Infant / Toddler CDA Specialist Position Available In Western Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Connecticut Institute forCommunities, Inc.

Description:

CDA Specialists work under thedirection of an assigned Lead Teacher. The position is responsiblefor assisting 1-2 classrooms in planning and implementing classroomroutines, curriculum, meals, and related activities for pre-schooland/or infant toddler children (ages 6 months-5 years).

Summary:

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

• Unit:

  Early Learning

• Immediate Supervisor:

  Education Services Professional

• Classification:

  Standard / Full Time (1.0 FTE) or Part-Time(Hourly)

• Status:

  Non-Exempt

•

Directly Supervises:

None______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Essential Job Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully,an individual must be able to perform each essential dutysatisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative ofthe knowledge, skill and/or abilities required.

• Works under thesupervision of a licensed teacher or assistant teacher to enforcelearning for individual students or small groups of students.
• Administers, and records achievement and diagnostic tests under thedirection of the teacher or assistant teachers for individualstudents or groups of students.
• Assists the teacher or assistantteacher in devising special strategies for reinforcing material orskills based on an understanding of individual students, theirneeds, interests and abilities.
• Assists the teacher or assistantteacher in the handling, operation and care of equipment, includingmedia, and instructional materials.
• Assists the teacher orassistant teacher in the supervision of students during emergencydrills, assembles, play periods, field trips and in othernon-classroom activities.
• Assists the teacher or assistantteacher with non-instructional duties such as snack, lunch, toiletand clothing routines.
• Serves as a source of information and helpto any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the regularteacher.
• Assists the teacher or assistant teacher in drill work,large group reading or storytelling.
• Alerts the regular teacheror assistant teacher to any problem or special information about anindividual student.
• Performs clerical duties as assigned by theteacher or assistant teacher, as needed.
• Maintains the same highlevel of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information aboutstudents as is expected of a licensed teacher or assistant teacher
• Participates in professional development training programs, asassigned.
• Performs related duties as appropriate for theposition. Knowledge and Abilities to be achieved within 6-months ofemployment: Knowledge
• Knowledge of the principles and practicesof Early Childhood.
• Knowledge of child development and learningstyles.
• Knowledge of computer data entry processes. Knowledge offamily-centered practices.
• Knowledge of local resources, customsand languages, preferred. Abilities
• Ability to know and implementthe Head Start Performance Standards and requirements and policiesof CIFC Early Learning Programs.
• Ability to exercise judgment inevaluating and making decisions.
• Ability to establish andmaintain effective working relationships with staff, parents,clients, outside agencies, and the public.
• Ability to keepprogram information confidential.
• Ability to carry-out dailyfunctions.
• Ability to use program software, use computer for dataentry.
• Reliable transportation to get self to and from home,office, Head Start sites, and other program locations.
• Preferredto posses a valid Driver’s license and have minimum automobileinsurance coverage legally required by the state of Connecticut.

Language skills

• Ability to communicate ideas and instructionsorally and in writing.
• Ability to speak, read and write Englishat a level well enough to understand and be understood by others.
• Ability to hear an understand all emergency announcements inEnglish.
• Ability to write observations and businesscorrespondence.
• Ability to read, retain and understand Health &Safety procedures for sanitization, disinfection, and meal-timedistribution.
• Ability to speak within groups of individuals, suchas Parent Conferences and staff meetings.
• Bilingual skillshelpful (English/Spanish or English/Portuguese) Mathematical Skills
• Ability to calculate amounts by adding, subtracting and dividing
• Ability to accurate count the number of children in a classroom
• Ability to understand 1:4, 2:8, 1:10, 2:20 child to staff memberratios. Reasoning Skills
• Ability to interpret an follow varietiesof instructions
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality at alltimes
• Ability to summarize conclusions and instructions, thenmake decisions using sound judgment
• Ability to define problems,collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. OtherSkills and Abilities
• Basic Computer Skills
• Ability to exhibitpatience and tact when communicating with staff, parents,management, and the public
• Ability to project professionalism inconducting daily activities

SUPERVISION

Works under the directionof the classroom Lead Teacher, and under the supervision of theEducation Services Professional or Designee. Supervision isreceived through personal conferences, general observation of workin progress and periodic review by supervisor or designee.

WORKENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described hereare representative of those that must be met by an employee tosuccessfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individualswith disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work areasare inside a climate-controlled environment with moderatebackground noise.
• May be exposed to bodily fluids, cleaningsupplies, and bloodborne pathogens found in general early childhoodeducation environments.
• 70% inside, 30% outside the Center.

Weather appropriate attire is expected for staff to meet outdoorprogram requirements.

• All CIFC Early Learning facilities aresmoke-free environments.

JOB SPECIFIC PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Whileperforming the duties of this job, the employee is required to sitor stand for long periods of time, talk, hear, write, reach to thetop of a five drawer filing cabinet and lift children weighing 40pounds, 20 times a day if needed. Duties also require standing,sitting, stooping, and walking.

EQUIPMENT USED

Computer, printer,calculator, telephone, facsimile, copier, scanner, and Microsoftsuite, Creative Curriculum, approved cleaning supplies, PPE,electronic student and education software, child appropriateclassroom supplies.

COMPLIANCE

This position requires compliancewith CIFC Early Learning Program’s written standards, including itsCompliance Program and all organizational policies and procedures(“Written Standards”). Such compliance will be considered as partof the employee’s regular performance evaluation. Failure to complywith CIFC Early Learning Program’s Written Standards, which mayinclude the failure to report any conduct or event that potentiallyviolates legal or compliance requirements or CIFC Early LearningProgram’s Written Standards or Head Start’s Performance standardswill be met by the enforcement of disciplinary action, up to andincluding possible termination, in accordance with the CIFCCompliance Policy & Plan and the CIFC Employee Manual.

Requirements:

• Minimum High School Diploma or GED equivalent isrequired.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) Certificate or acommitment to obtain a CDA within 1 year of employment is required(paid by the employer) is required.
• Early Childhood EducationCredits are preferred; and/or Associate and/or Bachelor degrees arepreferred.
• Bilingual candidates strongly encouraged to apply.
• Entry level position; previous babysitting or childcare experienceis preferred.
• Basic computer experience is required (i.e. email,word processing, internet navigation).
• Applicants with multiplelanguage capabilities (English, Spanish, and/or Portuguese) arepreferred.

Health Requirements:

• Recent documentation free ofcommunicable diseases (i.e. TB and COVID); and
• Recent fit forduty examination.
• Ability to lift 40 lbs.

Competitivecompensation, plus comprehensive fringe benefits package includinghealth care coverage and retirement program. CIFC is an EqualOpportunity Employer/Provider. PI5be7487b5063-25405-37552525