Head Start Child Development Specialist

Position Summary

The HS Child Development Specialist (190‑day classified teacher) delivers standards‑based instruction across all developmental domains, assesses student progress, and adjusts instruction to meet students’ needs. The teacher provides a well‑organized, smoothly functioning classroom environment that supports student achievement.

• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or equivalent coursework
• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education preferred

Education

• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or equivalent coursework
• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education preferred

Certification/License

• Criminal Justice Fingerprint, Background Clearance, Sex Offender Registry Check, and Child Abuse Registry Check
• Valid Georgia driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Pre‑Employment Health Examination
• Bilingual and bi‑literate in English and Spanish preferred

Work Experience

• Experience working with children under age five and their families

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Strong organizational skills and proficiency with record‑keeping software
• Basic math (fractions, percentages, ratios) and ability to read manuals, write documents, and present information
• Knowledge of child development stages, age‑appropriate activities, lesson planning, and child‑centred instructional strategies
• Ability to schedule activities, collect and analyze data, and solve problems using guidelines and equipment
• Strong communication skills for working with diverse stakeholders and maintaining confidentiality

• Implement instructional programming and adapt classroom work to individual learning needs
• Advise parents/legal guardians on student progress through meetings and home visits
• Collect and analyze data to adjust instructional strategies and comply with professional development requirements
• Develop weekly standards‑based lesson plans that meet federal, state, and local requirements
• Enforce security measures, wellness protocols, and emergency procedures to ensure student safety
• Maintain learning and play spaces, manage meals, and oversee assigned projects and activities
• Organize age‑appropriate indoor/outdoor activities and produce written documents for substitute teachers and parents
• Provide ongoing feedback to supervisors, teachers, and parents based on formative assessments
• Build trusting relationships with families through PACT activities, conferences, and family engagement initiatives
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support effective functioning of the work unit

Vision:
Ability to read small print and view a computer screen for extended periods. Hearing:
Ability to tolerate noisy environments. Speech:
Clear communication in face‑to‑face and telecommuting contexts. Upper body mobility:
Use of hands for grasping, manipulating, lifting, and reaching. Strength:
Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry objects up to 5+ pounds frequently. Environmental requirements include constant work interruptions, teamwork, independent work, and indoor settings. Mental requirements include moderate complexity reading, high school level math, quick judgment, learning ability, and stress management. Remote work may be required between various in‑person settings. Physical demands involve occasional lifting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and fine finger dexterity, with a typical distribution of 10% sitting, 40% walking, and 50% standing.

It is the policy of the Clarke County School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, religion, disability or any other legally protected status in its educational programs, activities or employment practices. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks. This job description is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements.

However, management and administration reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all‑inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position.

Updated 09/2025