Child Development Specialist

Therapeutic Childcare Department

At Father Joe’s Villages, Therapeutic Childcare supports children and families experiencing homelessness by providing safe, nurturing, and developmentally supportive care. Our team creates structured, trauma-informed classroom environments that promote growth, stability, and resilience for children of all ages.

This role directly supports our mission to strengthen families and help children thrive while their caregivers work toward long-term stability.

The Role

The Child Development Specialist provides classroom supervision, instruction, and developmental support in a State-licensed Therapeutic Childcare program. This role ensures the safety and well-being of children while partnering with a multidisciplinary team to support each child’s behavioral and developmental needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide safe, attentive care for children of all ages, including feeding, diapering, toilet training, transitions, play, and age-appropriate activities
• Develop and implement weekly lesson plans that support children’s growth, learning, and resilience
• Maintain a positive, structured classroom environment that supports healthy behavior and development
• Complete monthly developmental assessments and help identify therapeutic supports when needed

Family Engagement & Team Collaboration

• Communicate regularly with parents or caregivers about children’s progress and needs
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support behavioral and developmental planning
• Assist with supervision and daily direction of interns and volunteers
• Participate in staff meetings, program reviews, and Therapeutic Childcare events
• Meet regularly with supervisors to review program successes and challenges

Documentation & Program Operations

• Maintain daily attendance records and support meal and snack routines
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation in required databases and case note systems
• Maintain a clean, organized, and age-appropriate classroom environment

Compliance & Professional Development

• Follow all licensing regulations, program policies, and safety procedures
• Complete required trainings, health screenings, and compliance activities on time
• Perform other duties as assigned to support program needs

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• At least 12 units of early childhood education or child development, including courses in: 
  -Child growth and development, 
  -Family, child, and community relationships
  -Infant/toddler development

• Curriculum planning
• One (1) year of experience working as a teacher in a licensed childcare center
• Pediatric First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office or similar programs
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and current vehicle insurance
• Ability to pass fingerprinting and background checks

Work Schedule

Full-time position. Schedule may include mornings, evenings, weekends, or holidays based on program needs

Compensation and Benefits

Pay is based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

The anticipated starting pay range for this role is $22.00 to $25.30 per hour.

Father Joe’s Villages offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plan options, generous paid time off, and professional development opportunities. Employees also have access to wellness programs and an Employee Assistance Program to support work-life balance and overall well-being.

Why Join Father Joe’s Villages

Join a mission-driven team committed to ending homelessness and strengthening San Diego communities. You’ll collaborate with passionate colleagues, grow professionally, and make a meaningful impact through your work.

Conditions of Employment

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of applicable pre- and post-employment requirements, which may include background checks, health screenings, tuberculosis screening, and verification of credentials where applicable. These checks occur after a conditional offer of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Father Joe’s Villages is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.