Education, Early Childhood Development & Disabilities Services Coordinator

This position is full-time, full year, with Early Childhood Education services provided in both Dickinson and Iron County. The primary office is located at the DIISD Willis Center in Kingsford, Michigan. Office hours will also be worked at the Bates Center in Iron River, Michigan. Starting salary at or above $43,623 based on experience for placement on the pay grid. Full benefits package available including dental and vision insurance paid 100% by the district. This job posting will remain open until filled.

Title: Education and Early Childhood Development Coordinator

Report To: Director of Early Childhood Education

Length of Contract: Full Time

Employment Status: Non-union; Non-exempt

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related degree, an elementary degree with a ZA or ZS Endorsement.
• Experience working with families and children with Special Needs, or a strong concentration or certification in Special Education preferred.
• A minimum of two years of successful experience in Early Childhood Education, Special Education or related fields of education, and an in-depth knowledge of education of young children.
• An understanding of children with disabilities and knowledge of supportive services appropriate and available to children with disabilities and their families.
• Ability to work effectively with staff, parents and families and the community.
• Knowledge of child development and the coordinating roles of various components and programs within the department.
• Ability to provide consultant service to staff and parents regarding child development and developmentally appropriate practice.
• Working knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and Great Start Readiness Standards of Quality.
• Driving may be necessary for this position which would require a valid driver’s license.

General Description: Research, develop, maintain and coordinate education programs and initiatives for children, including those with special needs. Provide guidance, direction and evaluation to classroom and home base coordinators in planning, inclusion and assessment of children. Promote good public awareness by neat appearance of self and proper attitude.

Essential Functions:

• Comply with all applicable policies, procedures, rules & regulations.
• Coordinate the education and early childhood development component of the program to comply with the Head Start Performance Standards, Great Start Readiness Standards of Quality, and State of Michigan Licensing.
• Maintain a current knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice.
• Be responsible for the implementation of the High/Scope Curriculum in the classroom, and Parents as Teachers Curriculum in the parent focused home-based option.
• Coordinate the Education and Early Childhood Development Services Area with all other component coordinators and the administration.
• Coordinate the Disabilities Service Component with all other service area coordinators and administration.
• Serve as a liaison between the Early Childhood Education and the Special Education departments, along with local school dsitricts, community agencies, service providers, and parents.
• Provide guidance and practice based coaching to the home base and the classroom staff regarding program practice and implementation.
• Oversee the development and implementation of a Child Service Plan for each child.
• Coordinate Child Service Plans and Family Partnership Agreements, in conjunction with classroom coordinators, parents and component staff.
• Participate in all staff meetings and on-going training to further develop the necessary skills/knowledge.
• Be responsible for early childhood education and development service area pre-service and in-service training for the staff and parents.
• Be responsible for all necessary reporting, documentation and data keeping related to education and child development.
• Coordinate and ensure that effective transition activities occur for children and families into Early Childhood Programs and into local school districts and other early childhood programs and child care settings.
• Coordinate opportunities for Head Start Staff training and local school district teaching staff to communicate. Coordinate mutual site visits and participate in joint training and staff development.
• Maintain all child and family records and information in a safe and confidential manner.
• Participate in ongoing professional development, both formal and informal, for enhancement of individual abilities, skills and knowledge required for maximum job performance.
• Assist in the recruitment of children and coordinate the timely delivery of developmental screening activities.
• Provide guidance and support to classroom staff for implementation of the Child Outcome Measures Plan.
• Maintain CLASS rater reliability and administer the assessment per program schedule in each classroom annually.
• Serve as the Early Childhood contact and Early Childhood Specialist for the Great Start Readiness Program.
• Must have regular and reliable attendance.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide monitoring, guidance and oversight with the Director to insure that staff work in team partnerships for the benefit of enrolled children and families in accordance with program standards and practice.
• Serve as a positive role model for DIISD constituents demonstrating how to be a responsible citizen and productive member of society.
• Adhere to the DIISD Code of Ethics.
• Ability to carry out other associated duties as assigned by administration.

Additional Working Conditions:

• Occasional exposure to blood, bodily fluid and tissue.
• With reimbursement, may be required to use personal vehicle to perform job related functions.