Education Specialist

Educational Specialist Job Overview: Under the direction of the Center Support Specialist and Education Manager, manage the Head Start education services in the center. Ensure services are comprehensive, culturally relevant, and developmentally appropriate, fostering opportunities for each child’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth. Support teachers in supporting parents as the child’s first teacher. Key Areas of Responsibility Manage all aspects of the education services in the center in accordance with the Head Start Act, Head Start Performance Standards, developmentally appropriate practices, early childhood education best practices, and the CDLF School Readiness Plan. Stay current on the early childhood education field of knowledge, including assessments and screening instruments. Provide ongoing training, mentoring, and technical expertise to teachers, teacher assistants, and center aides. Create in-service training plans based on the needs of the children and teachers. Work with the Center Support Specialist and human resources to ensure education personnel meet Head Start credentialing requirements. Complete staff development plans with all teaching staff and update them on a quarterly basis. Conduct annual performance evaluations of teaching staff. Review lesson plans weekly, ensuring activities are developmentally appropriate; meet individualization requirements; are in accordance with the CDLF School Readiness Plan; and include a variety of nutrition, health, and safety activities. Work with developmental specialists to ensure all children are properly screened and that screenings are documented and appropriately followed up on in a timely manner. Conduct, aggregate, and analyze the data from four assessments each season. Present assessment results at parent meetings. Work with the developmental specialist to ensure that IEP/IFSP/RTI and Behavior Plan goals are embedded within the classroom curriculum. Ensure each child’s paper and electronic files are accurate, complete, and up to date. Attend case reviews as needed. Participate with the center team in coordinating child transitions. Ensure teachers complete the Health and Safety checklist daily. Manage all classroom and education resource inventories. Maintain an ongoing flow of information between teaching staff and support staff, to include facilitating teacher meetings and attending center and agency meetings as required. Ensure home visits and parent/teacher conferences occur as per Head Start performance standards. Submit an education report monthly or as directed. Assume the Center Support Specialist responsibilities in the event of his/her absence. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education/Child Development or a related field. Emphasis or experience in special education, social work, or psychology. Three years of management and/or group process experience. Bilingual in English and Spanish (Preferred). Physical ability to sit or stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 lbs., and perform actions associated with caring for young children and infants. Benefits Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits to support health and financial well‑being. Professional growth opportunities with continuous training, certifications, and clear career development. Supportive mentorship and a respectful workplace that values balance and healthy boundaries. Focus on wellness, inclusion, and a culture that prioritizes shared belonging. #J-18808-Ljbffr United Green Mark