Education Coordinator

About the role

Implements a developmental and culturally appropriate education program in compliance with Agency policies and procedures and Head Start Performance Standards.

Responsibilities

• Observes classrooms for developmentally appropriate practices, required posted materials, adequate and appropriate materials, safety/sanitation, and other Agency required guidelines.
• Maintains complete and accurate required records, forms, reports, and documentation of classroom monitoring and observations. Completes reports on time and determines what documents to transfer to the transition program.
• Reviews weekly planning forms and children’s files and provides appropriate feedback and guidance to ensure compliance with agency policies and guidelines.
• Supervises preparation of classrooms to provide a safe environment and provides support through the entire skills acquisition process.
• Assists teachers to plan transition activities for children and guides teachers toward improved skills in observing and assessing children on an ongoing basis, linking this information to individualizing learning experiences and following children’s progress over time.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills to guide staff in implementing, observing, and evaluating culturally and linguistically appropriate research-based curricula to support diverse children and families.
• Assists staff to use evidence-based practical, preventive strategies to both decrease the occurrence of challenging behavior and promote young children’s social competence.
• Performs an assessment of staff needs through observation and communication.
• Monitors children’s files and lesson plans for compliance and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Ensures use of appropriate Agency-approved developmentally appropriate curriculums, including an anti-bias approach.
• Ensures preschool teachers provide children with quality materials and experiences to promote all areas of development to meet the Head Start Child Outcomes.
• Reviews all paperwork prepared by teachers and uses effective strategies for tracking staff progress over time to determine if staff has acquired new knowledge and skills as a result of mentoring and coaching.
• Coordinates developmental screenings, organizing schedules, and preparing materials.
• Coordinates education, mental health, and disabilities training and technical assistance to staff and families.
• Plans, reviews, assesses, and designs strategies for successful implementation of the Agency education, mental health, and disabilities plan.
• Collaborates with Education Supervisor and Content Specialists to coordinate training at local pre-service for staff and throughout the season for staff and families.
• Collaborates and integrates with other service areas in determining and defining needs, and delivering training.
• Collaborates with Education Supervisor and Management Team on designing follow-up to trainings which ensure skills acquisition.
• Collaborates with Family and Health Services in the transition of families and children into public school in the areas of education, mental health, and disabilities.
• Collaborates with Family and Health Services staff in coordinating meetings with teachers from OCDC and public schools.
• Collaborates with Site Coordinators to maintain classrooms with required furnishings, materials, and supplies.
• Collaborates with Family and Health Services staff in assisting parents with the transition process.
• Collaborates with all program service staff and managers to ensure developmentally appropriate inclusion in the classroom of required topics and procedures.
• Works with other coordinators to ensure an integrated and coordinated transition process.
• Assists County Management placement team in placement of children in the classroom.
• Administers program integration in the county and participates in Case Management Team (CMT) meetings.
• Participates in referrals and Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) development, as needed.
• Conducts training for staff and parents as required and meets with teaching classroom staff on a regular basis to answer questions and provide technical assistance.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills in adult learning styles.
• Ensures ordering, purchasing, receiving, and distributing materials needed promptly by classrooms in accordance with Agency purchasing guidelines.
• Maintains inventory control of all educational materials and equipment.
• Maintains and supports an integrative communication system with staff, plans and facilitates weekly teacher meetings, and meets with Education Supervisor on a regular basis to discuss concerns/needs.
• Meets with other program coordinators as necessary and informs parents of identified concerns while maintaining required forms.
• Provides ongoing information to parents via memos, home visits, telephone, and personal contact.
• Maintains close communication with the Family and Health Services Supervisor and Family Advocates regarding children with health needs.
• Communicates and problem solves with staff and demonstrates interpersonal skills.
• Reviews screenings to make appropriate referrals and follows up continually on referrals and IFSP goals within required timelines.
• Assures that education and mental health activities correlate with established goals, objectives, and work plans.
• Assures program compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, Office of Child Care Division regulations, and other applicable rules.
• Leads and monitors daily operations and communicates effectively to build trust.
• Recruits, selects, orients, and supervises education, mental health, and disabilities staff.
• Conducts timely performance evaluations as required and as necessary.
• Provides ongoing individual feedback toward the goal of effective performance through modeling, coaching, recognition/praise, and corrective action as appropriate and in a timely manner.
• Provides guidance and support to staff developing skills and progress in their position.
• Provides and supports professional development and training opportunities for staff.
• Reviews and authorizes staff time records and overtime to ensure compliance with Agency policies and procedures in regard to wage and hour laws and regulations if applicable.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge and attends designated educational workshops, trainings, and seminars, establishing personal networks, participating in training, and coordinating activities as part of the statewide OCDC team.
• Maintains skill and technical knowledge in assigned subject area and attends educational workshops, trainings, and seminars, establishing personal networks to maintain expertise in the field.
• Supports OCDC’s Mission, What We Do, and Our Vision and Values in daily activities.
• Demonstrates and applies continually the principles and values of OCDC’s Code of Ethics, Code of Behavior, and Code of Conduct.
• Maintains confidence and protects agency operations by keeping information confidential in compliance with OCDC policy and procedures.
• Applies safety practices in all facets of the performance of duties in compliance with safety standards and immediately reports any unsafe or hazardous working conditions and/or any injury.
• Abides by the Head Start Standards of Conduct.
• Provides emergency services, responds to child/adult emergencies by using First Aid and CPR skills, and contacts appropriate medical personnel.
• Ensures documentation related to incidents is completed and participates in fire drills and assists in the evacuation of the children.
• Performs other work-related or assigned duties.

Requirements

• BA/BS degree or higher in early childhood education.
• OR BA/BS degree or higher in any field and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education.
• Minimum of 2 years related experience; preferably in areas of supervision, mentoring, and coaching.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $56,600.00 to $70,800.00 annually. Placement within the range is determined by factors such as relevant experience, skills, certifications, and internal equity.

Benefits

OCDC offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial wellbeing, and work–life balance. Eligible employees (20+ hours/week) may receive:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Paid time off, sick leave, holidays, and paid leave programs
• Employer-paid life and disability coverage, with voluntary options available
• Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness resources
• Optional benefits including pet insurance

At OCDC, employee wellbeing is a priority and an essential part of supporting our mission and communities.