Professional Development Specialist

About the role

The Professional Development Specialist for HS will support Lake & Marion County by collaborating with the Manager of Professional Development to implement education program goals, analyze curriculum and assessment data, and create and facilitate education content for the implementation of annual preservice and teacher training calendars. This role also involves creating and facilitating courses in Canvas, preparing purchase orders for training materials and tuition reimbursement, and ensuring all training adheres to best practices.

Responsibilities

• Implement education program goals set forth by the AVP of Education and the ECS Director of Professional Development.
• Collaborate with the Manager of Professional Development to analyze curriculum and assessment data and make recommendations for future implementation and staff development.
• Create and facilitate education content for the implementation of annual preservice and teacher training calendars.
• Create and facilitate education content for the implementation of the annual HS teacher training calendar.
• Prepare all education training materials for pre-service and teacher trainings.
• Ensure all training adheres to best practices that are grounded in adult learning theory and are aligned with NAEYC best practices and Head Start Performance Standards.
• Support the process of procuring training venues.
• Prepare purchase orders for training materials and tuition reimbursement.
• Create and facilitate courses in Canvas to support the HS New Staff Training Plan.
• Facilitate trainings in large groups.
• Travel to sites as needed to provide small group trainings and to provide technical support to center managers, teachers, and staff.
• Implement the CDA program to increase teacher credentials, improve overall program quality, and meet grant-specific requirements.
• Provide technical assistance that includes portfolio development, candidate observations, and teacher feedback for the CDA program.
• Provide technical assistance to teachers for the CDA renewal process and provide information needed and technical assistance for all CDA candidates to apply for the National CDA credential.
• Obtain and maintain CLASS Observer certification in Infant, Toddler, and PreK.
• Obtain and maintain CLASS Trainer certification in Infant, Toddler and PreK.
• Provide CLASS certification training and support to early learning professionals.
• Aid in the evaluation of classrooms using CLASS, ITERS, ECERS, VPK and other classroom monitoring tools as needed.
• Document education training hours and issue CEU certificates in the Child Plus System and ensure compliance with IACET and HS requirements.
• Maintain professional development records for HS teaching staff to ensure job credential requirements and annual training requirements are met.
• Support new staff with meeting the requirements of the DCF 45-hours.
• Document education credentials for staff into Child Plus once certification, degree, etc. has been obtained.
• Ensure Tuition Agreement forms are completed accurately in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Monitor Program Information Report for staff education on a monthly basis.
• Monitor to ensure that all staff have an individual professional development plan in place according to HS Policies and Procedures.
• Work with Child Care Partners to enter professional development plans into Child Plus.
• Collaborate with all ECS Departments to integrate services into overall program goals and initiatives to promote the school readiness of children.
• Support best practices in the implementation of trauma-informed care.
• Provide timely and professional communication to ECS staff, private providers, community partners, and professional organizations. Ensure a 24-hour response time during working business hours for missed phone calls and emails.
• Update calendar daily with events and a task list.
• Attend required workshops and in-service trainings and keep informed of current trends and new professional techniques through participating in professional workshops, conferences and seminars and by reading professional journals and publications, training and workshops/conferences related to early childhood development to increase knowledge of best practices.
• Advocate on behalf of Episcopal Children's Services Head Start/ Early Head Start and children and families involved in the program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years related experience in early childhood required; master’s degree in ECE or related field preferred; Bilingual in Spanish preferred
• 3 years of experience in a childcare setting preferred
• 3 years of experience teaching adults and facilitating large group trainings preferred

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of early childhood and adult learning strategies
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards
• Knowledge of National CDA curriculum, requirements, and procedures
• Knowledge of DCF training requirements
• Knowledge of CLASS assessment tool
• Knowledge of Child Plus system and Program Information Reporting
• Knowledge of IACET accreditation requirements
• Knowledge of Teaching Strategies Creative Curriculum
• Knowledge of Teaching Strategies Gold assessment
• Ability to facilitate large group trainings
• Ability to build and establish mentoring relationships
• Ability to work independently with little direct supervision
• Ability to use data for development of educational plans
• Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products at an intermediate to advanced level
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing

Skills, Certifications

• Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile coverage
• Satisfactory Driving Record (as outlined in Vehicle Driving Policy)
• Completion of 15 clock hours of professional development annually
• CDA Professional Development Specialist required (may be obtained after accepting the position)
• Teacher certification preferred
• Teaching Strategies Gold reliability certification preferred
• CLASS Observer certification preferred
• CLASS Trainer certification preferred
• Advanced Communities of Practice certification preferred

Environmental Conditions

This position works in early childhood classroom, adult classroom, and office settings. Travel to multiple sites is required, and some out-of-town travel, including nights and weekends, may be required.

Essential Physical Skills

Typical physical & mental demands; Requires prolonged sitting with some bending, stooping, and stretching, and eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, telephone, copier, and other office equipment. Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to communicate with others.