Education Compliance Specialist

Under the direction of the Education Manager, the Education Compliance Specialist will ensure that a plan of daily activities of enrichment and care for children are implemented in all assigned Porter-Leath classrooms according to Head Start Performance Standards. Tasks include developing and coordinating the provision of education services to ensure compliance with the State o f Tennessee Child Care Licensing regulations, HS/EHS/Pre-K Performance Standards, Tennessee Department of Education and any other licensing entities, advising the Early Head Start and Education Manager of areas of non-compliance pertinent to the compliance of the program. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, in Education, or closely related; Master’s Degree is strongly preferred.
• Previous Early Head Start or Head Start experience is strongly preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years work experience with children ages zero (0) to five (5) years required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not include any supervisory responsibilities.

Essential Job Functions

• Assists Site Managers and Education Manager with developing, coordinating and managing the provision of education services to Early Head Start/Head Start/Pre-K in accordance with established standards. 
• Maintain regular communication and coordination with Early Head Start Director, Preschool Director, Education Manager, Instructional Coach regarding Early Head Start/Head Start sites. 
• Ensure developmental appropriateness and safety of classroom environment to include appropriate classroom sanitation procedures. Assist teachers in classroom instruction, coaching, providing strategies and techniques. 
• Cooperatively work with other staff members in creating a positive environment for children, families and staff. Function as a liaison between the educational staff, Site Managers and management team. 
• Assist in monitoring, developing and coordinating policies and procedures to ensure education systems are cutting edge and school readiness data supports classroom instruction.
• Support and guide staff in positive mentoring roles. Support and teach developmentally appropriate parenting practices. Assist with conducting monthly planning meetings with teaching teams. 
• Mentor and train new teaching staff as needed.
• Responsible for reviewing assessment data to ensure accuracy (Ages & Stages, Brigance, LAP BK) and provide assistance as needed.
• Ensure on-going communication with family services staff regarding suspected child disabilities or needed changes in the family partnership agreement (service plan).
• Ensure that facilities and equipment are readily available to meet all local, state and federal requirements.
• Assist with preparation for local, state and national site visits/audits (i.e., OHS Federal review, NAEYC, ITERS/ECERS, assessment/QRIS, etc.)
• Represent Porter-Leath within groups at a national, state and local level for purposes of advocacy education, collaboration, networking and information sharing. Remain current on local, regional and national educational workshops.
• Ensure classroom files are audited and maintained for compliance.
• Keep Manager abreast of any programmatic issues and non-compliances and work to put a plan of action in place to correct (issues). 
• Maintain documentation necessary to verify progress towards education program goals/objectives.
• Maintains CLASS Observation certification and completes a Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS).Ensure all required classroom postings are posted in accordance with the agency’s Required (DHS) Checklist. 
• Ensure all furnishing and classroom equipment is arranged according to Best Practices (i.e. Infant Toddler Environmental Rating Scales/Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scales. 
• Responsible for regular classroom monitoring, to include Health & Safety.
• Ensure classroom monitoring includes an Action Plan when out of compliance issues are observed within a 5 day window. 
• Generates and submits routine monitoring and special data reports in a timely manner.
• Contribute to team effort by performing other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to follow through on given directives in a timely manner.
• Thorough knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice and best practices in child care facilities.
• CPR and First Aid Certification required.
• Effective oral and written communication skills to effectively communicate with diverse groups.
• Possess a sincere desire to make a difference in the community and develop professional skills.
• Ability to have a positive relationship with children, staff and others from diverse backgrounds, including children with spe cial needs. Ability to work effectively/positively with parents to improve the quality of life of their children.
• Possess a commitment to continuous improvement and continued education to include regularly participating in workshops, conferences, training sessions, etc.
• Assist with providing a continuum of c are to children ages zero (0) to five (5) years.
• Ability to perceive and deal with sensitive issues while maintaining confidentiality/objectivity.
• Ability to work as a team player; interact and assist all employees as necessary.
• Must possess the ability to forge a mutually respectful partnership with persons served & their families, must possess a conviction about the capacity of people to grow and change, and must possess the ability to set limits and maintain the helping role of the employee and the ability to intervene appropriately to meet the needs of the persons served and their families.
• Must be self-motivated. 
• Strong analytical skills and ability to organize information.
• Demonstrated administrative, organizational and leadership abilities. Sound judgment and decision making skills.
• Skilled to determine workload priorities to complete tasks with minimum supervision.
• Knowledge and awareness of cultural issues and local community practices related to care for children and families.
• Knowledge in aggregation and analyzation of programmatic reports and information. 
• Knowledgeable in the use of computer applications including spreadsheets, databases and word processing.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, accurate and complete reports.
• Ability to work as a team player and interact/assist all employees as necessary.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger/handle/feel. Occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required: close and color vision. Work in a non-smoking environment.

Special Conditions

Maintain a valid driver’s license and good driving record with an appropriate level of insurance. Ability to travel from administrative headquarters to all sites.