Job Description

Title:

Job Category:

Job Opening Date:

Job Closing Date:

Locations:

Department:

Pay Grade, for more information click on this link: 

https://www.socccd.edu/departments/human-resources/contracts-and-salary-schedules

Pay Type:

Hours Per Week:

Job Description:

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision from assigned supervisory or management staff, performs a variety of duties involved in planning and implementing instructional and recreational activities appropriate for the developmental needs and skills of children enrolled at an assigned Child Development Center; communicates effectively with parents, other staff members, and other professionals regarding health, safety, physical, social, emotional, and cognitive issues affecting each child; and ensures a safe, nurturing learning environment.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the journey level class within the Child Development Specialist series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Senior Child Development Specialist in that the latter position serves as Assistant Manager/Director and as a lead supervisor over lower-level child development staff at the assigned Center. Employees at the Child Development Specialist level are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit and are expected to perform duties with minimal direction and immediate supervision.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Develop and implement daily, weekly, and monthly curriculum in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Child Development Center and taking into consideration the needs and skills of the children; design and implement recreational and instructional activities that allow the optimum development of each child in the areas of social, emotional, physical, creative, and intellectual growth and provide each child with the pre-skills necessary for future academic and recreational success and satisfaction.

Instruct and supervise children involved in various Center activities including recreational and educational programs; provide a professional and nurturing environment; listen attentively to children; encourage children’s confidence and self-esteem; apply appropriate guidance and disciplinary actions; model appropriate social and emotional behavior.

Provide activities and settings in which children can develop a variety of skills including logical thought, short and long term memory, hand-eye coordination, fine and gross motor skills, creativity, spatial awareness, self-esteem, enhanced language and vocabulary acquisition, familiarity with technology, and enjoyment of stories, art, and music.

Encourage and develop socialization skills in children at the Center; encourage the development of self-help skills, empathy for others, accepting responsibility for one’s actions, team spirit, and other appropriate behavior in different settings through modeling; provide appropriate activities that utilize socialization skills; create play scenarios to allow children opportunities to practice skills; encourage children’s participation in the care and feeding of classroom pets.

Provide activities that utilize all modes of learning including visual, auditory, and kinesthetic.

Maintain children’s health and safety at the Center; monitor and convey potential health and safety hazards to appropriate staff; administer basic first aid and CPR as necessary; report accidents to supervisors and parents.

Assist in the housekeeping functions of the center including the cleaning and feeding of animals.

Implement sound nutritional practices; plan, order, and prepare snacks; supervise meal and snack times and encourage appropriate social behavior in these settings.

Establish and maintain relationships with children, parents, co-workers, and other professionals; value parental input and enlist their cooperation; effectively communicate with parents regarding the development of their children; seek assistance from other related professionals as necessary for specific situations.

Observe, record, assess, and evaluate each child’s level of activity, performance, behavior, and stage of development and skill; utilize a variety of techniques to create a profile of each child’s development and to evaluate/assess the effectiveness of the curriculum/program offered; communicate results of assessments effectively to parents, co-workers, and other related professionals on issues as necessary; provide daily, monthly, and annual verbal and written communication with parents using informal talks, notice boards, newsletters, and other mechanisms; schedule and participate in parent conferences and special education IEP’s; make referrals to other professionals as appropriate.

Prepare and distribute newsletters and reminders to parents regarding special events, conferences, or other program activities at the assigned Center.

Select, order, and design appropriate materials, supplies, and equipment for all relevant ages and different levels of development and skill; sort, clean, and inventory all equipment and supplies.

Model developmentally appropriate practices and serve as a mentor teacher for students enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program, students from other college disciplines and programs, and ancillary staff; conduct orientations and explain Center policies and procedures; teach using approved policies, practices, guidelines, and theories; supervise students assigned to classroom who are fulfilling course requirements and oversee ancillary staff duties.

Attend and participate in professional group meetings, conferences, and workshops; maintain awareness of new trends and developments in the field of early childhood education; incorporate new developments as appropriate.

Perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

Basic operations, services, and activities of a full-service child development center.

Principles and applications of child development theory.

Principles and practices of curriculum planning.

Age appropriate and emergent curriculum.

Methods and techniques of instructional and recreational program development.

Appropriate activities for children of various age and skill level to develop each child socially, emotionally, intellectually, creatively, and physically to his/her fullest potential.

Socialization techniques.

Child development assessment techniques.

Principles of basic first aid and CPR.

Potential safety issues within a group care setting.

Basic nutritional requirements for young children.

Principles and procedures of record keeping.

Pertinent federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations governing the operations and activities of a child development center.

Ability to:

Learn and apply the policies and procedures of the Child Development Center.

Plan, prepare, and implement daily, weekly, and monthly curriculum.

Define and interpret curriculum goals and objectives.

Participate in planning, preparing and implementing daily, weekly, and monthly curriculum.

Develop and implement instructional and recreational activities according to the needs of the children and Center policy.

Instruct and supervise children of various ages involved in Child Development Center activities.

Observe, evaluate, and record child development.

Recognize and define present and potential behavioral and learning problems of children.

Apply appropriate disciplinary action.

Prepare for and conduct parent conferences.

Serve as a mentor teacher to students enrolled in the Early Childhood Development program.

Apply and ensure adherence to pertinent rules and regulations governing the operation of a child development center.

Work with and exhibit sensitivity to and understanding of the varied racial, ethnic, cultural, sexual orientation, academic, socio-economic, and disabled populations of community college students.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training:

Equivalent to two years of college level course work in early childhood education, child development, education, or a related field.

Experience:

One year instructional experience in a child development center.

License or Certificate:

Possession of Fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid Child Development Master Teacher Permit.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid C.P.R. Certification.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid basic First Aid Certification.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license and proof of insurability may be required for some positions to drive a District or personal vehicle.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Work is performed in a child development center; exposure to communicable diseases; subject to noise from children and equipment operation; frequent interruptions and contact in person with children, parents, students, staff, and others. At least minimal environmental controls are in place to assure health and comfort.

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 lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate classroom equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination; to verbally communicate to exchange information; and to occasionally travel to other offices or locations. Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction. Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Additional Information:

$27.46/hr

40 hours per week

Schedule TBD

This position is a short-term, temporary, hourly, Non-Bargaining Unit (NBU) assignment, not to exceed 160 days per fiscal year (July 1-June 30). The assignment is on an as needed basis, and may be shortened or extended at any time, due to departmental needs, with little to no notice. This recruitment will remain open until filled or withdrawn. Once you have submitted an application electronically, the current status of your application will be available to view at any time upon signing in under your personal username and password. Please do not call the Human Resources Office regarding the status of your application.

Employment with the South Orange County Community College District is contingent upon successful completion of the Human Resources pre-employment (“onboarding”) process. The Human Resources onboarding process may include, but is not limited to, successful completion of Live Scan fingerprinting (approx.. $70), I-9 completion, background checks, reference checks, TB testing, as well as completion of the online onboarding process. Failure to successfully complete any portion of the onboarding process will invalidate any conditional job offer received. Falsification of, or omission on, any SOCCCD pre-employment information may result in withdrawal of any conditional job offer or termination of employment. Short term, non-bargaining unit (NBU) positions may only be used on an intermittent/seasonal basis. Ed. Code sect. 88003 states "Short-term employee means any person who is employed to perform a service for the district, upon the completion of which, the service required or similar services will not be extended or needed on a continuing basis.”

 
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.  Documentation according to USCIS I-9 guidelines (i.e. ID card and Social Security card) must be presented at the time of hire. Per IRS regulations, a Social Security card must be presented at the time of hire.

Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity: 

The South Orange County Community College District is committed to creating an academic and work environment that fosters diversity, equity and inclusion and equal opportunity for all, and ensures that students, faculty, management and staff of all backgrounds feel welcome, included, supported, and safe. Our culture of belonging, openness, and inclusion, makes our district a unique and special place for individuals of all backgrounds. 

Our District and our colleges are 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 our District, 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, administration, and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position with our District, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our District’s mission and goals for EEO, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Disability Accommodations:  If you require special accommodations in the application and/or selection process, please notify District Human Resources (DHR) at least two (2) business days prior to the Job Close Date/Initial Screening Date, by either calling (949) 582-4850 or sending an e-mail to hrinfodesk@socccd.edu.

NBU at-will employment: After successful completion of the onboarding requirements, an individual may be employed by the South Orange County Community College District as a short-term, temporary NBU employee. Employment will be on an “if and as needed” basis, as determined by the District. NBU employment is at-will, and either party may terminate this working relationship at any time. Neither party shall be required to provide any reason for the separation. NBU employees shall not have reemployment rights or recourse to petition to be reinstated.

Worksite: NBU employees are limited to working in a single position in one department/site

Work schedules: Department/Division managers, administrators, and/or supervisors shall determine the work schedule of NBU employees to include the number of days and hours worked per week and the start and stop times.

160-day restriction: NBU employees will not work more than 160 days (in any combination of NBU positions) no matter how many hours per day they work.

Payroll reporting period: The payroll reporting period is from the 15th of the first month to the 14th of the next month.  NBU employees are paid on the 10th of the following month. Ex: Pay Period 01/15/23 through 02/14/23 will be paid on March 10th.

California Sick leave: NBU employees are eligible for California Sick leave per AB1522.  Information regarding AB1522 is provided to all NBU new hires during the onboarding process.

Retirement information: NBU employees may not work more than 960 hours from July 1st-June 30th. NBU employees who work more than 1000 hours per fiscal year are required to contribute to the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), through payroll deduction of about 7-9%. The District does not intend to employ NBU employees for more than 1,000 hours during any fiscal year.

Sexual Harassment/Discrimination: The District is committed to providing an environment that respects the dignity of individuals and groups; is free of sexual harassment, exploitation, intimidation, violence, and other unlawful discrimination, preferential treatment, and harassment, including that which is based on any legally protected characteristic. 

Equal Employment Opportunity: It is the intent of the Board to establish and maintain within the District and all of its programs and activities a policy of equal opportunity in employment for all persons, and to prohibit discrimination, preferential treatment, or harassment based on sex, age, gender identity, gender expression, race, color, ethnic group identification, national origin, ancestry, religion, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status or sexual orientation or because an individual is perceived as having one or more of the above characteristics.

Confidentiality: Confidentiality of student and staff information is protected under federal law. Any information regarding students or staff that might be accessed in the course of a work assignment through a computer, student file, or other documentation, is to be used strictly to perform my job duties and may only be shared with those who are authorized to have such information.

Mandated reporter: Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting: The South Orange County Community College District recognizes the responsibility of its staff to report to the appropriate agency when there is a reasonable suspicion that an abuse or neglect of a child may have occurred. Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Reporting: It is the policy of the South Orange County Community College District to treat reports of violence against elderly persons or dependent adults as high priority criminal activity that is to be fully investigated regardless of the relationship between the victim and the suspect(s).

Campus Crime and Safety Awareness: Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at www.saddleback.edu or www.ivc.edu.  Paper copies are available in Human Resources upon request.

Drug-Free Environment:  The District shall be free from all unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in all facilities under the control and use of the District. Any student or employee who violates this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, consistent with local, state, or federal law, which may include the referral to an appropriate rehabilitation program, suspension, demotion, expulsion, or dismissal.

Smoke Free District: It is the intent of the South Orange County Community College District to maintain an educational and workplace environment that is conductive to the health and safety of our students and employees. Realizing the health hazards posed by smoking and by second-hand smoke, it is policy of the South Orange County Community College District to maintain a smoke free environment for all district sites.

SPECIAL COVID-19 NOTICE:

Interviews may be held in-person (following all necessary precautions) or in a virtual format. Employees must reside in California while employed with the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD), even during remote work. Thank you for your continued interest in working at the SOCCCD.

The SOCCCD is committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of students, faculty, staff, administrators, and the communities it serves. More information can be found on our District website by visiting https://www.socccd.edu/communications/covid-19-information.

NOTICE TO ALL CANDIDATES FOR EMPLOYMENT:

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. SOCCCD will not sponsor any visa applications.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS:

If you require special accommodations in the application and/or selection process, please notify District Human Resources (DHR) at least two (2) business days prior to the Job Close Date/Initial Screening Date, by either calling (949) 582-4850 or sending an e-mail to hrinfodesk@socccd.edu.

CAMPUS CRIME AND SAFETY AWARENESS:

Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at www.saddleback.edu or www.ivc.edu. Paper copies are available in the District Human Resources (DHR) office upon request.

PLEASE NOTE:

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 this District 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 District to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

The South Orange County Community College District is committed to creating an academic and work environment that fosters diversity, equity and inclusion and equal opportunity for all, and ensures that students, faculty, management and staff of all backgrounds feel welcome, included, supported, and safe. Our culture of belonging, openness, and inclusion, makes our district a unique and special place for individuals of all backgrounds.

Our District and our colleges are 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 our District, 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, administration, and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position with our District, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our District’s mission and goals for EEO, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

SOCCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Important: You must make sure that you have completed your application for a posting by 11:59 p.m., Pacific Time, on the posting's Job Close Date, along with any required documents, in order to be considered for the position.