Education Specialist

Primary Purpose:

To ensure the 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

Skills

• 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. Supervises and/or mentors assigned classroom staff and home educators
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 
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

Salary : $277 - $340