Child Development Specialist

St. Vincent De Paul of Baltimore has mandated COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, as applicable. Exceptions to the COVID and flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to SVDP Human Resources Department for consideration.

ABOUT SVDP

Join the St. Vincent de Paul team, where what you do is much more than just a job—it’s a cause. Our staff members are true partners in our mission to help those impacted by poverty achieve their full potential. Their job satisfaction comes from knowing that their work each day has a positive impact on people’s lives. If you are the type of person who is excited and motivated by the idea of doing good for others, and our community, come join us! We are looking for high-energy staff members willing to share a commitment for our cause in a workplace filled with other caring people. We offer you a competitive salary, generous benefits, a culture where learning and growth is encouraged, a workplace where employees are highly valued and, most of all, an opportunity to be passionate about what you do every day. We are continuing to grow our organization and have many opportunities to be a part of our culture and make an impact within the community!

About Our Early Childhood Education Programs – What is Head Start?

Our Head Start and Early Head Start programs provide early childhood education services to prevent infants, toddlers and preschool children for school, while also helping parents achieve financial, housing and health stability goals that benefit their families and the entire community.

St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) of Baltimore operates six fully credentialed Head Start sites and four licensed Early Head Start sites in Baltimore City. Classes are full-day and include free breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks. Acceptance is based on meeting eligibility requirements and available space in classes.

Head Start services are associated with positive, long-term outcomes for low-income children including higher cognitive test scores, higher rates of high school and college graduation, higher employment rates, higher earnings, and better overall health outcomes.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Child Development, or related field.
• 3 years’ experience working with young children from birth to three years old, required.
• 1 year’ supervisory experience, required.

PRIMARY DUTIES:

• Oversees the health, safety and well-being of all the children.
• Plans and implements a developmentally appropriate program for infants and toddlers, including screenings, assessments and development of children's individual classrooms plans.
• Demonstrates a sound knowledge of good teaching practices and of child growth and development.
• Participates in program staff meetings and trainings provided by MFN or sponsoring agency.
• Provides parents with information and support in their parenting role.
• Complete all required paperwork.

SECONDARY DUTIES

• Have a thorough knowledge of child growth and development of the first years of life from birth to three years of age.
• Have a thorough knowledge of community resources related to the needs of young children and willingness to help families access them.
• Demonstrate sensitivity and understanding when relating to parents' situation and feelings.
• Possess basic management skills to include:
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge and ability to design and maintain an appropriate environment for infants and toddlers.
• Ability to plan and implement activities for children individually and as a group.
• Ability to maintain records and reports on young children.
• Ability to reinforce health and safety standards in the Child Development room.
• Supervise and evaluate Child Development personnel and volunteers.
• Make sound decisions related to interactions between staff, parents and children.
• Provide guidance and direction to staff in curriculum planning and implementation and planning children's activities.
• Model team leadership skills on issues of Child Development.
• Model/teach parents and staff how to nurture and interact with babies and young children.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs.
• Ability to get up and down from the floor.
• Work with other team members to develop relationship with the parents of enrolled children.
• Maintain good communications with parent, provide support and guidance as needed and document contact.
• Support volunteers as part of the classroom team and offer hospitality to visitors.
• Upholds the vision, mission and values of St. Vincent de Paul.
• Participates in and attends continuing education and informational trainings and meetings as needed.
• Assists with and attends special events held by St. Vincent de Paul
• Creates an atmosphere of care and respect for staff, volunteers and clients.
• Other duties as assigned within the scope of the position.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Child Development, or related field.
• 3 years’ experience working with young children from birth to three years old, required.
• 1 year’ supervisory experience, required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $57,000.00 - $64,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Childcare: 3 years (Required)
• Management: 1 year (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Baltimore, MD 21215 (Required)

Work Location: In person