2026-2027 Specialist, Early Childhood

The School District of Lee County•Fort Myers, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position involves planning and implementing a program of study for early childhood students, meeting their individual needs and interests. The role includes assisting in curriculum development, creating a conducive learning environment, and guiding students towards achieving curriculum goals. Responsibilities also encompass assessing student progress, diagnosing learning strengths and weaknesses, and collaborating with colleagues, students, and parents. The Specialist will support administrative policies, manage classroom behavior, and supervise support personnel. Maintaining accurate records, utilizing technology, conducting home visits and parent orientations, and administering First Aid/CPR/AED are also key duties. Additionally, the role involves performing Medicaid administrative claims reimbursable activities as directed.

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.
Ability to work flexible hours to conduct home visits and conferences.

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.