ECE Center Specialist

This position will be based at a Head Start center in Paducah, KY.

POSITION SUMMARY:   The Early Care & Education (ECE) Center Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day operation of center-based Early Head Start (EHS) services for infants, toddlers, and pregnant mothers; and for Head Start/preschool, as assigned. Ensures continued compliance with Office of Head Start (OHS), licensing, and other regulations. Duties include supervision, monitoring, and data collection/reporting. Responsible for licensing and maintenance of the facility.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications: Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or a degree with coursework equivalent to a CDA.  Experience working with children ages birth to five. Computer expertise including word processing, email, and internet usage. Strong organizational skills, and the ability to monitor and prioritize workload and meet strict deadlines. 

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (IECE), Child Development, or a qualified related field.  In-depth knowledge of relevant federal and state regulations. Familiarity with Child Plus Data Management system. Two or more years of experience in Early Head Start or other infant/toddler program.   

Required Physical Qualifications:  The position can regularly require lifting and carrying infants and toddlers who may range in weight up to 45 pounds. The position involves standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, sitting and arising from the floor. Position also involves reaching with hands/arms and using hands to manipulate, handle, and feel objects. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Required Qualifications: Excellent verbal and written communication and human relations skills. Ability to work independently and in a team environment. Dependable, insured transportation to/from assigned work location.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

The ECE Center Specialist collaborates with staff in each service area within the Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS) program for coordinated service delivery. Specific duties reflect responsibilities based on OHS Management Systems. 

ECE SERVICES

• Collaborate with ECE staff to oversee education program for children, pregnant mothers, and families. 
• Supervise, train, and mentor Center staff.
• Collaborate with fiscal staff to monitor inventory of site materials, supplies, and equipment; recommend purchases and replacement as necessary.
• Collaborate with Health Services Coordinator to assess and maintain facilities for safe and healthy learning environments appropriate for infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
• Collaborate with Nutrition Services Coordinator to supervise meal preparation and service; collect, track, and report required nutrition services data; maintain current and accurate electronic records; and, prepare and submit timely and accurate reports required by CACFP and other local, state, and federal agencies.
• Conduct regular staff meetings.
• Maintain current and accurate records for children, classrooms, staff, and program.
• Regularly monitor classrooms, facility, and files to ensure center-based service delivery in compliance with requirements of OHS and local, state and federal regulations.
• Prepare and submit timely and accurate reports as assigned.
• Develop positive relationships with families, district partners, and community agency personnel.
• Regularly provide current information (e.g., newsletter) and resources to families and staff.
• Meet regularly with enrolled pregnant mothers and provide educational information and training on topics to promote child health and development.
• Design and monitor transition activities for children and families between programs and/or settings.
• Collaborate with Family Service Workers and/or Family Advocates to provide continuity for families.

PLANNING, POLICY, and COMMUNICATIONS:

• Regularly apprise Management of center status.
• Prepare and submit detailed reports, as assigned.
• Review program policies and procedures related to center-based services. 
• Outline center needs for annual budget planning.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and professional development activities to stay informed on priorities, raise issues, and provide feedback and recommendations.
• Supply information for self-assessments, Program Information Reports, grant applications, and program reviews, as requested.

OTHER:

• Maintain professional and ethical standards, including confidentiality related to staff, family, and agency information. Demonstrate commitment to mission, vision, and organizational values and policies.
• Improve professional skills and education to maintain knowledge of current regulations, standards, and recommendations for best practice. 
• Be present at work and available to work beyond the standard day/week, when necessary.
• Contribute as a team member in a positive and productive manner.
• Advocate for and promote Murray Head Start within the community. Actively participate in local, state, and national organizations. 
• Perform other work-related duties, as requested by supervisor.

The statements outlined in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills that may be assigned by the immediate supervisor.

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provision of the Board policy and Murray Head Start policy on Evaluation of Certified Personnel.

Offers of employment are conditional pending satisfactory results of a recent physical examination, TB skin test/assessment, criminal background check, and Murray Independent Board and Policy Council approval.

Classification:     Classified

FLSA:                 Exempt

Murray Head Start is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Salary : $37,547 - $58,910