Early Childhood Specialist

Early Childhood Connections is currently accepting applications for an Early Childhood Specialist with an emphasis on school age children ages 5 – 12 years,       

Early Childhood Connections is part of the SD Early Childhood Enrichment systems and provides training, on-site technical assistance and coaching to early childhood programs in western South Dakota. The Early Childhood Specialist is responsible for supporting before and after school programs in increasing the quality of the program through training, consultation, technical assistance and resources school age providers.  This is a full-time salaried position.  Starting salary is 40,000 – 47,000.

Preferred Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in related field defined as Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Human Development and Child & Family Studies, Family Consumer Sciences, Social Work, Elementary Education, Child Welfare or Family Services.
• Experience in a before or after school setting as a teacher, teacher assistant or program administrator. 
• Experience in providing training, couching and/or technical assistance.

The successful Early Childhood Specialist Candidate has the knowledge, skills and ability to:
1. Conduct assessments of OST programs using specified assessment tools and report results, as required by the South Dakota Department of Social Services, Office of Child Care Services.
2. To be aware of childcare regulations and childcare practices.
3. To be technically proficiency with a personal computer and various software packages
4. Work with team members in providing resources, referrals and guidance to providers related to improving school age care. 
5. Be comfortable with networking and establishing collaborative relationships with the ability to establish and maintain reflective and trusting relationships across all levels.
6. Observation, assessment and documentation skills to analyze situations and make appropriate decision while recognizing diverse opinions.
7. Strong goal setting skills and interpersonal communication skills.
8. Effectively convey thoughts, ideas, and information to individuals or groups verbally and/or in writing.
9. Manage time and resources in an outcome focused and team-oriented way.
10. Demonstrated ability to form and maintain collaborations among community partners and stakeholders.
11. Knowledge of child development and Early Childhood Enrichment system and ability to share resources.
12. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Assure all necessary documentation is completed with accuracy
13. Work independently, setting goals and problem-solving and is someone who can also work collaboratively within a team. Experience working with diverse populations is preferred.
14. Data entry computer knowledge and ability to type at least 35 words per minute.
15. Ability to lift 30 pounds and ability to travel frequently for duties of the position and to attend conferences, meetings and trainings.

Responsibilities:
• Provide training specific to Out of School Time (OST) programs. both in person and on-line. 
• Provide technical assistance and consultation services, both on- site and via phone, virtual meeting or e-mail, to childcare providers.
• Work in collaboration with the Director, Early Childhood Enrichment system, and the Office of Child Care Services.
• Assist childcare providers with developing and implementing quality improvement plans.
• Promote the Early Childhood System and its services and resources.
• Assure all necessary documentation is completed accurately and on time.
• Collect and maintain data and case notes
• Fully participate in the assessment, planning, implementation, achievement of results, and evaluation of activities of the program/area of work.
• Possess a valid South Dakota driver’s license or willing to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
• Work flexible hours including some evenings, weekends or overnight travel.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. This Job Description should not be read as creating an express or implied contract, nor is it intended to alter the employment-at-will relationship.