JCC Greater Boston is seeking a Child Development Specialist (CDS) for the Ledgewood Programs. The Child Development Specialist (CDS) provides direct service and consultation services to children, parents, preschool staff, and teachers at the Early Learning Centers of the JCC. The CDS works in conjunction with and as a liaison to outside collaterals, i.e., private or public agencies, schools, early intervention, and/or specialty services in order to help the children reach their highest potential emotionally, socially, and cognitively. The CDS works closely with teaching teams and directors to facilitate developmentally appropriate practices within the Sheva Frameworkin a classroom or therapeutic setting. This 32-hour position begins immediately and will be onsite in Newton. The Newton facility is a dynamic Community Center which includes on-site fitness opportunities for staff.

JCC Greater Boston 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 resonate with many who do not identify as Jewish.

The starting salary for this position is $48,300 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 of Child Development Specialist

• 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