EHS-Infant Toddler Education Specialist

Summary

• Carrying out tasks related to care and education of children birth to 3 years of age as prescribed in the HSPPS and as assigned by the Education and Disabilities Manager
• Supporting assigned EHS-CCP child care program partners and teaching staff through evidence-based technical assistance and coaching
• Monitoring EHS children’s care, education, and development as well as tracking progress
• Monitoring classrooms

Essential Functions

• Inform child care program partner teachers and staff about the Head Start Program Performance Standards and support their implementation through effective technical assistance strategies:
  1. monitor and report the extent to which child care program partner teachers and staff are able to effectively implement the HSPPS
• Support the quality of care and education for each assigned EHS child through: 
  1. Regular reviews of Children’s Educational Records, including developmental screen results
  2. Regular reviews of TS GOLD on-going child assessments
  3. Site visits and classroom observations both formal and informal
  4. Assessment and feedback on classroom management, routines, lesson plans, and environment (indoors and outdoors)
  5. Modeling and coaching on high quality, responsive, developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate interactions with children, fostering healthy, consistent, trusting relationships
  6. Ensure that all children’s communication, language, and literacy skills are promoted effectively and appropriately
  7. Assist teachers with identification and referral of child concerns to Education and Disabilities Manager
• Assist child care program partner teachers and when necessary, provide technical assistance, on the use of appropriate curricula, on-going child assessments, child routines, classroom management, and indoor and outdoor learning environments
• Support the EHS-CCP program-wide activities as a participant and contributor to: 
  1. EHS-CCP Education Team to assist in program planning and self-assessment 
  2. ERSEA team as required
  3. Monitoring of HSPPS and requirements in Caring for Our Children regarding safety in the child care programs 
  4. Collaborate and communicate with other EHS-CCP staff to provide support for teachers and children and their families with behavioral, medical and/or educational needs

• In coordination with other EHS-CCP staff:

  • Participate in regular case management/staffing meetings as requested
  • Assess whether staff in any other service area needs information from this service and ensure timely, effective communication
  • Participate on program self-assessment team for annual assessment of your service areas and other service areas as requested
  • Implement the annual EHS-CCP Continuous Improvement Plan as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of BA/BS degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education or Child Development or the equivalency early childhood education (ECE) 
• Three (3) years’ experience in a high quality setting serving children birth through age three
• Early Head Start experience preferred
• Must supply results or submit to TB test
• Must have medical report form completed prior to start
• Must complete/supply a valid NC Early Childhood background check qualification letter 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Knowledge and understanding of Head Start Program Performance Standards, Head Start organizations, mission and history
• A strong knowledge of theories and practices of Early Childhood Education/Development 
• Knowledge and understanding of children with disabilities’ needs and of the local system that supports them (Part C and Part B agencies, IFSPs, IEPs, etc.)
• Knowledge and understanding of culturally sensitive practices, diversity, equity and inclusion practices
• Computer and internet skills for word processing, spreadsheets, databases, reports 
• Skills to access EHS resources on-line
• Fluency in English with bilingual Spanish skills helpful; Communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Demonstrate strong and effective leadership ability
• Use excellent interpersonal skills with an understanding of learning styles and dispositions. Interact effectively and respectfully with people from a variety of backgrounds, including a sensitivity to, and awareness of needs of EHS -eligible families
• Be willing and able to travel; North Carolina driver’s license, proof of insurance, and provide a vehicle for program business
• Be responsible for meeting all applicable federal, state & local health requirements

Normal physical demands include bending, stooping, reaching, standing, walking, talking hearing and driving.  The role operates in a professional office environment and requires using typical office equipment.

CCRI requires COVID-19 vaccinations for all employees.