Education Specialist

ECS4KIDS•Waynesboro, GA

22h•Hybrid

About The Position

JOIN THE ECS4Kids TEAM ECS4Kids (formerly Episcopal Children’s Services) is a 2026 Top Workplace that honors young children’s immense potential by helping them enter school ready to learn. We cultivate lifelong learners by immersing children in enriching guided experiences and discovery-oriented approaches. Through our Head Start program, our dedicated professionals work with families and caregivers throughout Georgia to promote children’s well-being. This enables us to strengthen key areas including motor development, cognitive development, social and emotional development, language and communication skills, and problem-solving skills. Partner with us to help empower communities to rise above generational poverty with comprehensive early childhood education and holistic family support. We have career opportunities available in several counties throughout the Savannah River Region. GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Education Specialist provides training, modeling, curriculum and professional development support to ensure that Head Start classrooms are meeting the highest level of quality.

Requirements

A baccalaureate in Early Childhood Education with advanced degree preferred
A baccalaureate or advanced degree in education that includes ages K through 6, with 15 credit hours in early childhood education courses
A baccalaureate or advanced degree in any field with 45 credit hours in early childhood education courses
At least three years teaching experience with preschool age preferred
Coaching experience preferred
Head Start experience preferred
Bilingual in Spanish preferred
Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies Gold, and CLASS experience preferred
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Ability to plan and organize work as well as maintain records, analyze data, and prepare reports
Ability to work independently with little direct supervision
Ability to maintain confidential information
Knowledge of Microsoft Office products at an intermediate to advanced level
Knowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting procedures
Ability to maintain confidential information
Ability to articulate, demonstrate, and train others concerning best practices in early childhood education
Knowledge of CLASS, Creative Curriculum, Conscious Discipline, Teaching Strategies GOLD or other state-approved preschool assessment tool: Hatch, Heggerty, and Star Early Literacy
Knowledge of governmental and educational standards set forth by Head Start Performance Standards, Georgia Bright from the Start: Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) Rules and Regulations and ECS4Kids
Ability to motivate teachers to high levels of commitment and performance
Ability to establish relationships of mutual trust and respect with support staff, site supervisors and teaching staff
Ability to present in front of large group audiences
Complete TB screening & physical before having direct contact with children. Renew every 2 years.
Must have current First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training.
15 hours of annual training?(January–December)
Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile coverage
Satisfactory Driving Record (as outlined in Vehicle Driving Policy)
All required curriculum courses within six months of employment
CLASS Preschool within six months of employment and successfully renewed annually
GOLD Inter-Rater Reliability certification in Preschool within six months of employment and successfully renewed annually
Lastinger Coaching Certification within one year of employment and successfully renewed annually

Responsibilities

Visit HS classrooms at assigned centers daily to conduct coaching sessions that include on-site modeling and teacher observations of appropriate early educational practices and activities using the adopted coaching model.
Establish mentoring relationships with teachers that will result in further improvement of developmentally appropriate teaching skills.
Model and observe best practices and strategies in all domains of the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework and Head Start Performance Standards.
Implement with fidelity the data-driven Lastinger Caching Model, including the use of reflective questioning to guide teachers to connect theory to daily practice.
Communicate with Center Managers regarding teacher goals for improved performance.
Facilitate teacher trainings at scheduled Teacher Training Days and Pre-Service.
Support teachers in implementing with fidelity the daily schedule and adopted curricula.
Model and observe curriculum implementation at various parts of the day and in different group settings.
Support teachers in collecting and analyzing child assessment data that produce positive school readiness outcomes for children and that support children’s growth and development.
Model and observe child data collection at various parts of the day and in different group settings.
Support teachers in creating literacy-rich, developmentally appropriate, engaging learning environments.
Support teachers in using teacher observation data to select focus areas and create goals for improved teaching practices that lead to improved child outcomes.
Model and observe CLASS behavior markers during classroom visits.
Evaluate classrooms using the CLASS teacher evaluation assessment.
Support teachers and Center Managers in the use of ECERS, and curriculum fidelity checklists.
Adhere to the Coaching Protocols as outlined by the ECS4Kids Education Department.
Ensure Professional Development Plans are completed and updated annually.
Support teaching staff in complying with educational standards and regulations, including Head Start Performance Standards, Georgia DECAL requirements, and any applicable accrediting agency guidelines.
Attend required workshops and in-service trainings and keep informed of current trends and new professional techniques through participating in professional workshops and by reading professional journals and publications related to early childhood development to increase knowledge of best practices.
Advocate on behalf of ECS4Kids Head Start and children and families involved in the program.