Job Description

TITLE: Early Childhood Specialist

REPORTS TO: GSRP Early Childhood Contact

Overall Summary: Under the general supervision of the Early Childhood Contact, the Early Childhood Specialist is responsible for ensuring the implementation of high-quality preschool programs and compliance of the Great Start Readiness Program across Shiawassee County. This is achieved through regular, ongoing classroom support, coaching, observation and feedback to classroom staff. Through a specialized skill set and knowledge base, the Early Childhood Specialist provides program support in implementing the curriculum and assessment tool with fidelity, and guides teachers and teams in decisions that impact student and family outcomes. In addition, the Early Childhood Specialist works collaboratively with the Early Childhood Contact and other Early Childhood Specialists within the organization to ensure quality, cohesive programming and ongoing learning opportunities for teaching teams.

General Responsibilities:

• Show an ability to work collaboratively with local school district staff, community partners, and colleagues
• Maintain current knowledge of GSRP grant requirements
• Demonstrate strong relationship-building skill to effectively support and coach teaching teams to implement the curriculum and assessment tool with validity
• Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills in order to facilitate both large and small group conferencing and professional learning sessions

Specific Responsibilities:

• Regularly meet with teaching teams to facilitate the identification and implementation of classroom goals that positively impact student growth
• Lead data analysis team meetings with each center to guide the use of data to analyze plan appropriate action following review
• Maintain accurate and timely classroom coaching logs
• Regularly attend Early Childhood Specialist meetings and professional development
• Regularly collaborate with colleagues in the planning, coordinating and delivering of professional learning opportunities
• Support local directors in all things GSRP related

Qualifications and Competencies Required:

• Graduate degree in early childhood education or child development
• Five (5) or more years of early childhood education experience
• Knowledge of the State of Michigan Licensing Rules for Child Care Centers.
• Have, or acquire, knowledge of the Essential Instructional Practices in Early Literacy
• Complete formal and ongoing training in the selected approved developmental screener, comprehensive curriculum, authentic child assessment, and program evaluation tool. Formal training in Connect 4 Learning is preferred.
• Maintain or obtain status as a reliable rater in the applicable program evaluation tool
• MiRegistry Approved Trainer certification preferred

Working Conditions: Normal working environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit and talk. Travel throughout the county is required.

The qualifications listed above are guidelines for selection purposes; alternative qualifications may be substituted if sufficient to perform the duties of the job.

Salary: Compensation commensurate with experience. Comprehensive fringe benefits package. Twelve (12) month position.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Education:

• Master's (Required)

Work Location: In person