Early Childhood Specialist (6)

Edcouch-Elsa ISD (TX) - Edcouch, TX

Full-time

Edcouch, TX

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Early Childhood Specialist is responsible for caring for and educating young children in a childcare environment. This role involves planning and implementing developmentally appropriate activities that advance all areas of children's development and learning, including social emotional, intellectual, and physical competence. The specialist must comply with various standards and regulations, including those set by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services and the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs. The position requires creating a conducive classroom environment, conducting parent conferences, and ensuring the health and safety of children.

Responsibilities

• Complies with the Texas Department of Health and Human Services (TDHHS) minimum standards for a licensed Child Care Center.
• Complies with the national standards of the National Accreditation Commission (NAC) for Early Care and Education Programs.
• Complies with the Texas Rising Star standards and criteria.
• Supports and maintains the implementation of the approved Infant, Toddler and/or School Age Curriculum.
• Protects the health and safety of children; sanitizes the environment as required; inspects classrooms and playgrounds for health/safety hazards; administers first aid as needed.
• Conducts two parent conferences per year and effectively communicates with parents about their child's progress and activities.
• Completes daily meal counts, health checks, accident reports as needed, and other related forms.
• Creates a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the physical, social, and emotional development of children.
• Demonstrates the ability to support the social and emotional development of children.
• Provides activities and opportunities that encourage curiosity, exploration, and problem-solving appropriate to the development levels of the children.
• Models positive behavior management techniques through daily contact with children and early childhood staff.
• Plans, organizes, and participates in Family and Parent Workshops.
• Participates in team planning sessions with all Early Childhood Specialists.
• Complies with the Texas Department of Agriculture - Special Nutrition Program standards.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or 12 hours of College credit in the field of Child Care Development, Early Childhood Education or related field.
• One (1) year of childcare experience or two (2) semesters of course field study experience in an accredited facility and/or Texas Rising Star facility.
• Criminal Background Check and background clearance through Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
• Experience working with children of ages 3 months to 4 years.
• Knowledge of or ability to quickly learn the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Minimum Standards for a Child Care Center and the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Program Criterions.

Nice-to-haves

• More than the required experience in a child development center or other educational facility.

Benefits

• Attendance at local, state and national conferences.
• Professional development provided by local entities.