Program Coordinator (ECP)

About the Role

The Program Coordinator provides instructional support and program management to professionals and paraeducators working within Early Childhood Education Programs (ECP). The Program Coordinator for ECP may be asked to act as the local education agency representative assuring appropriate provision of related and other instructional services in a variety of settings.

Essential Functions

• Regular attendance and reliable on-site presence
• Assist administrators with program initiatives
• Work collaboratively with all early childhood programs to ensure state and federal standards for excellence are met
• Provide instructional support to staff
• Coach and mentor county wide staff to support expansion of embedded instruction across all settings, including community preschools
• Oversee completing and submitting of deliverables for all current and future Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) funded grant opportunities
• Serve as lead facilitator for monthly verification of State-mandated Provider Monitoring requirements
• Conduct routine Individual Education Plan (IEP) audits to ensure compliance and adherence to OCDEL mandates
• Identify needs and sources of professional development for staff
• Provide professional development to staff at the direction of the administrative team
• Serve as Local Education Agency (LEA) representative at IEP meetings as determined by Program Director

Work Environment & Physical Demands

This position requires regular onsite presence and includes a combination of sedentary and active physical duties. Employees are regularly required to sit, communicate effectively, use hands for fine motor tasks, and move throughout the work environment. Frequent activities may include walking, standing, reaching, bending, kneeling, crouching, and positioning at student level for extended periods of time. Depending on assignment and student needs, employees may also be required to assist with transitions, mobility support, and instructional or daily living activities. The employee must be able to lift up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 25 pounds occasionally. Certain assignments may require assisting students with mobility or physical support needs that exceed 25 pounds, with appropriate training and support provided in accordance with program expectations and safety procedures.

This position requires active supervision of students across various educational settings and the ability to respond appropriately and efficiently to students, classroom, or safety needs. Responsibilities may include implementing approved crisis intervention techniques, supporting students with diverse educational, behavioral, communication, and personal care needs, and maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment. Employees may work in environments with elevated noise levels and varying behavioral or emotional support needs. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Employees must also be able to hear and interpret sounds within the environment, including student communication, alarms, and other potential safety concerns.

Schedule & Travel

• Full-time, 220-day calendar position
• Generally Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; hours may vary based on district assignments, program needs, meetings, training, or organizational priorities
• Occasional evening and/or weekend work may be required
• Travel required to Bucks IU locations, client sites, constituent school districts, community agencies, professional conferences, trainings, state and regional meetings, and other program-related activities

Education & Certification

• Master's Degree in Special Education or related field (required)
• PA Special Education Certification (required)
• PA Early Childhood Certification (preferred)
• Experience in supporting behavioral needs in preschool aged children is preferred
• Enrollment in a leadership program is preferred but not required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal and time management skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with all levels of the organization
• Broad and comprehensive knowledge of all areas of early childhood education
• Advanced computer competency in FileMaker databases, Microsoft Office Suite, Child Plus, PELICAN, Microsoft SharePoint, Formstack, Learning Management Systems, Web-based media services, Library management systems, My Learning Plan and the ability to learn other software as needed