Early Head Start Specialist

Community Action Agency of Oklahoma City•Oklahoma City, OK

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Early Head Start (EHS) Specialist serves as a key Leader and Partner, working closely with the Head Start Director, Center Directors, and staff. You will facilitate the implementation of all EHS content areas and provide Service-oriented support for day-to-day operations, ensuring a culture of teamwork, high expectations, and mutual respect.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, or Child Development or equivalent Early Head Start experience.
Prior experience working in an Early Head Start program.
Experience in directing staff and making critical decisions regarding service delivery.
Experience working directly with both children and parents to build community connections.
Strong analytical skills are required to monitor program data and systems.
Demonstration of good judgment and the ability to act as a problem-solver.
Ability to coordinate between management, staff, and families effectively.
Must possess a current Oklahoma driver's license, have reliable transportation, and provide current insurance verification in the employee's name.
Must maintain health status and undergo a work physical.
Strict adherence to health and safety protocols as directed by ACF/OHS, HSPS, and company policy.
Follow all regulatory requirements and maintain high standards of performance.
Must be proficient in technology, both software and hardware.
Must be proficient in utilizing ChildPlus, KidKare, and Online LAP.

Responsibilities

Assist with training Early Head Start staff in formal and informal settings, acting as a support and ally to foster professional growth.
Ensure appropriate staffing in classrooms by collaborating with the management team to build strong connections and maintain operational stability.
Work closely with the MH/Disabilities Specialist regarding children with special needs and IFSPs, practicing no judgment and active listening to ensure inclusive classroom implementation.
Work closely with the Health Education Specialist and Head Start Director to ensure Federal and State regulations and performance standards are met.
Provide input to the Head Start Director regarding classroom functioning and management needs to build a better service environment.
Review Early Head Start family records for accuracy and appropriateness, maintaining accountability for data privacy and program standards.
Monitor child health records for program compliance and needed follow-up; take responsibility for ensuring no child falls behind on health requirements.
Maintain required files and appropriate storage of documents according to applicable guidelines, ensuring trust and consistency in record-keeping.
Be accountable for the successful completion of FBI/OSBI background checks and adherence to all safety protocols.
Prepare correspondence and statistical data reports for the Head Start Director to ensure transparent reporting.
Assist in all Early Head Start content areas to facilitate and ensure a high-quality program that consistently Exceeds Expectations.
Monitor Early Head Start program needs and requisition of supplies, proactively managing resources to ensure classrooms are always equipped for excellence.
Attend and participate in training (pre-service, in-service, and out-of-agency) with a curious mindset to bring best-in-class knowledge back to the agency.
Develop and maintain systems for monitoring relevant aspects of the EHS program, staying Responsive to new data and Executing Change when quality improvements are needed.
Perform data entry and processing of end-of-month data, utilizing Research and precision to ensure the management team has the most current information for decision-making.
Perform other Head Start/Early Head Start duties required to accomplish the Head Start/Early Head Start mission.