Early Head Start Educational Specialist

Self Help, Inc. is currently looking for a dynamic and experienced Education Specialist to join our Early Head Start Team.

Agency Profile

Self Help, Inc. is a nonprofit Community Action Agency (CAA) created to help families and individuals stabilize and secure their lives through education, strategic assistance, and building opportunities in their communities. We provide a range of services for families and households across Southeastern Massachusetts.

Job Summary

The Self Help, Inc. Early Head Start Education Specialist will lead and monitor the implementation of the educational components of the program for both center based and home-based options, integrating a trauma-informed approach throughout. This position will also provide coaching for both classroom teachers and home-based staff members.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for overseeing curriculum development in both the center based and home-based settings with a focus on individuation and trauma-informed best practice.
• Collaborates with the Mental Health Specialist and Program Director to build, track, and analyze a program wide trauma informed approach.
• Reviews and monitors all Early Head Start educational assessment (Teaching Strategies Gold) and screening tools (ASQ-3 online).
• Provides direct observation of all learning environments to support a best practice approach and professional development within the program.
• Prepares and analyzes quarterly Teaching Strategies reports and compiles program School Readiness reports.         
• Conducts quarterly formal observations of Socialization groups to support home visitors with the planning, content, and implementation of bi-monthly groups.
• Provides 1:1 and group practice-based Coaching for both Home Visitors and Teachers in observation, data collection, trauma informed practice, and goal development for children.
• Oversees the development of Home Visitors and Educators Individual Professional Development Plans and reviews progress.
• Works collaboratives with Self Help Educational Managers to implement and/or facilitate trainings for Early Head Start staff developing an ongoing program training calendar.
• Coordinates the Raising a Reader program.
• Reviews, monitors and tracks all educational referrals to outside agencies and attends school and collateral meetings when needed.
• Performs Quarterly Home Visitor Observation Rating Scales (HOVRS) and reviews with Home Visitors.
• Performs classroom observation utilizing the Toddler CLASS observational tool.
• Oversees the ordering of program educational materials and supplies and maintains an ongoing inventory of those materials.
• Supports the day-to-day operations of the Early Head Start Toddler Classroom, providing classroom coverage when needed.
• Participates in all Early Head Start and agency required meetings and professional development.

Other Requirements

• Must pass a criminal background check and other required clearances
• Must have or be willing to obtain CPR and First Aid certification
• Must meet the physical requirements of the position, including the ability to lift and carry young children, bend, stoop, and actively engage with children 
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation is required

Schedule

• Monday-Friday

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Willingness to work in underserved communities and engage in community outreach
• Flexible Schedule
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to analyze and evaluate educational data to inform program goals and practices
• Strong working knowledge of computers and data management systems
• Strong communication skills and ability to motivate others
• Ability to work within a diverse, multidisciplinary team
• EEC Background Check Required
• Ability to lift up to fifty (50) pounds
• Must have a car and valid driver’s license as some travel and community work is required

Education and Experience

• Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with experience in Early Child Care settings preferred
• Minimum of 5 years experience working with infants and toddlers in professional settings
• Infant/Toddler EEC certification a plus
• Knowledge of home visiting models a plus
• Experience with Practice Based Coaching preferred
• Knowledge or experience in Head Start, or Early Head Start preferred
• Experience working with children from diverse populations with experiences of trauma

Self Help, Inc. offers a comprehensive employee benefit package:

• Medical
• Dental
• LTD
• 403B
• Vacation Time
• Optional Time
• Sick Time
• Holidays
• Life Insurance
• Direct Deposit

Self Help, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended, and should not be construed to be, an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended, however, to be an accurate reflection of those principal job elements essential for making decisions related to job performance, employee development and compensation. As such, the incumbent may perform other duties and responsibilities as required. Its contents imply no contractual obligation and may be changed by the company at any time.