Early Childhood Teaching and Learning Specialist

Early Childhood Teaching And Learning Specialist

The Early Childhood Teaching & Learning Specialist serves as an instructional leader responsible for improving teaching practices, strengthening instructional quality, supporting school readiness, and increasing positive child outcomes across Head Start, Preschool for All (PFA), and Preschool for All Expansion (PFAE) classrooms. The specialist provides coaching, modeling, professional development, classroom support, data analysis, and instructional leadership to ensure high-quality learning experiences for all children.

The specialist works alongside staff and students to ensure developmentally appropriate, engaging, language-rich, and high-quality learning experiences that support school readiness and positive child outcomes.

Essential Duties & Tasks

• Instructional Coaching & Professional Learning
• Classroom Modeling & Student Support
• Curriculum Implementation
• School Readiness Leadership
• Child Outcomes & Data Analysis
• Language Literacy & Mathematics Expectations
• Class Improvement & Quality Initiatives
• Pyramid Model & Social-Emotional Learning
• Inclusion & Disabilities Support
• Multilingual Learner Support
• Family Engagement
• Continuous Quality Improvement

Knowledge & Skills

Extensive knowledge of Early Childhood Education and child development. Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and ISBE PFA/PFAE requirements. Knowledge of curriculum implementation and assessment practices. Knowledge of CLASS, ECERS-3, Practice-Based Coaching, and Pyramid Model. Ability to model effective instructional practices. Strong coaching and facilitation skills. Ability to analyze data and support instructional decision-making. Strong communication and collaboration skills. Ability to build trusting relationships with staff, families, and community partners.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not directly supervise staff; however, the Early Childhood Teaching & Learning Specialist provides coaching, training, mentoring, and instructional leadership to teachers, paraprofessionals, and classroom teams.

Success Measures

The Early Childhood Teaching & Learning Specialist will contribute to increased school readiness outcomes, improved instructional quality, improved CLASS scores, improved ECERS outcomes, increased teacher effectiveness and confidence, increased student engagement and participation, improved child outcome data, increased implementation of curriculum with fidelity, increased family engagement, successful implementation of professional learning initiatives, and compliance with Head Start and ISBE requirements.

Core Beliefs

Every child can learn, grow, and succeed. High-quality teaching changes lives. Relationships are the foundation of learning. Every interaction is an opportunity to support growth. Children thrive when educators continuously improve their practice. Family partnerships strengthen student success. School readiness begins with intentional teaching and meaningful relationships.

Additional Expectations

Maintain active supervision when supporting classrooms. Travel between sites and partner districts as needed. Attend required meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities. Support classrooms directly when needed. Work alongside students, teachers, and families to promote success. Maintain confidentiality and professionalism. Perform all other duties as assigned.

Primary Goal

To improve instructional effectiveness, school readiness outcomes, teacher capacity, and student achievement through coaching, modeling, collaboration, and continuous improvement practices.

Priority Areas

Instructional Excellence, School Readiness, Curriculum & Assessment, Classroom Coaching, Professional Learning, Child Outcomes & Data Analysis, CLASS Improvement, Pyramid Model Implementation, Language & Literacy Development, Family Engagement, Inclusion & Disabilities Support, Multilingual Learner Support, Continuous Quality Improvement

Position Motto

"Empowering Educators. Inspiring Learners. Building Bright Futures."

Minimum Qualifications

Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, Child Development, Special Education, or a related field. Professional Educator License (PEL) with Early Childhood Endorsement preferred. Minimum of five (5) years of successful Early Childhood teaching experience. Experience working in Head Start, Preschool for All, Preschool for All Expansion, or Early Childhood Special Education preferred. Demonstrated expertise in curriculum, assessment, child development, instructional practices, and coaching. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

CLASS Reliable Certification. ECERS-3 experience. Pyramid Model Training. Practice-Based Coaching Training. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred. Experience facilitating professional development. Experience supporting multilingual learners. Experience with MTSS implementation.