Education Coordinator

Education Coordinator

Under general direction, this position assists with the planning, organization and implementation of education and training programs involving staff and selected transitional programs, including family and community partnerships, enrollment and attendance, program governance, education, health, nutrition, disabilities special needs services, mental health, and family services. Promotes classroom and administrative services as outlined in federal, state, local and grantee GIMS. Works in conjunction with the Department of Social Service and Community Care Licensing to communicate educational standards used in all classrooms.

General direction and supervision are provided by the Assistant Director of Educational Services. Supervision is exercised over the Site Supervisor, Preschool Teacher, Preschool Assistant Teacher, Infant-Toddler Teacher Aide, Classroom Aide and Family Child Care Provider.

Duties and responsibilities include establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with agency staff, children, parents, and outside agencies; ensuring compliance with Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing and state and federal funding sources; providing oversight of staff and evaluating teaching effectiveness, monitoring training and certification standards/requirements to ensure compliance; assisting with the planning, directing and facilitation of the operation of Head Start Education programs including family and community partnerships, enrollment and attendance, program governance, education, health, nutrition, disabilities/mental health, and social services; supporting curriculum implementation to ensure classroom activities foster school readiness goals and objectives and meets the needs of children; supporting staff in guiding dual language learners through culturally responsive teaching strategies that promote inclusion, diversity, and equity by honoring their linguistic backgrounds and fostering an environment where all children feel valued; modeling effective teaching practices in collaboration with Mentor Coaches; participating in multi-disciplinary team meetings and assisting in the implementation of children's individual action plans; ensuring ratios are met by working with different agencies to secure substitutes; monitoring classrooms and family childcare environments to ensure health and safety and work in collaboration with facilities to make appropriate corrections; discussing monitoring outcomes with teaching staff, as appropriate, and providing on-site feedback and guidance; participating in the development and implementation of policies and procedures and recommending training based on monitoring outcomes training plan; participating as a panel interviewer for the hiring of personnel; completing and delivering written performance evaluations and developing professional development plans; reviewing and approving center requisitions; using aggregated data to support services for children and families; conducting Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) observations and developing action plans; conducting ongoing monitoring activities of early education practices to ensure program compliance with federal, state, and local contractual requirements; developing and submitting reports as needed; attending internal and external meetings and training required by program operations; and performing other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of theories and principles of child growth and development, early childhood education, and family support, Classroom Scoring Assessment System (CLASS) Head Start Performance Standards, California State Funding Terms and Conditions, Desired Results Developmental Profile, Ages and Stages Questionnaires, principles and practices of supervision and management, and curriculum implementation. Ability to demonstrate respect for individuals and groups with varied cultural, racial, ethnic, religious, and linguistic identities and backgrounds exhibit strong interpersonal oral and written communication skills.

Minimum qualifications include a baccalaureate degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field from an accredited 4-year college or university, Master's degree preferred, a current California Child Development Program Director Permit, and 6 Infant and Toddler units are required. Must obtain CLASS certification within the first year of employment. Three years of professional teaching and administrative experience in early education programs, including experience performing varied administrative assignments and teaching adults.

Health requirements include successful completion of an initial health examination, performed by or under the supervision of a physician, to determine, at a minimum, of the prospective employee can perform requirements of the job description physical requirements. Proof of the absence of Tuberculosis, from a physician to that the prospective employee is clear to work with children and families. Documentation of current immunizations against influenza, Measles (MMR) and Pertussis (TDAP).

Additional requirements include fingerprint clearances from the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Child Abuse Index prior to starting employment. Completed and signed statement of any pending and/or prior criminal arrests/charges/convictions related to child sexual abuse, child abuse and neglect, and/or violent felonies. Verification that determines eligibility for employment in the United States of America. A valid California driver's license and the availability of private transportation or the ability to obtain transportation to perform position duties are required. As a mandated reporter of child abuse, must immediately report any suspected child abuse and/or neglect to Child Protective Services. Bi-lingual in a language reflective of the population served is preferred.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met, or are encountered, by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit and climb or balance. The employee may frequently lift and/or move a minimum of 25 pounds up to 45 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Maintains confidentiality in accordance with Agency policy and legal requirements. Respects and maintains rights and privacy of all staff, parents, and children. Attends mandated trainings and meetings and seek out staff development opportunities. Works as a team member with all staff and maintain a positive work ethic. Acts conscientiously in performing routine duties. Adheres to Plaza de la Raza's Standard of Conduct which indicates that staff members are required to adhere to the following codes of conduct: 1. Respect and promote the unique identity of each child and family and refrain from stereotyping on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, or disability; 2. Follow program confidentiality policies concerning information about children, families and other staff members; 3. Maintain visual observation of children at all times and not leave any child alone or unsupervised while under their care; 4. Use positive methods of child guidance and will not engage in corporal punishment, emotional or physical abuse, or humiliation; 5. Not employ methods of discipline that involve isolations, the used of food as punishment or reward, or the denial of basic needs; 6. Not solicit or accept personal gratuities, favors or anything of significant monetary value form contractors or potential contractors; 7. Maintain respect and promote professional relationships with the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), families, staff and children; 8. Refrain from the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of alcoholic beverage, controlled substance, and tobacco products in the workplace or at any activity funded by federal or state funds; 9. Maintain adherence to LACOE, state, or federal mandates, including but not limited to program eligibility determination regulations for Early Head Start, Head Start or state preschool services; 10. Enrolling pregnant women and children that are not eligible to receive Early Head Start or Head Start services.

Plaza offers eligible employees the opportunity to select plans and programs that meet individual and family needs through our comprehensive benefit plans listed below: Health Care: Medical (Kaiser), Dental (Sunlight), Vision (Sunlight), Long Term Disability Insurance, Life Insurance, Accident, Hospital and Critical Illness Coverages. Financial: 401(k) Plan. Paid Time Off: Vacation, Holidays, Sick Leave, Bereavement Leave and Jury Duty. Work/Life Solutions: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) & Employee Assistance Service for Education (EASE).

Complete an online employment application on and submit the required documentation: 1) Resume; 2) Transcripts reflecting degree and major conferred, and 6 infant toddler units; 3) Current/valid California Child Development Program Director Permit and 4) Current/valid CLASS Certification, if applicable. Only complete application packets will be considered for the screening and selection process. Submit official transcripts prior to date of hire. Plaza de la Raza Child Development Services Inc. is an equal opportunity employer to all. Plaza de la Raza Child Development Services is committed to creating a community in which a diverse population can learn, live, and work in an atmosphere of tolerance, civility, and respect for the rights and sensibilities of each individual regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.