Ready to Read Early Literacy Specialist

Position Summary

Serves as a professional librarian and performs related tasks in delivering and promoting resources focused on early literacy outreach to parents, caregivers, and educators. Delivers training on early literacy topics to library staff. Supports related library initiatives such as Play & Learn.

Primary Responsibilities

• Metts families of young children (birth-preschool) outside of the Library to provide early literacy training and resources.
• Delivers training to adults based on Every Child Ready to Read, 2nd edition.
• Provides Ohio-approved training to early childhood teachers.
• Serves as a liaison between early childhood centers and the Library.
• Conducts surveys of previous early literacy trainings to verify message accuracy.
• Keeps statistics for early literacy outreach.
• Collects and analyzes program data.
• Provides training to all staff about customer service to young children and their grown-ups.
• Performs assignments in the areas of public services as required, to meet the needs of the agency and the system.

Work Cooperatively as a Team Member

• Provides training to children’s librarians about early literacy best practices.
• Leads work groups dedicated to early literacy topics.
• Presents at professional conferences.
• Researches early literacy best practices and emerging data.
• Selects, maintains, and assembles giveaway materials as needed.
• Affords assistance to caregivers and staff in accessing and evaluating technology.
• Builds community partnerships that further the Library’s mission of reaching all Lucas County residents and providing a clear, concise message about early literacy and the Library’s role in helping families.
• Plans and coordinates community-wide early literacy events.
• Assesses and writes communications with an early literacy message, both in the Ready to Read program and systemwide.
• Promotes and supports valuable early childhood play opportunities throughout the system, both in Activities to Go kits and Play and Learn.
• Engages in various media appearances, both related to Ready to Read and the Library as a whole.
• Actively supports diversity, equity, and inclusion. Promotes a culture where all staff and customers belong.

Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of adult learning principles and experience teaching adults.
• Knowledge of KRA data and how it is used by schools in our area.
• Knowledge of Every Child Read to Read, 2nd edition.
• Knowledge of teacher expectations for children entering kindergarten.
• Ability to work with adults from diverse socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to be innovative and enthusiastic in providing warm and energetic programming to adults.
• Experience in creating a supportive and welcoming environment for families both inside the Library and while at outreach events.
• Knowledge of brain development, growth through play, and growth through interactions with trusted adults.

Education/Experience

• MLS from an ALA-accredited library school plus two years of Librarian experience (preferred).
• Bachelor's degree in any field plus four years of Librarian experience OR Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child development, community engagement, or related field (required).
• Coursework in early childhood education, child development, or reading instruction (required).
• A minimum of 3 years related work experience (required).

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, walking, and sitting.
• Frequent reaching, stooping, bending, crouching, and lifting, pushing/pulling, and handling of objects weighing up to 50 pounds.