Education Specialist

SOUTHERN MARYLAND TRI-COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION COMMITTEE INC•Hughesville, MD

22h

About The Position

The Education Specialist reports directly to the Assistant Director of Educational Services and is responsible for supporting the educational quality and compliance of Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Key responsibilities include: Training and Development: Develop, train, and evaluate Teacher Assistants and parents on educational practices and program standards. Curriculum Support: Assist with the Early Head Start Childcare Partnership and ensure all programs and curricula are implemented effectively. Provide guidance to Teacher Assistants on adapting curricula to meet group and individual child needs. Monitoring and Compliance: Monitor CDA progress and training requirements. Develop, revise, implement, and monitor written component plans to ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards. Special Needs Coordination: Assist in monitoring and coordinating services for Head Start Special Needs students (10% of total funded enrollment) and students with behavior plans.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field with equivalent coursework.
Minimum three years of classroom teaching experience.
Strong math and analytical skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and other software applications for data retrieval, spreadsheet creation, and reporting.
Must always maintain confidentiality.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with coworkers, supervisors, customers, and vendors.
CPR and First Aid certification required.
State and Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal Background Check.
National Sex Offender Public Registry Check.
Physical examination and Tuberculin PPD Tine Test at time of employment and annually (or as required by physician).
Pre-employment, random, and post-accident drug and alcohol testing.
Ability to lift preschool children or up to 50 lbs. unassisted.
Active participation in programs for young children
Tasks include: Lifting children Getting up and down from the floor Engaging in lively outdoor activities Moving furniture

Nice To Haves

One year of experience in Mental Health Services or Special Education.
Supervisory experience preferred.
CLASS Certification – Must be obtained within six to twelve months of employment.

Responsibilities

Ensure compliance with all Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD) Performance Standards.
Review Head Start Performance Standards and develop goals, objectives, and strategies for implementation.
Cross-reference standards with teachers, central office staff, and Policy Council.
Lead the selection of curriculum with staff and parents.
Coordinate State Accreditation for all classrooms.
Provide orientation for the State Self-Assessment and technical assistance to classroom staff.
Submit accreditation packages and program improvement plans to the Maryland State Department of Education.
Attend state and center accreditation meetings.
Provide component orientation and training to staff and parents.
Develop training plans for teachers and assistants covering: Developmentally appropriate practices Curricula (Creative Curriculum, MMSR) Social/emotional development and behavior management Assessment and individualization (Work Sampling) Classroom structure and lesson planning
Assist with the School Readiness Leadership Team and maintain documentation.
Monitor effectiveness of EECD services throughout the program.
Observe classrooms within 30 days for new teachers and 90 days for returning teachers.
Maintain observation documentation and clarify recommendations for improvement.
Develop tracking systems for EECD services and review education files for quality of Individual Child Plans.
Report results and concerns to Operations Specialist/Director.
Coordinate with the Head Start Director to ensure EECD services are implemented at each center.
Review EECD policies and processes during staff meetings.
Participate in CAST meetings, program self-assessment, and strategic planning.
Submit monthly data and reports; monitor fiscal allocations and classroom purchasing.
Collaborate with agencies and early childhood specialists in county school districts.
Attend coordination meetings and advisory boards as much as possible.
Assist with the School Readiness Plan.
Review and revise disability and mental health component plans annually; obtain Policy Council approval.
Ensure services and accommodations for children with IEPs or behavior concerns.
Develop behavioral plans and assign aides when available.
Provide training and support to staff and parents, including Brigance Screening and Second Step curriculum.
Coordinate referrals to mental health professionals and Child Find; monitor contracts and follow-up on services.
Ensure staff attendance at IEP meetings and document changes in services.
Report monthly data on disabilities and mental health referrals.
Plan and conduct three Education/Disabilities advisory meetings annually.
Collaborate with public school staff for smooth transitions of children with special needs.
Assist in developing MOUs with school districts for coordination of services.
Assist the Assistant Director Educational Services in supervising teachers and teacher assistants.
Perform other duties as assigned.