Early Childhood Education Specialist

St Vincent DePaul Shelter Overview

The vision of St. Vincent de Paul – Dayton District Council is to improve the lives of people in need in the Miami Valley.

Our Mission is to, with Christian purpose, accompany those in need one person at a time by focusing on shelter, food and clothing.

Every day we let our light shine!

Position Summary/Objective

The Child and Family Advocate Specialist promotes a culture of safety, hospitality, service, honor, and respect among our homeless guests, our staff, and volunteers, for the purpose of furthering the vision and mission of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. The Child and Family Advocate Specialist will

• Assist with implementing the curriculum for the Early Childhood Education Program.
• Accompany family members to medical consultations or court appointments.
• Assist families in addressing the underlying cause of homelessness and the effect of homelessness on the child(ren).
• Coordinate and communicate with Case Managers to assist with successful housing placement of guests with families.
• Develop and implement age-appropriate programs to encourage all the child’s family members participation in education and behavioral assessments.

Essential functions

• Design and implement lesson plans that align with the Ohio Early Learning Domains and the Ohio Kindergarten Readiness Skills
• Establish and maintain an Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral Association (OCCRA) account and obtain ten (10) hours yearly of Early Childhood Education related training.
• Facilitate Parent Education in Child Development, Parenting and Kindergarten Readiness Skills.
• Mediate between family members and health care providers or educators.
• Meet with child’s families to understand their needs and discuss their goals

• Promote child safe behavior and maintain/improve a safe living and working environment within the shelters.
• Provide basic first aid for minor injuries, ailments and conditions.

• Provide referrals and connecting families with social services organizations or resources.
• Translate medical or educational information for caregivers.

Physical demands

• Able to lift 50 pounds on occasion

Travel percentage

• 10%

Required education and experience                                                           

• Proven work or education in Child development, education or psychology.
• Experience working with people of different cultures and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Understanding basic healthcare, social work, public safety and how to help people find necessary resources.

Preferred education and experience

• Working towards associate or bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, Child Psychology, Child Life Specialist, Childcare or Child Development Specialist.
• Experience in any of the afore mentioned with a focus on children and families.