Title: Early Headstart Child Dvp Spec

Position Type: OJC CDS Full Time

College: Otero College

Division: OC Child Development Services

Department: OC Early Head Start

Campus: Otero College Child Development Services

Location: La Junta

Salary Range: $45,000 - $70,000

Who We Are:

Otero College Child Development Services provides comprehensive services, including full-day early childhood education, for children and their families through home-based and center-based services located throughout southern Colorado. It is the mission of Otero College Child Development Services to provide high quality, comprehensive early childhood education programs for children from birth to compulsory school age; to provide parent education programs that strengthen the family, develop basic literacy, encourage job training and personal development; and to develop community partnerships and coordination of community-based services.

Job Summary:

Ensure the development and implementation of appropriate educational experiences for all Early Head Start children in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and Otero College CDS policies and practices.

Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Adhere to Otero College Child Development Services policies and procedures.
2. Comply with Head Start Performance Standards and State of Colorado Rules and Regulations for Childcare Centers.
3. Support and implement the mission and goals of Otero College Child Development Services.
4. Encourage and support parent engagement in all aspects of the Head Start program.
5. Participate in all required in-service training and applicable workshops.
6. Work as part of a team to provide a welcoming environment for families and visitors.
7. Be an effective problem solver.
8. Encourage and support parent involvement in all aspects of the Head Start Program
9. Provide leadership and support to EHS teachers and home visitors.
10. Develop and update as required the program School Readiness goals in conjunction with the Head Start Education Manager.
11. Gather data to know program education needs and update and revise program services and training to meet the needs.
12. Ensure all education staff have sufficient knowledge, training and competencies to provide high quality services.
13. Complete analysis of Child Outcomes 4 times annually.
14. Support peer to peer coaching.
15. Facilitate lesson planning and monitoring of TS GOLD.
16. Provide workshops for Early Head Start Staff and for socializations.
17. Assist in the development of child development workshops for parents
18. Ensure the appropriateness of the indoor and outdoor environments created for infant and toddlers in Early Head Start.
19. Supervise the development of curriculum in collaboration with parents and Early Head Start staff.
20. Train and implement of creative curriculum and Teaching Strategies GOLD.
21. Consult with EHS staff to ensure the implementation of developmentally appropriate practices and philosophy of EHS.
22. Monitor ongoing progress of children in Early Head Start including those on an IFSP.
23. Assist with completion of child behavior observations and provide appropriate referrals to appropriate agencies and/or to special education personnel.
24. Support and advocate for children and families
25. Complete performance reviews yearly of content area staff in conjunction with the management team.
26. Coordinate inventory and purchasing educational supplies.
27. Encourage and support parent involvement in all aspects of the Head Start program.
28. Ensure appropriate inventory controls are implemented for all educational materials.
29. Act as a resource for person in the delivery of education services and assist in problem-solving.
30. Work cooperatively with Executive Director, other Content Area Managers/Specialists to insure smooth operation and integration of educational services.
31. Provide in-service and on-going training to EHS staff.
32. Attend all regularly scheduled staff meetings
33. Facilitate Annual Self- Assessment.
34. Participate in workshop/trainings to increase or update content area knowledge.
35. Ensure that parent teacher conferences occur two times per program year.
36. Report monthly tracking and reports promptly to the Director.
37. Other program related duties assigned by supervisory personnel and/or Executive Director.

Competencies/KSAs:

• Able to provide professional leadership.
• Be computer literate with knowledge for Microsoft office programs as it pertains to your position.
• Be eligible to work in a childcare setting.
• Have valid First Aid and Infant/Child CPR card and keep current or obtain within 30 days of employment if applicable to position.
• Positive role model for children; language, dress, and behavior must be appropriate to a childcare setting.
• Be knowledgeable regarding day care regulations.
• Be able to establish an atmosphere of trust and respect with HS families, children, and staff.
• Able to adhere to strict standards of confidentiality.
• Be able to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Must submit regular ongoing medical statements signed and dated by a licensed physician or other health care professional and
• self-reported annual health history, verifying that they are in good mental, physical and emotional health appropriate for the
• position hired for. Pursuant to State of Colorado Rules Regulating Child Care Centers and HS Performance Standards.
• Demonstrate the highest standard of integrity, truthfulness, honesty and ethics.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor or master’s degree in early childhood education or equivalent and experience working with young children.
Two years of relevant teaching experience working with preschool children, infants or toddlers and experience supervising staff.

Application Instructions: 

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: Open until filled with first review October 9, 2026
Inquiries May Be Directed To Candi Miell (719) 384-3103
Applicants must submit to and pass a background check before an offer of employment can be extended.

Additional Information/Benefits:

PERA, health, vision, dental, life insurance benefits, paid sick leave, paid annual leave