Early Childhood Support Specialist

Position Title: Early Childhood Support Specialist

Job Description

Job Description: Description

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY

The Early Childhood Support Specialist strengthens the daily operation of Alcuin School's Early Childhood programs through reliable classroom coverage and disciplined program support. Reporting to the Director of Early Childhood, the position serves as a qualified substitute teacher in Toddler and Primary classrooms and maintains the records, calendars, and follow-up systems that support Toddler licensing, Montessori recognition, accreditation, and Early Childhood operations.

JOB SCOPE

This is a full-time, 10-month, non-supervisory position supporting approximately 239 Early Childhood students, including 57 Toddler students and 182 Primary students, with an anticipated addition of 20 students during the school year. Weekly priorities shift based on classroom coverage, student needs, recordkeeping deadlines, licensing requirements, and Early Childhood program activities.

The Director of Early Childhood remains the designated child-care center director and retains responsibility for program decisions, employee supervision, policy interpretation, and regulatory compliance. This position does not supervise employees, direct the work of Guides or Assistants, or independently commit the School to a regulatory response.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Early Childhood Classroom Support

• Provide planned and short notice substitute coverage in Toddler, Primary and MPC/ASE classrooms as assigned by the Director of Early Childhood.
• Follow the classroom Guide's plans, routines, Montessori practices, and established expectations so students experience continuity, consistency, and a well-prepared environment.
• Maintain active supervision, required staff-to-child ratios, attendance accountability, health and safety practices, and positive guidance throughout classroom activities, transitions, meals, rest, arrival, dismissal, and outdoor time.
• Present or support developmentally appropriate Montessori activities within the employee's training and assigned responsibilities; seek direction before modifying classroom plans or established practices.
• Observe students carefully, document relevant information, and communicate classroom events, injuries, behavioral concerns, or family questions promptly through established reporting channels.
• Build respectful, professional relationships with children, families, Guides, Assistants, and colleagues while maintaining appropriate confidentiality and role boundaries.
• Help prepare, restore, and maintain orderly classroom environments and shared materials before, during, and after coverage assignments.

Records, Licensing, Recognition, and Accreditation Support

• Maintain organized, accurate, and current files for Early Childhood departments, Toddler licensing, Montessori recognition, and school accreditation, including required staff, child, training, health and safety, and operational records.
• Follow up with parents and guardians to obtain missing or updated student health forms and route questions requiring clinical or administrative judgment to the appropriate school contact.
• Prepare professional development certificates and maintain supporting training documentation for licensing, recognition, accreditation, and school records.
• Track recurring compliance deadlines, required postings, permits, certifications, training, drills, inspections, renewals, and follow-up items; notify the Director of Early Childhood of upcoming requirements and unresolved concerns.
• Review routine records for completeness and consistency, identify gaps or potential deficiencies, and promptly elevate them to the Director of Early Childhood for direction and resolution.
• Prepare documentation and facilities for licensing visits, assist during inspections as directed, and maintain records of findings, corrective actions, and completion dates.
• Monitor updates to Texas HHSC Child Care Regulation standards and related school procedures, summarize operational changes for the Director, and support approved implementation and staff communication.
• Support accurate staff onboarding and annual compliance processes by collecting required documents and coordinating with Human Resources and program leadership.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality and records security when handling student, family, employee, medical, background-check, or regulatory information.
• Provide administrative support for Toddler program safety and compliance systems without independently setting policy, directing employees, or representing the School as its designated child-care center director.

Early Childhood Program Support

• Supervise the Toddler gate during assigned carpool periods and follow established arrival, dismissal, security, and student-release procedures.
• Assist with planning, logistics, and ordering for Parent Education programs, staff events, and speech-language programming.
• Support Early Childhood purchasing throughout the school year, including maintaining and processing approved Amazon wish lists and routing requests for authorization.
• Support substitute orientation by preparing materials, reviewing established classroom and operational procedures, and directing policy or performance questions to the Director of Early Childhood.

Program Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with the Director of Early Childhood to prioritize classroom coverage and licensing work when needs compete.
• Coordinate documentation and process support with Human Resources, Health Services, Facilities, and other departments while keeping program decisions with the Director.
• Participate in required training, faculty meetings, emergency drills, and professional learning scheduled during regular working hours.
• Contribute accurate information and practical recommendations that strengthen consistent practices across Toddler and Primary programs.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide limited clerical or program support related to Early Childhood operations when classroom coverage and licensing priorities permit.
• Perform other closely related duties assigned by the Director of Early Childhood that are consistent with the purpose and level of the position.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Required:

• Ability to provide documents verifying authorization to work in the U.S.
• Must pass Criminal Background Checks and Drug Testing
• High school diploma or equivalent
• AMI Assistants to Infancy diploma
• At least three years of successful Montessori classroom experience.
• Experience maintaining child-care licensing documentation and the ability to learn, interpret, track, and apply current Texas HHSC Child Care Regulation requirements and Alcuin policies under the direction of the Director of Early Childhood.
• Working knowledge of Montessori theory and practice for children from approximately 18 months through age three.
• Current pediatric first aid and CPR certification, or ability to obtain required certification before working independently with children, and satisfactory completion and maintenance of all background checks, training, and other qualifications required by Alcuin and applicable child-care regulations.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Basic proficiency with Canva and the ability to create or update simple certificates, signs, and event materials.

Preferred:

• AMI Primary diploma in addition to the required AMI Assistants to Infancy diploma.
• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child development, education, or a related field.
• At least three years of successful Toddler classroom experience.
• Experience in an independent school or an AMI-recognized Montessori program.
• Experience preparing for Texas child-care licensing inspections or maintaining corrective-action documentation.
• Experience in administration.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

None. The position may support consistent implementation of established licensing and classroom procedures but does not assign work, evaluate performance, approve leave, discipline employees, or exercise delegated supervisory authority over Guides, Assistants, substitutes, or other employees.

INTERNAL CONTACTS

• Director of Early Childhood; Toddler and Primary Guides and Assistants; Early Childhood substitutes.
• Human Resources, Health Services, Facilities, Admissions, and other school departments involved in records, safety, staffing, or student services.

EXTERNAL CONTACTS

• Texas HHSC Child Care Regulation representatives, Montessori recognition and accreditation contacts, training providers, service vendors, and other external parties, as authorized by the Director of Early Childhood.
• Parents and guardians in connection with assigned classroom responsibilities and within established communication protocols.

EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY USED

• Standard office and classroom equipment, Montessori classroom materials, Microsoft Office, Canva, and school-approved communication, student information, purchasing, and electronic recordkeeping systems.

JOB AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Works on campus during Alcuin's regular school-day hours in classroom, office, and indoor and outdoor school environments.
• Must be available to move between planned licensing work and classroom coverage, including short-notice substitute assignments during the regular workday.
• Accurately records all hours worked and follows Alcuin procedures for schedule changes and advance approval of overtime; overtime is compensated in accordance with applicable law.

ABOUT ALCUIN SCHOOL

Alcuin School, one of the largest accredited Montessori schools in the U.S., along with the International Baccalaureate Middle Years and Diploma Programs, provides an ideal learning environment that guides and nurtures the full development of the child from 18 months to 18 years of age. Alcuin School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including color, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category. We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees, and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond.