Preschool Learning Specialist

Partnership Schools Preschool Learning Specialist Department: Academics Reports To: Director of Early Learning Location: Cleveland, Ohio – Partnership Schools Network Employment Type: Full-Time Primary Focus: Preschool Instructional Quality, Step Up To Quality (SUTQ), Professional Learning, Data Collection & Compliance Position Summary The Preschool Learning Specialist supports the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of high-quality preschool programming across Partnership Schools. This position serves as a hands‑on instructional coach, trainer, data partner, and compliance support for preschool teachers, school leaders, and the Director of Early Learning. The Learning Specialist works directly in preschool classrooms and alongside school teams to strengthen instructional practices, maintain Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) preschool licensing requirements, support Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) expectations, monitor required documentation, and ensure that systems for curriculum, assessment, professional development, and student data are consistently implemented across all Partnership Schools preschool programs. A central responsibility of this role is helping each preschool classroom move beyond basic compliance toward high-quality early childhood practice. The Learning Specialist models effective instruction, coaches teachers, analyzes classroom and student data, facilitates professional learning, conducts classroom walkthroughs and audits, and maintains systems that prepare programs for licensing and SUTQ reviews. Essential Responsibilities SUTQ & Preschool Quality Improvement Support Partnership Schools preschool programs in achieving and maintaining their targeted Step Up To Quality rating. Maintain working knowledge of current Ohio SUTQ standards, preschool licensing requirements, DCY guidance, and Partnership Schools policies. Conduct regular classroom walkthroughs and program audits using SUTQ, licensing, curriculum, assessment, and Partnership Schools expectations. Develop action plans for classrooms or programs needing additional support. Maintain SUTQ evidence, documentation, trackers, binders, electronic records, and supporting materials. Assist programs in preparing for SUTQ desk reviews, onsite verification visits, licensing inspections, and other monitoring activities. Work with the Director of Early Learning to identify areas of noncompliance or risk and establish timelines for corrective action. Monitor implementation of required quality practices throughout the year rather than only preparing immediately before a review. Support classrooms in progressing toward higher levels of quality. Teacher Coaching & Instructional Support Provide ongoing job-embedded coaching to preschool teachers and instructional assistants. Conduct classroom observations and provide specific, actionable feedback. Model developmentally appropriate instructional strategies, classroom routines, learning centers, transitions, small-group instruction, and positive behavior supports. Support teachers with lesson planning and implementation of Partnership Schools' approved preschool curriculum. Coach teachers in developmentally appropriate early literacy, mathematics, social-emotional learning, fine motor, gross motor, science, and play-based instructional practices. Support classroom organization and the development of high-quality learning environments. Assist teachers in differentiating instruction based on individual student needs. Support classroom management, behavior documentation, intervention strategies, visual supports, social stories, and other early childhood supports. Partner with teachers to establish measurable professional growth goals. Professional Development & Training Develop and facilitate preschool professional development for teachers, assistants, administrators, and other staff as appropriate. Provide training related to SUTQ expectations, Ohio preschool licensing requirements, curriculum implementation, child assessment, developmentally appropriate practice, classroom management, behavior support, learning environments, documentation, health and safety, family engagement, child development, and data use. Coordinate with the Director of Early Learning to develop an annual preschool professional learning calendar. Provide follow-up coaching after professional development to ensure new practices are implemented in classrooms. Identify trends across schools and develop targeted training based on observed needs. Data Collection, Assessment & Progress Monitoring Develop and maintain network-wide preschool data collection systems. Monitor completion of required developmental screenings and preschool assessments. Support teachers with the administration, scoring, documentation, and use of approved early childhood assessment tools. Review student assessment data with teachers and administrators to identify strengths, developmental concerns, intervention needs, and instructional priorities. Monitor assessment completion rates and data-entry accuracy. Support teachers in maintaining student portfolios, anecdotal records, observational documentation, work samples, and other required evidence. Develop network, school, classroom, and student-level data summaries for the Director of Early Learning. Assist with progress monitoring for students receiving targeted interventions. Use data to identify trends across preschool programs and recommend instructional or programmatic changes. Compliance & Documentation Support ongoing compliance with applicable Ohio preschool licensing requirements and Partnership Schools policies. Conduct routine reviews of required classroom and program documentation, including student enrollment and medical records, emergency information, permissions, attendance, incident and injury reports, behavior documentation, classroom schedules, lesson plans, staff training records, required postings, first-aid and safety documentation, emergency drills, playground and classroom safety checks, student assessment records, and SUTQ evidence. Maintain network compliance trackers and communicate missing or overdue items to appropriate staff. Conduct periodic preschool compliance audits and provide written follow-up regarding required corrections. Assist school leadership in creating corrective action plans when concerns are identified. Monitor deadlines and follow up with staff to ensure corrective actions are completed. Maintain organized records that allow documentation to be readily available during licensing or SUTQ reviews. Staff Training & Professional Records Support preschool staff in understanding required Ohio professional development and credentialing expectations. Monitor required staff training and professional development completion. Assist staff in maintaining accurate information within the Ohio Professional Registry/OCCRRA, as applicable. Monitor staff credentials, professional development records, and documentation related to SUTQ expectations. Notify the Director of Early Learning and school leadership of upcoming or missing staff requirements. Support development of individualized professional development plans when appropriate. Classroom & Program Readiness Conduct beginning-of-year, monthly, and ongoing preschool classroom readiness reviews. Support classrooms with appropriate learning centers, materials, schedules, environmental organization, and instructional resources. Help ensure classrooms remain ready for announced and unannounced state visits. Collaborate with school operations teams regarding facility, safety, equipment, furniture, and classroom needs affecting preschool compliance. Escalate urgent health, safety, supervision, ratio, or licensing concerns immediately to the Director of Early Learning and appropriate school leadership. Family & Student Support Support teachers with effective communication with preschool families regarding student development, assessment results, classroom expectations, and interventions. Assist with developmental concern documentation and referral processes when students demonstrate possible developmental delays or additional needs. Collaborate with school teams and outside providers when students may benefit from additional services. Support family education opportunities related to kindergarten readiness, literacy, child development, behavior, attendance, and developmental milestones. Collaboration & Network Support Work closely with the Director of Early Learning to implement Partnership Schools' preschool vision and priorities. Collaborate with principals, Directors of Operations, preschool teachers, instructional staff, literacy specialists, and network leadership. Participate in preschool team meetings, professional learning communities, data meetings, and individual coaching meetings. Travel regularly between Partnership Schools preschool sites. Help create consistent preschool systems and expectations across the network while recognizing the individual needs of each school community. Share trends, concerns, successes, and recommendations with the Director of Early Learning. Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a related field. Experience working in preschool or early childhood education. Strong knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for children ages 3–5. Experience supporting curriculum, assessment, instructional planning, or teacher development. Strong organizational and documentation skills. Ability to interpret requirements and translate them into practical systems for teachers and school leaders. Ability to collect, organize, analyze, and communicate student and program data. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to provide constructive feedback and build positive relationships with educators. Ability to travel between Partnership Schools locations throughout the Cleveland region. Ability to complete all background checks, training, and other requirements applicable to individuals working in Ohio preschool programs. Preferred Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, Special Education, or a related field. Current or previous Ohio teaching license or early childhood credential. Experience with Ohio Step Up To Quality. Experience with Ohio preschool licensing or early childhood program compliance. Experience using OCLQS, OCCRRA, or the Ohio Professional Registry. Experience preparing programs for licensing or SUTQ monitoring visits. Experience coaching or mentoring early childhood educators. Experience with developmental screening, child assessment, progress monitoring, and data-based instructional planning. Experience working within a multi-school or network setting. Core Competencies Instructional Leadership – Understands what high-quality preschool teaching and learning should look and sound like. Coaching Mindset – Build #J-18808-Ljbffr Partnership Schools