Education Specialist

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 

The Education Specialist provides training, modeling, curriculum and professional development support to ensure that Head Start classrooms are meeting the highest level of quality. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Coaching & Training 

1. Visit HS classrooms at assigned centers daily to conduct coaching sessions that include on-site modeling and teacher observations of appropriate early educational practices and activities using the adopted coaching model.   
2. Establish mentoring relationships with teachers that will result in further improvement of developmentally appropriate teaching skills. 
3. Model and observe best practices and strategies in all domains of the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework and Head Start Performance Standards. 
4. Implement with fidelity the data-driven Lastinger Caching Model, including the use of reflective questioning to guide teachers to connect theory to daily practice. 
5. Communicate with Center Managers regarding teacher goals for improved performance. 
6. Facilitate teacher trainings at scheduled Teacher Training Days and Pre-Service. 

Curriculum Implementation 

1. Support teachers in implementing with fidelity the daily schedule and adopted curricula. 
2. Model and observe curriculum implementation at various parts of the day and in different group settings.  

Child Assessment & Learning Outcomes 

1. Support teachers in collecting and analyzing child assessment data that produce positive school readiness outcomes for children and that support children’s growth and development. 
2. Model and observe child data collection at various parts of the day and in different group settings.  

Learning & the Environment 

1. Support teachers in creating literacy-rich, developmentally appropriate, engaging learning environments. 
2. Support teachers in using teacher observation data to select focus areas and create goals for improved teaching practices that lead to improved child outcomes. 
3. Model and observe CLASS behavior markers during classroom visits. 
4. Evaluate classrooms using the CLASS teacher evaluation assessment. 
5. Support teachers and Center Managers in the use of ECERS, and curriculum fidelity checklists. 

Professional Duties 

1. Adhere to the Coaching Protocols as outlined by the ECS4Kids Education Department. 
2. Ensure Professional Development Plans are completed and updated annually. 
3. Support teaching staff in complying with educational standards and regulations, including Head Start Performance Standards, Georgia DECAL requirements, and any applicable accrediting agency guidelines. 
4. Attend required workshops and in-service trainings and keep informed of current trends and new professional techniques through participating in professional workshops and by reading professional journals and publications related to early childhood development to increase knowledge of best practices. 
5. Advocate on behalf of ECS4Kids Head Start and children and families involved in the program. 

(These job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of duties. Employees will be required to perform other related duties as required.) 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• A baccalaureate in Early Childhood Education with advanced degree preferred 
• A baccalaureate or advanced degree in education that includes ages K through 6, with 15 credit hours in early childhood education courses 
• A baccalaureate or advanced degree in any field with 45 credit hours in early childhood education courses 
• At least three years teaching experience with preschool age preferred 
• Coaching experience preferred 
• Head Start experience preferred 
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred 
• Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies Gold, and CLASS experience preferred 

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES: 

General 

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing 
• Ability to plan and organize work as well as maintain records, analyze data, and prepare reports 
• Ability to work independently with little direct supervision 
• Ability to maintain confidential information 
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products at an intermediate to advanced level 
• Knowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting procedures 
• Ability to maintain confidential information 

Education & Coaching 

• Ability to articulate, demonstrate, and train others concerning best practices in early childhood education 
• Knowledge of CLASS, Creative Curriculum, Conscious Discipline, Teaching Strategies GOLD or other state-approved preschool assessment tool: Hatch, Heggerty, and Star Early Literacy 
• Knowledge of governmental and educational standards set forth by Head Start Performance Standards, Georgia Bright from the Start: Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) Rules and Regulations and ECS4Kids 
• Ability to motivate teachers to high levels of commitment and performance 
• Ability to establish relationships of mutual trust and respect with support staff, site supervisors and teaching staff  
• Ability to present in front of large group audiences 

CERTIFICATIONS: 

• Complete TB screening & physical before having direct contact with children. Renew every 2 years. 
• Must have current First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training. 
• 15 hours of annual training?(January–December) 
• Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile coverage 
• Satisfactory Driving Record (as outlined in Vehicle Driving Policy) 
• All required curriculum courses within six months of employment 
• CLASS Preschool within six months of employment and successfully renewed annually 
• GOLD Inter-Rater Reliability certification in Preschool within six months of employment and successfully renewed annually 
• Lastinger Coaching Certification within one year of employment and successfully renewed annually 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: 

• Works in early childhood classroom settings 
• Ability to lead large group trainings 
• Travel to multiple sites is required 
• Some nights and weekends for special events and training may be required 

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS: 

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods, with frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, and stretching required to interact with young children at their level and to support classroom activities. 
• Sufficient hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills to operate a computer, telephone, copier, and other standard office and classroom equipment. 
• Normal or corrected vision and hearing required to observe children’s behavior, assess developmental progress, and communicate effectively with staff and families. 
• Ability to speak clearly and effectively in both one-on-one and group settings, and to write detailed reports, assessments, and documentation. 
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds occasionally, including lifting children or classroom materials as needed. 
• Comfortable working in a variety of settings including classrooms, offices, and outdoor environments, with the ability to transition between them throughout the day. 
• Ability to travel locally between program sites, with occasional out-of-town travel for training or meetings.