What are the responsibilities and job description for the PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR position at Fairbanks Native Association?
SUMMARY
The Professional Development Coordinator is responsible for professional development planning for Early Childhood Education (ECE) staff or any staff who work directly with the enrolled students. The incumbent will provide coaching and mentoring to support continuous best practices in an early learning work environment. The incumbent will support comprehensive learning to comply with the Head Start Performance Standards and Alaska Child Care Licensing Regulations.
JOB DUTIES
- Maintain all necessary program management processes for documentation and tracking systems for coaching, mentoring, and education of ECE Staff. Track documentation.
- Ensure all required activity is performed within prescribed times, kept current, and that monitoring reports documenting services are accurate, up to date, and accessible for review team or grant application data.
- Use data from sources including but not limited to monitoring reports, Program Information Report (PIR) reviews, annual community, and self-assessments to evaluate services and implement upgrades or approaches to support ECE Staff.
- Organize and participate in staff development and other training programs relevant to the job.
- Arrange training, follow-up, and support services for ECE Staff as needs indicate, or as requested by staff and approved by management.
- Work with Early Head Start and Head Start Education Managers, ECE Leadership Team to provide comprehensive training opportunities for ECE Staff (onsite/offsite).
- Assist with staff training on age and developmentally appropriate environments, child development theories, curriculum, materials and equipment for an inclusive classroom and center, to include playgrounds and bus safety.
- Utilize coaching strategies related to inclusive practices in center base settings based on the Practice Based Coaching model and following the Head Start Performance Standards.
- Coach ECE Staff on the use of early childhood assessment tools, professional development software and other technology platforms to increase the ECE Staff training requirements.
- Performs classroom observations, and coordinates work groups to assess program needs and planning strategies for system/process improvement and/or development of early childhood education, disabilities, mental health, nutrition, and health.
- Must be able to work well under pressure, meet multiple conflicting deadlines. The incumbent shall always demonstrate professional, cooperative behavior with colleagues, supervisors, and program families.
- Attend ECE and FNA Staff meetings, Program Family meetings as needed, and other scheduled meetings including required training.
- Adheres to all State licensing regulations and Head Start Performance Standards.
- Acts as a positive role model for ECE Staff and provides compassionate professional development solutions.
- Ability to follow program procedures for reporting child abuse and neglect.
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY
- Strong understanding and knowledge of the New Head Start Performance Standards, State of Alaska Licensing requirements, the FNA HS 0-5 written work plan and policies and procedures.
- Sensitivity to diverse cultures and lifestyles with demonstrated experience working effectively with Alaska Native and American Indian populations.
- Strong understanding and verbal communication skills and strong interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to organize and prioritize work assignments.
- Experience with supervision or consultative role.
- Knowledge of customer service concepts and practices.
- Skill in operating personal computer utilizing a variety of computer software.
- Skill in managing multiple priorities and tasks concurrently and meeting deadlines.
- Skill in oral and written communication.
- Skill in data management and tracking.
- Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with other employees.
- Ability to work independently as well as with teams, and report to work in a timely manner.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education & Experience)
- BA degree in Early Childhood Special Education or related field with minimum of 12 credits in Early Childhood Education/Child Development.
- Two (2) years of experience working in an Early Childhood or Head Start Program.
- Three references demonstrate positive experience working with higher education, train-the-trainer, or facilitation.
- Current CPR/First Aide or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
- Must have good organizational skills with the ability to keep timely and accurate records.
- Ability to work with a diverse team complete with teachers, supervisors, parents, children, and volunteers.
- Must maintain confidentiality of records and communications.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (Education & Experience)
- MA degree in Early Childhood Special Education or related field
- Adult learning training and experience preferred, including coaching teaching staff about best practices and the Head Start Performance Standards.
- Experience using Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies Gold, Practice Based Coaching and Class.
- Two (2) years of experience working in a Head Start Program with infants, toddlers, and preschool age children.
- Two (2) year experience working with children and families in Alaska Native or American Indian communities.
