Early Childhood Specialist

Salt Lake City School District•Salt Lake, UT

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Early Childhood Specialist is an expert in early childhood development, effective instructional strategies, and varied developmental assessment practices. The specialist reports directly to the Early Childhood Supervisor with responsibilities to assist the Early Childhood Coordinator to plan curriculum, assessment, and professional development.

Requirements

Selected candidates to be fingerprinted and successfully pass a criminal background check.
Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related field
Five years’ teaching experience in early childhood education pre-k through grade 2
Three years’ experience providing instructional coaching, academic coaching, and/or mentoring support to educators
Three years’ experience planning curriculum, assessment, and professional development for Early Childhood instructors and paraprofessionals
Valid Drivers License and evidence of insurability
Reliable transportation to travel to various school sites
Speak, read, write, and present professionally, analyze, and interpret English written and verbal communications

Nice To Haves

Extensive knowledge of Utah Early Childhood Core Standards
Experience in Title I schools
CLASS Observer certification
Experience with IEPs and Special Education programs and supports
Experience training instructors to use and interpret T.S. Gold and PEEP assessment data
Spanish or other language proficiency, including ability to read, write, speak, and understand
Have an ESL endorsement or will obtain one within 4 years of hire

Responsibilities

Demonstrates knowledge of Utah’s Early Childhood Core Standards
Demonstrates excellence in early childhood teaching and learning and the ability to model effective strategies
Organize and manage substitute instructor and/or paraprofessional schedules and needs
Demonstrates specialized knowledge about early childhood developmental stages, and assists with implementing the National Association of Education of Young Children’s developmentally appropriate practices
Ability to communicate effectively with district personnel, school administrators, and teachers
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build collaborative/cooperative relationships and consistently maintain composure and patience in challenging situations
Under the direction of the Early Childhood Supervisor, acts as a liaison/carrier for students with IEP’s, monitors individual student’s progress utilizing data, and participates as a member of the IEP team to provides general education input to the IEP goals
Works as a team member with the Early Childhood Supervisor, Early Childhood Coordinator, and Data Specialist to assess the quality and improvements needed for the dissemination of the thrice-yearly Early Childhood Developmental Assessment
Works with the Early Childhood Coordinator to plan curriculum and assessment, provide professional development, and to support staff with the CDA credentialing process, and to acquire classroom materials and equipment
Under the supervision of the Early Childhood Coordinator, works with the Early Childhood coaches to create developmentally appropriate classroom environments through professional development and mentoring
Completes necessary paperwork: approval of individual classroom teacher materials/supplies and assists the Early Childhood Coordinator with the professional development calendar.
Conducts bi-weekly staff professional development with assistance of coaches and Early Childhood coordinator
Work under limited supervision, utilizing time management and prioritization strategies, accurately processing detailed information and meeting deadlines
Work as part of a team in a collaborative environment for the purpose of fostering positive working relationships and a safe and positive learning environment
Assist other personnel as needed
Support a team environment by collaborating with own and other work units to effectively perform duties
Flexibility to handle changing work priorities
Participate in various meetings, and workshops to receive and convey information
Maintain regular and predictable attendance to fulfill job requirements efficiently and effectively
Communicate effectively with diverse individuals and groups of people while maintaining confidentiality and building positive working relationships with employees and stakeholders
Perform other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit