Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program Support Specialist

Posting Date Mar 10, 2026 Primary Location Central-42 West Madison Street (Early Childhood Development) Job Overview Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. The Office of Early Childhood Education (OECE) works to ensure all children in Chicago have access to excellent early learning experiences that lead to future success in early grades and beyond. Job Summary Reporting to the Manager of P-2 Education, the Early Childhood Education Program Support Specialist supports the design, delivery, and implementation of professional learning, coaching, and instructional guidance for community-based early childhood programs serving children birth through age five. Responsibilities Supports the implementation of OECE’s vision for instructional quality across community-based early childhood programs serving children birth through age five. Designs, develops, and facilitates professional learning sessions and materials for CBO instructional staff and leadership, including in‑person and virtual trainings, workshops, and learning series, aligned with state requirements, district initiatives, and OECE priorities. Collaborates with OECE partners to ensure coordinated and consistent professional learning supports for CBO programs. Supports the development and dissemination of professional learning resources, instructional tools, and guidance materials tailored to the needs of community-based early childhood programs. Communicates instructional expectations, professional learning opportunities, and best practices to CBO partners in alignment with OECE leadership and Professional Learning priorities. Provides site‑based coaching, technical assistance, and instructional support to CBO teachers, instructional staff, and site leaders to strengthen classroom practice and child outcomes. Supports the implementation of developmentally appropriate, individualized, and inclusive instructional practices, including supports for dual language learners and children with disabilities. Conducts site visits to observe instructional practice, support the implementation of professional learning, and provide feedback aligned to state requirements, OECE guidance and quality frameworks. Supports CBO staff in preparation for CLASS observations and ongoing quality improvement efforts through targeted professional learning and coaching. Analyzes instructional, assessment, and quality data to inform the design, delivery, and refinement of professional learning sessions and coaching supports. Stays current on research and best practices in early childhood education, professional learning, instructional coaching, and adult learning. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications Education Required Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Master’s degree preferred. Valid teaching certificate/Professional Educator’s License (PEL) issued by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). Early Childhood or Elementary endorsement preferred. Experience Required Minimum of five (5) years of early childhood teaching experience. Experience designing and facilitating professional learning and/or providing instructional coaching for adult learners. Experience supporting curriculum, assessment, and instructional quality in early childhood settings preferred. Familiarity with community‑based early childhood programs, Head Start, or mixed‑delivery systems preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong understanding of developmentally appropriate early childhood instructional practices for children birth through age five. Ability to design and facilitate effective professional learning experiences for diverse adult learners. Ability to analyze and use instructional and assessment data to inform coaching and professional learning supports. Strong collaboration and relationship‑building skills with internal teams and external partners. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced, cross‑functional environment. Knowledge of early childhood curriculum, assessment, and quality tools (e.g., Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies GOLD, CLASS). Proficiency in the use of technology and tools, including Microsoft Office and Google Workspace. Demonstrated professionalism, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality. Benefits Health & Wellness Health coverage: Medical Plan Options, Pharmacy, Dental, Vision, Behavioral Health & EAP, Employee Wellness Program. Comprehensive coverage for employees and eligible dependents. Financial Security Basic Life Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance, Pension Plans, Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b)). Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Spot Pet Insurance. Work‑Life Balance Paid Leave, Sick Leave, Vacation Days, Parental Leaves, Short‑Term Disability, Religious Holidays, Leaves. Competitive paid time off policies support employees’ well‑being. Conditions of Employment Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency: Employees must live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment. This requirement does not apply to temporary/part‑time positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois. #J-18808-Ljbffr Chicago Public Schools