheduled meetings with teachers, parents, collaterals, and/or other relevant staff
• Keep and maintain anecdotal records, necessary forms, progress reports, parent contact summaries, end-of-the-year summaries, and other reports pertaining to children, staff, and/or classrooms
• Be a resource to parents, caregivers, and staff regarding topics of typical or atypical child development
• Use resources and referral skills to assist parents in identifying outside services to support their children’s development, including but not limited to Early Intervention, School Systems, Developmental Pediatricians, Mental Health Agencies, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, or Neuropsychologists
• Work collaboratively and continuously with systems involved in ELC children’s care, such as local Early Intervention and/or School Systems or private agencies, to meet common goals

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Child Development, or a related field. A Master’s degree in Social Work, Child Psychology, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience providing therapeutic interventions for young children, either one-on-one, in small groups, or within the family setting desired
• Must have two or more years of experience working with early childhood-aged children in a school setting

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted at the JCC’s discretion to meet minimum criteria.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong organizational, communications, and time management skills with attention to detail

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including customer service and the ability to work as part of a high-functioning team. Able to educate with compassion and sensitivity.
• Analytical – able to translate child-specific needs and goals to well-documented action plans and support team in enacting them
• Knowledgeable about community resources available to help support children and families

ADA Statement: Individuals must possess these criteria for knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation and using some other combination of skills and abilities.

AGENCY INFORMATION

Since opening its doors in 1983, JCC Greater Boston has been committed to its mission of creating a vibrant, inclusive, and diverse community by nurturing meaningful and lasting relationships. Through our network of early learning centers, day camps, regional teen and family programs, health and wellness offerings, and adult arts and ideas classes, JCC Greater Boston provides highly valued connections, learning, and experiences for the Jewish community and friends.

JCC Greater Boston staff enjoy working in an innovative, friendly, and welcoming environment where their talents and contributions are appreciated. In our recent employee survey, staff gave a rating of close to 90% positive for their experiences in direct management and organizational alignment. If you are interested in upgrading your working experience and/or having a better work-life balance, we encourage you to explore becoming part of the JCC team!

The JCC is deeply committed to valuing and celebrating the uniqueness of each constituent. We welcome staff and participants from diverse backgrounds. While being proudly Jewish, we strive in every way to provide an open and welcoming setting for all, irrespective of personal practices, beliefs, or background. We are guided by JCC Greater Boston's core values: Belonging, Joyfulness, Collaboration, and Transformation, which we hope resonate with all.

To learn more about what makes JCC Greater Boston a wonderful place to work, please visit our careers page at https://www.bostonjcc.org/careers/

JCC Greater Boston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or disability. In a continuing effort to maintain and enrich a diverse environment, we actively encourage applications from women and members of underrepresented groups.

Benefits

In addition to a rewarding career, JCC Greater Boston provides competitive exempt compensation packages. Benefits include:

• Competitive salary
• Health insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Group life insurance
• Long-term disability
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Discounted childcare at JCCGB Early Learning Centers and after-school program
• Discounted JCCGB camp tuition (50-100% off)
• Generous paid time off
• JCC Greater Boston fitness membership

Benefits are subject to review and change by the organization.