Professional Development Specialist

Description

JOIN THE ECS TEAM

At ECS4Kids, we help underserved children in Northeast and Central Florida build a solid foundation for educational success. Give a child a better start, and you dramatically increase the child’s odds of being a better person – of having a better life. Partner with us to we create opportunity so that the children we serve can achieve their full potential. ECS4Kids has career opportunities available in several counties throughout Northeast and Central Florida. Thank you for your interest in a career with ECS4Kids. We offer a competitive benefit package which includes:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 403(b) plan with 5% employer match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Long-term & short-term disability insurance
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Paid holidays
• Generous paid time off
• Career development

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Professional Development Specialist provides mentoring, training, technical support, resources and coordination of ECS CDA program funded through the ELC of Duval to birth through pre-school teaching staff to increase CDA teacher credentials and improve overall program quality.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as the CDA Instructor and provide the training for the ECS4Kids CDA course and technical assistance that includes portfolio development and feedback for both CDA in person and online classes.
• Provide CDA training for providers in the community based on provider needs.
• Submit the annual CDA syllabus and course materials to the Director Professional Development for approval.
• Assist in the marketing of the ECS4Kids CDA program.
• Assist teachers and childcare providers in accessing TEACH funding.
• Maintain Training Resource Library.
• Assist in the screening for eligibility for entry into the ECS4Kids CDA programs.
• Meet monthly or as requested with the ECS4Kids team members to review and discuss the CDA program.
• Document and track all training and technical assistance provided and complete and maintain all required reports including a report to the Chief of Programs that includes the number of participants, the number of class completions and the number of participants who have applied for their National Credential.
• Attend and participate in required meetings, training, and job-related events.
• Keep informed of current trends and new professional techniques by participating in professional workshops, conferences, and seminars and by reading professional journals and publications.
• All other duties as requested to maintain the success of ECS4Kids.

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

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• A master’s degree in early childhood education or related field preferred
• 3+ related work experience in a childcare setting
• 3+ yrs experience teaching adults and facilitating large group training

(A comparable amount of training, education or experience can be substituted for minimum qualifications.)

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Ability to facilitate large group training
• Ability to use data for development of educational plans
• Competent computer skills including Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Power points.
• Knowledge of adult learning styles
• Knowledge of National CDA curriculum and requirements and procedures
• Ability to maintain a strong commitment to the needs of children and project goals
• Knowledge of early childhood performance standards
• Ability to build and establish mentoring relationships
• Ability to work independently with little direct supervision

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Valid Driver’s License
• Certificates of acknowledgment required: Conflict of Interest, Code of Ethics, Confidentiality agreements, IT Systems and Security, Anti-Fraud, HR Employee Acknowledgment Form.
• Applicants must successfully pass a drug screen and background check as a condition of employment.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Works in early childhood classroom, computer lab classroom and office settings
• Local travel to multiple sites is required
• Includes nights and weekend work and some out-of-town travel

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:

• Typical physical and mental demands: required prolonged sitting and standing with some bending, stooping, and stretching, and eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, telephone, photocopier, and other office equipment.
• Required normal range of hearing and eyesight to communicate with clients and staff.
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.

(Reasonable accommodation will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability)