CDA Specialist

CIFC's Danbury Early Learning Programs are looking to fill the position of Child Development Associate (CDA) Specialist in Danbury/Norwalk.

Summary: The position is responsible for assisting 1-2 classrooms in planning and implementing classroom routines, curriculum, meals, and related activities for pre-school and/or infant toddler children (ages 6 months-5 years). This position serves as the aid in a classroom of 14 to 20 Head Start /Preschool children and/or 7-8 Infant/Toddler children. This position is chiefly responsible to assist in the core functions of the Head Start program and performs other tasks as needed.

CDA Specialists work under the direction of 1-2 assigned Lead Teacher(s) and is supervised by the Education Services Professional.

• Unit: Early Learning
• Immediate Supervisor: Education Services Professional
• Classification: Standard / Full Time (1.0 FTE) or Part-Time (Hourly)
• Schedule: 9:45 AM-5:45 PM or 2:45-5:45 PM (Monday - Friday)
• Status: Non-Exempt
• Directly Supervises: None

Essential Job Responsibilities:

1. Works under the supervision of a licensed teacher or assistant teacher to enforce learning for individual students or small groups of students.
2. Administers, and records achievement and diagnostic tests under the direction of the teacher or assistant teachers for individual students or groups of students.
3. Assists the teacher or assistant teacher in devising special strategies for reinforcing material or skills based on an understanding of individual students, their needs, interests and abilities.
4. Assists the teacher or assistant teacher in the handling, operation and care of equipment, including media, and instructional materials.
5. Assists the teacher or assistant teacher in the supervision of students during emergency drills, assembles, play periods, field trips and in other non-classroom activities.
6. Assists the teacher or assistant teacher with non-instructional duties such as snack, lunch, toilet and clothing routines.
7. Serves as a source of information and help to any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the regular teacher.
8. Assists the teacher or assistant teacher in drill work, large group reading or storytelling.
9. Alerts the regular teacher or assistant teacher to any problem or special information about an individual student.
10. Performs clerical duties as assigned by the teacher or assistant teacher, as needed.
11. Maintains the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as is expected of a licensed teacher or assistant teacher.
12. Participates in professional development training programs, as assigned.
13. Performs related duties as appropriate for the position.

• 18 years old, required.
• Entry level position;
• previous babysitting or childcare experience is preferred.
• Basic computer experience is required (i.e. email, word processing, internet navigation).
• Bilingual candidates strongly encouraged to apply.
• Applicants with multiple language capabilities (English, Spanish, and/or Portuguese) are preferred.
• Minimum High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required (completed or currently enrolled).
• Child Development Associate (CDA) Certificate or a commitment to obtain a CDA within 1 year of employment is required (paid by the employer) is required.
• Early Childhood Education Credits are preferred; and/or Associate and/or Bachelor degrees are preferred.

Health Requirements:

• Recent fit for duty Health examination.
• Ability to lift 40 lbs.

Comprehensive fringe benefits package including paid holidays, paid time off, health, dental, vision coverage and retirement program.