Overview

The Early Childhood Specialist identifies patients who are experiencing or are at risk for delays in development that are eligible for early intervention and pre-school services. The specialist incorporates evidence-based practices and completes developmental assessments, establishes developmental goals, provides developmental interventions, coordinates community referrals, provides education regarding early intervention, and demonstrates age-appropriate care to patient’s birth through 5 years.

Schedule: Contingent

Location: Central Campus

Why Nationwide Children's Hospital?

The moment you walk through our doors, you feel it. When you meet our patient families, you believe it. And when you talk with anyone who works here, you want to be part of it. Welcome to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Where Passion Meets Purpose.

Here, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are integrated into our core values and practices. We are passionate about building, sustaining and evolving an inclusive and equitable environment. We are seeking individuals who live these values and want to share their experiences and efforts in support of our collective mission.

We’re 14,000 strong. And it takes every one of us to improve the lives of the kids we care for, and the kids around the world we’ll never meet. Kids who live healthier, fuller lives because of the knowledge we share. We know it takes a Collaborative Culture to deliver on our promise to provide the very best, innovative care and to foster new discoveries, made possible by the most groundbreaking research. Anywhere.

Ask anyone with a Nationwide Children’s badge what they do for a living. They’ll tell you it’s More Than a Job. It’s a calling. It’s a chance to use and grow your talent to make an impact that truly matters. Because here, we exist simply to help children everywhere.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital. A Place to Be Proud.

Responsibilities

• Identifies potential candidates for early intervention and special needs pre-school; communicates information about early childhood development to the family and staff; and gathers necessary consent and information for program enrollment. • Uses formal and informal tools to assess the development of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. • Collaborates as part of a multidisciplinary team to co-treat, inform, support, and learn. • Provides evidence-based developmentally appropriate play and education centered on early childhood milestones and development. Enriches patient’s progress toward individualized goals and supports growth. Assures that families are aware of the options for early childhood development programs and resources within the hospital and in the community. • Completes reports/records/forms as required by role including but not limited to FCBDD, DODD, and ODH in a timely and thorough manner. Accurately documents interventions in EPIC and maintains department files. • Educates staff and the community on the importance of early developmental services within and outside of the hospital. Supervises and mentors’ volunteers and students placed within the program. • Participates in professional organizations and continuing education initiatives to advance knowledge and skills for self and others; maintains active certifications through the FCBDD or ODE. Seeks information about diversity and is culturally sensitive to the diversity of families in developing supportive programs and providing services. • May participate in the development, implementation, & sharing of Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP) and Individual Education Program (IEP) as appropriate.

Qualifications

Education:Bachelor’s degree in child development or early childhood special education, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.Certifications:Early Intervention Specialists Certification (or the ability to obtain certification) from the Ohio State Department of DD is required; ODE teacher licensure for ages 3 – 8 (Pre-K-3) is recommended.Skills:• Comprehensive knowledge of child growth, development, and family systems which impact the development of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.• Ability to use assessment tools such as Bayley, Battelle, DECA, or other developmentally appropriate assessments.• Strong communication and teaching/learning skills.• Maintains a knowledge base and is skillful in the use of technology and software.Experience:A minimum of two years’ experience with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with special needs. Knowledge of state and community programs for early intervention and special education preschool resources is desirable.The above list of duties is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this classification. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties performed by the individual so classified, nor is it intended to limit or modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision.

EOE M/F/Disability/Vet