EDUCATION SPECIALIST

Job Title: Education Specialist

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Reports to: Coordinator of Education

Service Area: Direct Services

Component: Head Start/Early Head Start

Location: Cleveland Street

Date Revised: June 19, 2024

Primary Purpose:

To ensure implementation of comprehensive services to children and families in the areas of education, disabilities, and mental wellness. To comply with all federal guidelines (Head Start Performance Standards, Transmittal Notices, etc.) and local Head Start policies in providing children and families with Head Start services.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education or related field required
• Texas Teacher Certification required
• Special Education Certification and/or experience working with children who have special needs preferred

Special Knowledge/Skills/Experience:

• Experience working with Early Childhood (ages three to five-year-olds) for a minimum of three years required
• Strategic thinker, self-motivated, strong communicator, problem-solver, and empathetic required
• Must possess the ability to individualize to meet children’s needs
• Experience in providing training to adults preferred
• Must be willing to uphold the Head Start Standards of Conduct
• Must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, possess the ability to work as a team player, enjoy a variety of activities, and possess organizational abilities

Working Conditions:

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals
• Posture: Must be physically able to tolerate prolonged sitting, frequent standing; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, twisting, and standing
• Motion: Must be physically able to tolerate frequent standing and walking, repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching, frequent driving
• Lifting: Must be physically able to tolerate regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may require occasional heavy lifting and carrying (45 pounds or more)
• Environment: Must be physically able to work inside; tolerate frequent regionwide travel and occasional statewide travel; regular exposure to noise
• Mental Demands: Must be able to work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours on occasion
• Regular Attendance is an essential function

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Engages in respectful goal-oriented partnerships with families to promote student success and family well-being.
2. Acts as a member of the comprehensive services team to problem solve potential barriers.
3. Provides instructional support and coaching to classroom staff in order to achieve child outcome goals and satisfactory CLASS scores.
4. Maintains the CLASS Certification and keeps up with the documentation and process to ensure recertification is accomplished prior to expiration.
5. Mentors and coaches assigned classroom staff.
6. Maintains Pre-K Affiliate CLASS Trainer status.
7. Assists with the implementation of curriculum, instruction, screening, and assessment in the Head Start classrooms.
8. Provides high-quality training incorporating appropriate technology and technical assistance to Head Start classroom staff and parents as needed.
9. Observes children to assess and meet the needs of children and families.
10. Links families to appropriate service providers and requisitions for child services as needed.
11. Attends Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee meetings as needed.
12. Works with Head Start classroom staff in implementing individual educational plans for Head Start children with documented disabilities as needed.
13. Ensures incorporation of mental wellness activities in the classroom and disseminates related information.
14. Reviews all assigned classroom folders for documentation in the area of education.
15. Assists classroom staff in assessing educational materials needed and ordering materials for classroom use including special needs equipment.
16. Works in cooperation with other professionals, universities, parent organizations, and other related agencies in areas that can provide services to Head Start children and families.
17. Analyzes programmatic needs in order to update assigned program plans, policies, and procedures.
18. Collects and analyzes information to find new solutions to challenges as ongoing monitoring and continual improvement in services.
19. May be required to travel as a part of job responsibilities.
20. Maintains a functioning cell phone and is accessible through this phone as deemed appropriate by the Director. A functioning cell phone means that it is charged, activated, messages checked, and mailbox emptied regularly.
21. Reports for work ready to perform responsibilities.
22. Performs duties that directly and/or indirectly impact student performance in Region 16.
23. Maintains a professional level of confidentiality regarding all ESC matters.
24. Supports the mission, goals, and objectives of the ESC strategic plan.
25. Upholds and adheres to safety rules and policies of the ESC safety program.
26. Performs professional responsibilities as required by ESC policies, processes, and procedures.
27. Manages time, calendar, and job responsibilities to meet deadlines.
28. Meets proficiency levels of required technology skills as outlined by supervisor.
29. Incorporates appropriate technology in daily work and exhibits continual growth in technologies as outlined by supervisor.
30. Performs other duties as assigned.