Education Specialist

Position Summary:

The incumbent in this position will work under the supervision of the Education Coordinator planning, implementing and evaluating a developmentally appropriate and inclusive educational curriculum for young children, in accordance with Performance Standards, policies and procedures and Easter Seals South Florida standards of conduct.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support teaching staff to effectively implement curricula and at minimum monitor curriculum implementation and fidelity.
• Provide support through mentoring, modeling, constructive feedback, and coaching for continuous improvement of the curriculum and the staff professional development.
• Ensure compliance with funding sources and agency for education and staff qualifications including but not limited to the completion or renewal of NCDA, DCF staff credential verification, VPK LPP courses.
• Provide a structured approach to staff and volunteer development and training.
• Build and maintain a positive and effective line of communication with staff.
• Ensure that all teaching staff create and successfully complete an annual individual professional plan and show professional growth.
• Provide training and support to teachers to implement a high quality early childhood education program and early intervention services, using the High Scope curriculum.
• Provide training and support to teachers to conduct screenings for children and implement services to children with disabilities.
• Assist center team in making referrals for services, when indicated.
• Provide training and support for teachers to provide an environment that protects children's health and safety at all times, including specific training in active supervision, the no use of corporal punishment and guidelines for positive Discipline.
• Work in the program annual educational assessment's.
• Conduct all in service education training to ensure compliance with performance standards and agency requirements.
• Create and follow up teaching staff professional development plans.
• Create educational teaching staff binders at center level to be aware of their credentials and to keep them updated.
• Monitor classroom activities and children’s records to ensure best practices and compliance.
• Provide training and support to teachers and parents when children are making transitions inside and outside of the classroom such as from classroom to classroom, classroom to playground, home to center, center to kindergarten and during field trips or outside activities.
• Ensure required documentation and reports are maintained utilizing ChildPlus tracking system to ensure compliance with the Head Start Performance Standards and other regulations.
• Assure confidentiality of records.
• Always maintain integrity of ChildPlus data system with current information.
• Ensure that child’s data is entered into the appropriate data integrity system(s).
• Any other duties assigned by supervisor.

Educational & Experiential Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education; or A Bachelor’s degree and 6 ECE approved courses. 45 DCF hours.
• Class certification preferred.
• Three (3) years of supervised teaching experience and one (1) year supervisory experience.
• Specialized knowledge in early childhood and /or infant toddler services.
• Ability to effectively communicate, verbally and written, with diverse (educational background, cultural, race and ethnic) groups or individuals.
• Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• Ability to write professional, academic correspondence using original or innovative techniques or style.
• Ability to make effective and persuasive presentations on controversial or complex topics to senior staff, public groups, and social services organizations and institutions, and groups or individual families.
• Ability to work under pressure, maintain accuracy and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work with staff, participants, and the public in a professional and concerned manner.
• Bilingual preferred (Spanish & English).

Other

• Work a flexible schedule as required.
• Other related duties as necessary to ensure the smooth running and efficiency of Easter Seals South Florida, as a whole.
• Successful completion of background process which includes: Local background check, Level 2 clearance (FBI, FDLE), clear TB test, medical clearance, drug test and reference checks.
• Adhere to the use of Universal Health & Safety Precautions as applicable