Early Childhood Specialist

Easterseals; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in family services seeks an Early Childhood Specialist in Atlanta to enhance the educational experience in centers. The selected candidate will implement best practices, provide resources, and foster development through training and collaboration with staff and families. This full-time position is integral to ensuring inclusive and compliant educational services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required with three years of experience in early education.
• Preferred degree in Special Education.
• Experience in inclusive early education settings.

Responsibilities

• Provides on-site consultation and support to enhance early education services.
• Models best practices in teaching and engages with parents.
• Conducts classroom observations and provides feedback.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Time management

Relationship building

Knowledge of early childhood development

Classroom management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education

Bachelor's Degree in Special Education

Tools

Proficiency with computers

Job description

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Summary
The Early Childhood Specialist actively participates in the life of the center(s), promoting best practices and innovations to support student learning and staff professional development.

Purpose Of Position
Children grow and learn more quickly during these first five years than at any other time in life. Our work supports each child's learning both at home and after transitioning to Kindergarten to lay the foundation for future success.

Under the supervision of the Director of Quality Implementation and in collaboration with Center Managers, the ECS supports assigned centers, ensuring services are developmentally appropriate and individualized, and that standards compliance is maintained. The ECS models teaching techniques, discipline, and family engagement; provides resources; and supports staff development. The role involves liaising with public schools, parents, community groups, and other agencies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Implementation

• Provides on-site consultation and support to Center Manager, Family Support Advocates, parents, and staff regarding early education services.
• Collaborates to improve teaching practices and parental engagement.
• Has strong knowledge of Creative Curriculum, CLASS, Teaching Strategies Gold, ASQ/SE, Second Step, and The Pyramid Model.
• Conducts classroom observations to support curriculum implementation, models best practices, and coaches staff.
• Sources, tracks, and maintains educational resources.
• Reviews lesson plans and education folders, providing feedback and follow-up.
• Creates and reviews documentation for Teaching Strategies Gold and ASQ screenings, ensuring timely completion and follow-up on evaluations.
• Engages parents in developmental discussions and shares observations.
• Collaborates with community organizations and participates in eligibility and tracking meetings, monitors referrals and services for children with disabilities or mental health needs.
• Assists with classroom inventories and sourcing materials.

Staff Engagement & Development

• Promotes a learning culture, reflective practice, and provides feedback for improvement.
• Participates in planning and delivering training sessions and professional development.
• Supports parent and grandparent training initiatives.

Operational Management

• Participates in meetings, completes reports, and uses data to inform decisions.
• Maintains reliability in CLASS observations and manages content updates.
• Coordinates projects with team members and community partners.
• Maintains professionalism and confidentiality.

Other Duties

Performs additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, or related field, with three years of experience in inclusive early education settings. A degree in Special Education is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Effective communication skills, time management, relationship building, knowledge of early childhood development, curriculum, and classroom management.
• Proficiency with computers and ability to travel to centers.

Physical Job Requirements

• Ability to stand, sit, walk, climb stairs, stoop, kneel, reach, push/pull, lift up to 25 pounds, and carry children.
• Good hearing, vision, and speaking abilities for communication and safety.

Essential Characteristics

Strategic, accountable, organized, customer-oriented, a good listener, learner, professional, diligent, dedicated.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Other

Industries

• Individual and Family Services