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Form of workJOB TITLE:EDUCATION SPECIALIST LOCATION: ORLANDO
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Supports the Head Start/ Early Head Start Program by planning, administering, coaching, and ensuring the required program for Language Environment Analysis (LENA) and Education Services are delivered to children and families in accordance with the Head Start Performance Standards. Responsible for all aspects of classroom and education program requirements, including Head Start/ Early Head Start staff training.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Participates with other area specialists in the screening process to identify children who may have developmental concerns. Reviews screening results and utilizes data for the purpose of monitoring children’s progress.
- Develops, updates, and oversees the implementation of an Education Plan. Coordinates the activities of the Education service area with the Early Childhood Development and Health Services team.
- Obtains and/or maintains the current certification as a CLASS reliable observer. Conducts regular CLASS observations and uses data to train and developed stronger teaching teams with improved results.
- Confers regularly with area specialists concerning learning concerns. Recommends and models appropriate strategies of behavior modification that will promote learning.
- Conducts classroom visits to monitor activities and provides technical assistance to teaching staff.
- Develops, trains, updates, and oversees the implementation of the LENA system with teaching staff. C
- Provides weekly coaching to LENA outcomes.
- Provides technical assistance in uploading devices in LENA Online Portal. Operates LENA online portal to track data for conversational turns.
- Assists the Sr. Program Manager of Education & Inclusion with the preparation and expenditure of budget as it relates to their area.
- Participates in the staffing process by reviewing files of children and families to determine their individual needs and to arrange for intervention services.
- Conducts needs assessment, serves as an advisor to the Teaching staff for professional development, and enrolls staff in designated training when needed. Arranges for Pre-Service and In-Service training based on the training needs of the staff and completes necessary paperwork for contracts with training vendors. Provides new staff orientation training and monthly cluster training. Assists in staff training for children’s transitions in and out of the program.
- Submits monthly report of activities, LENA data and applicable Program Information Report (PIR) data to Sr. Program Manager of Education & Inclusion.
- Works with the Family and Community Partnership (FCP) Coordinator in designing, conducting or arranging sessions on child related topics for families.
- Conducts parent trainings on child development, LENA and curriculum.
- Monitors, follows up, and inputs data from developmental screening using Child Plus.
- Recruits eligible children into Head Start, including children with disabilities.
- Seeks in-kind (donated time, services, products, cash) for the program and ensure in-kind is documented accurately and timely.
- Monitors and reviews weekly lesson plans and individual plans for classrooms and provides feedback.
- Monitors school readiness outcomes at assigned sites.
- Facilitates school readiness team meetings.
- Substitutes in classroom as needed.
- Participates in the Agency’s Quality Improvement Program.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Knowledge of early childhood education and child development and the ability to apply best practices and knowledge to a classroom environment, to include the Active Supervision of children.
- Knowledge of curriculum design and the ability to train adults in a learning environment.
- Ability to gain knowledge of the Head Start child outcomes framework.
- Ability to understand, process and facilitate the implementation of the requirements outlined in the Head Start Performance Standards and all other applicable laws and regulations related to the Head Start Performance Standards.
- Ability to gain knowledge of the CLASS assessment tool and how to use it to improve program services.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, families and other early childhood professionals.
- Knowledge of a variety of computer software applications in word processing, database and presentation software, including Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint. Ability to navigate the Internet. Ability to gain knowledge of Child Plus software, Internet-based cc.net and Creative Curriculum assessment software.
- Ability to gather and analyze data and make concise, accurate reports and recommendations.
- Ability to work and communicate with people from various multi-cultural backgrounds and socio-economic levels.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education or a Bachelor’s degree in any field with 18 ECE credit hours.
- Three (3) years experience with pre-school aged children.
- Experience with multi-cultural and disabled children.
- CLASS reliable observer preferred.
PAY RANGE: $40,851.00 to $44,936.10 annually PAY GRADE: 10
Equal Opportunity Employer - Veteran/Disability
