Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program Support Specialist

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 has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students - student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

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.

In alignment with the Office of Early Childhood Education (OECE) vision for instructional quality, this role works collaboratively with OECE leadership, Professional Learning teams, the Early Childhood Education Program Support Specialist, and community-based organization partners to strengthen instructional practice, promote equitable and inclusive learning environments, and support continuous improvement efforts. This role provides site-based and system-level support to teachers, instructional staff, and agency leadership, ensuring alignment with state requirements, district initiatives, and OECE guidance This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

The CBO ECE Program Support Specialist will be held accountable for the following 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
Communicate 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

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the ECE Program Support Specialist must possess the following 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 is preferred
Experience Required:
Minimum of five (5) years of early childhood teaching experience required
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: Your Care, Your Choice
CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:

Medical Plan Options
Pharmacy
Dental
Vision
Behavioral Health & EAP
Employee Wellness Program
Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:
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: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life
CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:
Paid Leave
Sick Leave
Vacation Days
Parental Leaves
Short-Term Disability
Religious Holidays
Leaves

Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.

Conditions of Employment
As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:
Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.me positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.