Purpose:

This is a therapeutic nursery and preschool setting.  We serve children 18 months to 5 years that have experienced trauma and display behaviors. The children we serve require more support than what is available in a typically childcare or school setting. 

The Matilda H. Theiss Child Development Center is the cornerstone of early childhood mental health services at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital. For over 30 years, Matilda Theiss has supported person-centered, family-focused, positive approaches — as well as individualized models of care — across a continuum of services.

Responsibilities:

·       Complete all other duties as assigned.

·       Communicate with families on a regular basis and provide necessary support. Communicate any identified family needs with the treatment team.

·       Report pertinent clinical and non-clinical needs or concerns to appropriate classroom, clinical and administrative leadership.

·       Actively participate in assigned unit meetings, staff meetings, treatment team, educational enrollment meetings, and supervisory sessions as needed or assigned.

·       Consistently adhere to licensing, accreditation, regulatory, and partnership expectations. Actively engage in quality improvement projects and help to ensure inspection and audit readiness at all times.

·       Accurately complete all required documentation within assigned timelines. Maintain current and accurate client and program records that meet accreditation, licensing, regulatory, partnership standards.

·       Regularly assess, record, and communicate the developmental progress of clients. Utilize assessment information to inform care and to inform guardians of client progress during parent conferences.

·       Actively support the Development Specialist by assisting with lesson planning and preparation and curriculum implementation.