POSITION TITLE:	Early Childhood Specialist	FSLA:	Exempt
REPORTS TO:	Director of Early Childhood Programs	UPDATED:	October, 2024
SALARY/BENEFITS:	$45 per hour, not to exceed 1,100 hours to June 30, 2025	SCHEDULE:	Contracted

 

POSITION SUMMARY

Provides on-site coaching for Early Childhood teachers and Program Assistants using a reflective practice model.  Conducts classroom observations, demonstrates lessons, provides feedback and models analysis of child performance data.  Plans and facilitates professional development focused on a shared vision and knowledge of research validated practices in early childhood education and kindergarten readiness.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Note:  These duties and responsibilities are judged to be "essential functions" in terms of the Americans With Disabilities Act or ADA.   To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The statements below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person in this position.  They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed by such a person.

• Work in collaboration with the Early Learning Leadership Team and teaching staff to develop a shared vision and determine focus areas for mentoring/professional development.
• Serve as liaison between the Early Learning Leadership Team and assigned classrooms
• Actively participate in the recruitment, hiring and coordination of staff
• Evaluate performance and effectiveness of program and staff
• Build teacher capacity to use data in order to improve performance and meet individual child and family needs
• Work with teachers to create an effective learning environment which values positive self concept and self reliance
• Active member of the Instructional Consultation Team
• Collaborate with ancillary staff in order to provide necessary supports for individual children and families
• Provide input to the Family Service and Enrollment Coordinator regarding placement of children into programs
• Coordinate parent trainings and parent involvement opportunities
• Ensure compliance with state, federal and local policies, procedures and requirements
• Coordinate classroom/program resources and approve classroom supply orders
• Stay current with best practices in early childhood education and kindergarten readiness
• Develop personal professional development goals based on system needs and vision
• Oversight of GSRP and Head Start classrooms, including Lead Teachers and Program Assistants

 

 

EDUCATION/REQUIREMENTS

 

   This position requires a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.

 

EXPERIENCE

 

   A minimum of 1 to 2 years of progressively more responsible or expansive experience supporting Early Childhood    classrooms and teachers.

 

OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and/or ABILITIES

This position requires knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired through the completion of a Masters in Social Work and current Social Worker License or working towards licensure.  A minimum of three years of progressively more responsible or expansive experience supporting early childhood programs.

 

1. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
2. Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional programming.
3. Ability to plan and carry out adult learning opportunities.
4. Ability to plan, and support the implementation of, positive student behavior support plans.
5. Ability to remain confidential when exposed to sensitive information.
6. Ability to negotiate conflict and resolve emotionally charged situations.
7. Strong public relations and interpersonal skills; ability to interact effectively with administrators, staff, community leaders, board members and others.
8. Knowledge of school districts and community preferred.

 

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence.  Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients and other employees of the organization.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit use hands to finger, handle, or feel; talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud and is a standard acceptable level for this environment. Is directly responsibility for student safety, work output and well-being.

 

The employee shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance in the workplace throughout his/her employment.

 

The Livingston Educational Service Agency does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, (including sexual orientation or transgender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.

Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies should be directed to the Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services.