Education Specialist

About the role

The Education Specialist position supports Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms across Alachua, Levy, Dixie, and Gilchrist counties. ECS4Kids is a Top Workplace committed to enhancing young children's readiness for school through enriching experiences and discovery-oriented approaches.

Responsibilities

• Conduct daily coaching sessions in classrooms to model and observe appropriate early educational practices and activities using the adopted coaching model.
• Mentor teachers to improve their developmentally appropriate teaching skills.
• Model best practices and strategies in all domains of the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework and Head Start Performance Standards.
• Implement the adopted coaching model with fidelity, including reflective questioning to guide teachers.
• Support teachers in implementing the adopted curriculum with fidelity.
• Assist teachers in collecting and analyzing child assessment data to develop lesson plans and activities.
• Support teachers in using teacher observation data to set goals for improved teaching practices.
• Assist in the monitoring of child portfolios, lesson plans, and individualized lessons to ensure compliance and quality.
• Evaluate classrooms using the CLASS teacher evaluation assessment and provide support to Center Managers and teachers.
• Communicate with Center Managers regarding teacher goals for performance.
• Support the Training Team in planning, creating, and providing training at monthly Teacher Training Days and Pre-Service.
• Attend required workshops and in-service trainings to stay updated on early childhood development trends and techniques.
• Advocate for the Head Start/Early Head Start program and its participants.

Requirements

• A baccalaureate in Early Childhood Education with advanced degree preferred
• A baccalaureate or advanced degree in education 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
• Head Start experience preferred
• Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies Gold, and CLASS experience preferred

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Knowledge of current practices in early childhood education with an emphasis in teacher-child interactions and using curriculum and assessments to plan and individualize
• Ability to articulate and model best teaching instructional strategies and practices
• Ability to motivate teachers to high levels of commitment and performance
• Ability to establish relationships of mutual trust and respect with support staff, site coordinators, and teaching staff
• Knowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting procedures
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products at an intermediate to advanced level
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Ability to maintain confidential information
• Ability to plan and organize work as well as maintain records, analyze data, and prepare reports
• Ability to present in front of large group audiences

License, Certification, or Registration

• Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile coverage
• Satisfactory Driving Record (as outlined in Vehicle Driving Policy)
• CLASS and TS Gold certification in Infant, Toddler & Preschool within 60 days of employment
• Coaching certification within 6 months of employment
• Complete a minimum of 15 hours of in-service training annually, July 1- June 30

Environmental Conditions

• Works in early childhood classroom settings
• Requires some nights and weekends for special events and training

Essential Physical Skills

• Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction)
• Acceptable hearing (with or without correction)
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Background Requirements

A Level II Background Screening which consists of a local, state, and federal criminal check will be completed on all employees and any contracted employee position, intern position, or volunteer position in which individuals have contact with children, have access to confidential information, and/or are in a position of special trust.