Child Development Specialist (3 vacancies)

Salary: $56,742.40 - $79,809.60 Annually
Location: Location varies by assignment, CA
Job Type: FULL TIME
Job Number: 2500090
Division: Office of Instruction
Department:
Opening Date: 11/07/2025
Closing Date: 1/29/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: CSEA-California School Employees Association

Description

About College of the Desert
The College of the Desert, Desert Community College District enrolls approximately 20,000 students each academic year with steady enrollment growth each year. College of the Desert embraces diversity in all forms and the right of all people to have access to quality higher education in a safe learning environment. Designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), College of the Desert administers an array of student programs specifically focused on student support and helping students achieve their educational and career goals. As a two-year college, we offer Associates Degree for Transfer, both in Art and Sciences, Associates Degrees, and Certificates across a wide range of disciplines.

College of the Desert is a district that consists of leadership, staff, and faculty who are committed to enhancing our community through supporting the academic success of all of our students including racially and ethnically diverse students, students with disabilities, students who are first generation to college, veterans, students of all ages, students with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, "dreamers", and students of diverse sexual orientation and gender expression.

When you join College of the Desert you can expect to be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative community. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences, emphasizes collaboration, and engages students in and out of the classroom. We are committed to ensuring that College of the Desert is a welcoming place for the success of all students.

Interested in learning more about College of the Desert and the Coachella Valley? Visit the links below.

• The Community - Coachella Valley
• College of the Desert

Who We Want:
College of the Desert is seeking individuals from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. As such, we prioritize individuals who fully demonstrate their understanding of the community we serve, the benefits of diversity in a professional and educational setting, and values creating a culture that brings people together. A successful candidate will value working in a collegial, collaborative environment that is guided by a commitment to inclusion, student education, and equity. An equity-minded individual is a person who already does or has demonstrated the desire to:

• Understand the importance of holding ourselves accountable as faculty, staff and leadership for closing equity gaps and engaging in equitable practices;
• Reframe inequities as a problem of practice and view the elimination of inequities as an individual and collective responsibility;
• Encourage positive race-consciousness and embrace human difference;
• Reflect on institutional and teaching practices and aim to make them more culturally responsive; and
• Strategically build buy-in and participation among colleagues for equity-related initiatives.

BASIC FUNCTION

Perform a variety of instructional and clerical duties to assist in the planning and implementation of program and services for children 12 months to 5 years of age.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Receives general supervision from a Child Development Center Manager.

SCHEDULES & LOCATIONS:
Location and schedule are subject to change based on District need.

• Vacancy #1:
  • Location: Palm Desert Campus
  • Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • 12 months a year/40-hour week
• Vacancy #2 & #3:
  • Location: Indio Campus
  • Schedule: 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • 12 months a year/40-hour week

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

• Provide supervision of assigned groups of children to assure safety and welfare; refer ill or injured children to the Supervisor; plan, provide and evaluate indoor and outdoor learning environments.
• Plan, prepare, oversee, and implement an age-appropriate children's program/curriculum in accordance with state regulations and the policies of the Child Development Center; prepare daily lesson plans; maintain a safe, clean and healthy learning environment.
• Observe the behavior and health of children throughout the period of attendance=. Implement appropriate rules of conduct, maintains discipline and provides suitable environment in classroom and outdoor environment.
• Document and collect skill samples in accordance with appropriate state forms for use in children's assessments, evaluations, and lesson plans; maintain a portfolio on each child.
• Support staff, student workers, and lab students in the implementation of lesson plans; plan, direct, and evaluate the work of College students assigned to the learning laboratory.
• Prepare for and conduct bi-annual parent conferences. Communicate regularly and meet with parents to discuss children's development, achievements and behavior concerns as needed and to encourage parent participation.
• Conduct ongoing child assessments with the children and their parents and use the results to plan for individualization.
• Collaborate with relevant parties to create and implement tailored early intervention strategies. Attend IEP meetings with external districts, complete necessary paperwork, identify private resources for families, and recommend accommodations based on input from families or outside agencies. Perform a variety of clerical duties involved in daily attendance, meal counts, medications control and others. Maintain current inventory of classroom equipment and supplies; open and close facility as necessary.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and healthy learning environment.
• Works collaboratively with the CDC Aide to carry out the policies and procedures of the Center.
• Attend and participate in training events for state and federal program regulations.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES
Knowledge of:

• Fundamentals and basic subject matter, terminology, techniques, equipment and materials used in the early childhood education, general child growth and development principles.
• Developmentally appropriate curriculum practices for infants, toddlers and preschoolers including: child development theory, curriculum, group and individual teaching techniques
• Methods and procedures of preparing instructional materials.
• Methods of observing, evaluating and recording child behavior.
• Childcare abuse reporting regulations.
• Community resources available to parents.
• Effective customer services skills, how to compose effective correspondence and basic record-keeping.
• Applicable health and safety regulations.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Ability to:

• Plan and direct the activities of a child development center. Apply methods and procedures to be followed in an instructional situation.
• Provide lead direction to short-term staff and/or student workers.
• Apply theoretical concepts of child development to concrete situations.
• Demonstrate clear evidence of sensitivity and understanding of the diverse academic, socio-economic, disability and ethnic backgrounds of students, staff and the community.
• Operate a computer and a variety of software applications to create documents, planning forms and learning materials.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Learn, interpret and apply departmental and District policies, rules and regulations.
• Lift and carry children; understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Work independently with little direction at a variety of assignments.
• Work cooperatively with others.
• Administer basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Provide input to evaluation of CDE students working in the classroom as a laboratory assignment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination equivalent to:
Option 1:

• Graduation from high school supplemented by twenty-four (24) units early childhood education/child development (ECE/CD) including core courses AND
• Sixteen (16) General Education (GE) units AND
• Two (2) years of experience as a teacher, tutor, instructional aid; or completion of an associate degree or higher in early childhood education/child development or related field, including three (3) semester units supervised field experience in ECE setting; or the equivalent AND
• Three (3) theory units specific to the infant/toddler in early childhood education and development.
  

Option 2:

• Complete an associate degree or higher in early childhood education or child development or a related field.
• Complete three semester units or four quarter units of supervised field experience in an early childhood education setting
• School-Age Emphasis under this option may be obtained by completion of an associate degree or higher in school-age education, including three semester units of supervised field experience in an early childhood education setting.
  

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Possession of a current Pediatric First Aid and CPR Certificate. Possession of, or eligible to obtain a Child Development Teacher permit, Child Development Master Teacher permit, or Site Supervisor permit issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, in compliance with state regulations. Permit must be valid for the duration of employment. Position may require food handler's permit within the first six months of employment.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Environment: Work is performed in a child development center with both indoor and outdoor areas; exposure to bodily fluids and communicable diseases; subject to noise from children; frequent interruptions.
Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a child development center; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach and twist; to life, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate classroom equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and find coordination; to verbally communicate and exchange information; and to occasionally travel to other locations

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:
Classified Bargaining Unit Position
Classified Staff Range 10

SCHEDULES & LOCATIONS:
Location and schedule are subject to change based on District need.

• Vacancy #1:
  • Location: Palm Desert Campus
  • Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • 12 months a year/40-hour week
• Vacancy #2 & #3:
  • Location: Indio Campus
  • Schedule: 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • 12 months a year/40-hour week

REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS:
Applications missing any of the required documents listed will not be considered. The following documents are required at the time of application:

• Online Application: Please fill out your online application completely with all requested details.
• Resume: Must include length of employment (month/year start & end dates) for each employer.
• Cover Letter: Please address how you meet the minimum requirements for this position and any special qualifications you possess.
• College Transcripts (Unofficial or Official): Must be from an accredited institution, show name of institution, course work, and degree awarded with date, as applicable. Diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of the required transcripts.
• Permits: Possession of, or eligible to obtain a Child Development Teacher permit, Child Development Master Teacher permit, or Site Supervisor permit issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, in compliance with state regulations.
• Certificates: Current Pediatric First Aid and CPR Certificate.

IN YOUR APPLICATION

• List of Professional References: List of Professional References: References should include at least two supervisors and two colleagues. Please include name, title, email, and current phone numbers for all references in your application. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted in lieu of the required addition of Professional References.
• Online Application: Please fill out your online application completely with all requested details.

DISTRICT RIGHTS: College of the Desert reserves the right to re-open, re-advertise, delay, or cancel filling this position.
FAQs: For additional information, click here: Recruitment - Frequently Asked Questions
PLEASE NOTE:

• Employment is contingent on residence in California.
• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
• College of the Desert does not offer sponsorship nor take over sponsorship for any employment VISA.

Notice to all Candidates for Employment:

DISTRICT RIGHTS: College of the Desert reserves the right to re-open, re-advertise, delay, or cancel filling this position.

The SELECTED CANDIDATE is required to complete the following prior to employment:

• Provide a Certificate of Tuberculosis Exam for initial appointment (Note: The certificate must be renewed every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment).
• Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer at the candidate's expense (Clearance must be received prior to the first day of employment).
• Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States(Note: We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.) A Social Security Card will be required for payroll processing.
• Participate in a new hire onboarding, completing all required tasks and forms.
May be required to complete a fitness for duty physical exam based on the job description, as applicable.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The Desert Community College District (DCCD) will not sponsor any VISA applications nor take over any VISA.

Employees must reside in California while employed with the Desert Community College District (DCCD).

California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System:

A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the DCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.

Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the DCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS

Disability Accommodations:

If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process, please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date, by either calling (760) 773 -2529 or sending an e-mail to ctate-meyer@collegeofthedesert.edu.

Attendance Requirement:

All DCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.

Campus Crime and Safety Awareness:

Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at https://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/students/public-safety/.

Non-Discrimination Notice:

The DCCD provides access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, military and veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

California Fair Chance Act:

The DCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the DCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Equal Employment Opportunity:

The DCCD is committed to creating an academic and work environment that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all, and ensures that students, faculty, staff, and managers of all backgrounds feel welcome, included, supported, and safe. Our culture of belonging, openness, and inclusion, makes the DCCD a unique and special place for individuals of all backgrounds.

The DCCD is looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community. When you join the DCCD, you can expect to be part of an exciting, thriving, equity-focused, and inclusive community that approaches higher education with the lens of social justice and collaboration among students, faculty, staff, managers, and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at the DCCD, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with the DCCD's mission and goals for DEIA and EEO.

Additional Resources

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (FEHA)
  • Discrimination Laws Regarding People With Disabilities
  • Reasonable Accommodation
• Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
• AP 7100 - Commitment to Diversity (Download PDF reader)
• COD - Equal Opportunity Plan (Download PDF reader)
Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)

THE DCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER


To apply, visit: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/collegeofthedesertca/jobs/5091571/child-development-specialist-3-vacancies

jeid-d25eb3fcc5931040a66a345f05500034