Job Title: Education Specialist
Position Summary: The Head Start Education Specialist provides leadership and guidance in the design, implementation, and evaluation of the education component of the Head Start program. This position ensures that all education services comply with Head Start Performance Standards, and that they meet the developmental needs of young children, with a focus on school readiness and quality teaching practices. The Education Specialist supports classroom staff, coordinates professional development opportunities, and collaborates with families to ensure a high-quality learning environment.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Curriculum Development and Implementation:
• Oversee the implementation of the Head Start curriculum, ensuring alignment with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework and best practices in early childhood education. • Collaborate with teaching staff to develop lesson plans that meet the developmental needs of all children, including dual language learners and children with special needs. • Monitor and evaluate classroom environments and teaching strategies to ensure that they are culturally responsive, developmentally appropriate, and effective in promoting school readiness.
Teacher Support and Coaching:
- Provide on-site coaching, mentorship, and technical assistance to classroom teachers and teacher assistants to enhance their instructional practices.
- Conduct regular classroom observations using tools such as CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System) or other approved methods to assess teaching quality and provide feedback.
- Assist teachers in setting professional goals, implementing individualized improvement plans, and addressing areas for growth.
Child Assessment and Data Management:
- Oversee the use of child assessment tools (such as Teaching Strategies GOLD) to track children’s progress in cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
- Support staff in interpreting data from assessments to individualize instruction and ensure children’s progress toward school readiness goals.
- Ensure timely and accurate entry of assessment data.
- Prepare reports on child outcomes and program effectiveness.
Professional Development:
- Plan, coordinate, and deliver ongoing professional development and training sessions for teaching staff, including workshops, webinars, and in-service days.
- Stay current on research and best practices in early childhood education and use this knowledge to inform program improvements
. • Facilitate reflective practice and promote a culture of continuous improvement among staff.
Collaboration and Family Engagement:
- Collaborate with Family Support Specialists and other Head Start staff to ensure that educational services are integrated with health, nutrition, and family support services.
- Work with families to support their role as the child’s first teacher, including conducting parent workshops on child development and school readiness.
- Maintain open communication with families regarding their child’s progress and educational goals.
Program Monitoring and Compliance:
- Ensure that the education component of the program complies with Head Start Performance Standards, state licensing requirements, and other regulatory guidelines.
- Assist in preparing for federal and state monitoring reviews and ensure that corrective actions are implemented as needed.
- Participate in the development and revision of program policies, procedures, and strategic plans.
Qualifications
Education:
- Required: Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, Child Development, or a related field.
- Preferred: Master’s degree in early childhood education or a related field.
Experience:
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in early childhood education, with at least 2 years in a leadership, coaching, or mentoring role.
- Experience working in a Head Start or other federally funded early childhood program preferred.
- Experience with child assessment tools, including Teaching Strategies GOLD and CLASS, is highly desirable.
Skills and Knowledge:
- Strong knowledge of early childhood development, instructional strategies, and child assessment techniques.
- Familiarity with Head Start Performance Standards and PA early childhood education regulations.
- Excellent coaching, mentoring, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and support staff growth.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with data management systems.
Additional Requirements:
1. Current Act 114, Act 34, Act 151 and NSOR Clearances required prior to an offer (Must be dated within 1 year of hire date).
2. School Personnel Health Record (Form H511.340) must be completed and received by Human Resources prior to hire date.
3. Ability to travel to Head Start sites for classroom observations, staff coaching, and training sessions.
Working Conditions :
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
1. Sitting for extended period of time
2. Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling 50 pounds
3. Ability to kneel, crouch, bend and reach to retrieve and handle teaching materials and supplies
4. Moving fingers and hands in a repetitive manner
5. Ability to speak clearly and distinctly when communicating with limited English-speaking customers
6. Hearing clearly
7. Adequate vision to perform duties
The information contained in this job description is for compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned. Disclaimer: The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of this position.
Reports To: Supervisor
Department: Head Start
Position Schedule: 260-day Year-Round
Salary: Act 93 Grade 13 ($44,905 non-negotiable)
Benefits : Act 93
To Apply: Create an on-line application and upload a cover letter, resume, clearances, PDE Teaching Certificate (if applicable) and transcripts at the AIU Career Site.
Please send any questions to: [email protected]
The Allegheny Intermediate Unit is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, handicap, or limited English proficiency in its educational programs, services, facilities, activities or employment practices as required by Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 504 Regulations of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1975, Section 204 Regulations of the 1984 Carl D. Perkins Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or any other applicable federal or state statute.
