Specialist, Early Childhood

The School District of Lee County•Lehigh Acres, FL

About The Position

This role involves planning and implementing a program of study that meets the needs, interests, diverse background, and abilities of students. The Specialist will assist in establishing department or grade-level curriculum objectives and developing a comprehensive plan for their implementation and evaluation. A key aspect of the role is creating a confidential classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of students. The Specialist will guide the learning process, establish clear objectives for lessons, and employ effective instructional methods and materials. Regular assessment of student accomplishments and progress reports are required, along with diagnosing student learning strengths and weaknesses, with assistance from District specialists as needed. The role also includes counseling with colleagues, students, and parents, and assisting administration in implementing policies and rules governing student life and conduct. Developing and maintaining classroom behavior rules and procedures, and managing the classroom fairly, are essential. The Specialist will plan and supervise assignments for support personnel and volunteers, and maintain accurate records as required by law and policy. Utilizing appropriate technology in teaching and learning, conducting home visits/conferences, and assisting with parent orientation are also responsibilities. Administering First Aid/CPR/AED as needed and performing Medicaid administrative claims reimbursable activities are also part of the role.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent.
Valid 40-hour childcare training certification.
Valid 5-hour Florida Emergent Literacy certification.
Valid Child Development Associate (CDA) certification.
Valid Adult, Child, and Infant First Aid/CPR/AED certificate issued by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
Clear and concise oral and written communication skills.
Organizational and management skills.
Knowledge of pertinent regulations, policies, and procedures for the functional area of assignment.
Knowledge of HIPAA, Public Records, Sunshine Law, FERPA, and other laws/regulations related to student and employee privacy, public information, and records retention.
Knowledge of and experience with industry-standard equipment, materials, practices, computers, and applications.
Ability to professionally and effectively respond to customer needs and requests for service or assistance.
Ability to administer First Aid/CPR/AED as needed for illness, injury, or life-threatening emergencies per certification training guidelines.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree from an accredited institution.
Three (3) years of experience in early childhood education.
Relevant work experience or education may be substituted to satisfy minimum qualifications.

Responsibilities

Plan individually or cooperatively a program of study that meets the needs, interests, diverse background, and abilities of students.
Assist in establishing department or grade-level curriculum objectives and the development of the comprehensive plan for the implementation and evaluation of the objectives.
Create a confidential classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of students.
Guide the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and, in harmony with the goals, establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, projects, and the like to communicate these objectives to students.
Employ instructional methods and materials that are most appropriate for meeting stated objectives.
Assess the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provide progress reports as required.
Diagnose the learning strengths and weaknesses of students on a regular basis, seeking the assistance of District specialists as deemed appropriate.
Counsel with colleagues, students, and/or parents on a regular basis.
Assist the administration in implementing all policies and/or rules governing student life and conduct and, for the classroom, develop reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedures and maintain order in the classroom in a fair and just manner.
Plan and supervise purposeful assignments for support personnel and school volunteers to work cooperatively with department heads or grade-level chairmen and evaluate their effectiveness.
Maintain accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, District policy, and administrative regulation.
Use appropriate technology in teaching and the learning process.
Conduct required home visits/conferences.
Assist in the program orientation for parents of enrolled students.
Administer First Aid/CPR/AED as needed for illness, injury, or life-threatening emergencies per certification training guidelines.
Perform Medicaid administrative claims reimbursable activities as directed in accordance with Chapter 3 of the federally approved School District Administrative Claiming (SDAC) Guide.