Early Childhood Specialist

Eaton RESA; Charlotte (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Eaton RESA is seeking an Early Childhood Specialist to support preschool programs under the Great Start Readiness Program. The role focuses on coaching classroom staff, data collection, and program quality across Eaton County, with collaboration among colleagues and community partners.

The position is grant-funded; flexibility with evenings or summer as needed. Requires a master’s degree in ECE and 3+ years in the field, plus CPI certification or equivalent.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education required.
• Three or more years in early childhood education or related field.
• CPI certification or equivalent crisis intervention training preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with instructional staff and administrators to strengthen MTSS data collection and use for instructional decision making.
• Provide feedback to program staff to support program improvement and compliance with GSRP requirements.
• Plan and deliver early childhood professional development for teachers and paraprofessionals.

Education

Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education

Connect 4 Learning Curriculum training

CPI – Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Certification

Job description

NOTE: This position is a 0.5 FTE

SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision of the Director – Early Childhood, in coordination with the Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services, and in accordance with established policies and procedures, the Early Childhood Specialist performs a variety of tasks necessary to support educators, paraprofessionals, other educational support staff and parents for the implementation of the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP).

The Early Childhood Specialist is responsible for ensuring the implementation of high quality preschool programs and compliance of the Great Start Readiness Program across Eaton County through regular, ongoing classroom assessment, support and coaching to classroom staff. In addition, the Early Childhood Specialist works collaboratively with the Early Childhood Contact and other Early Childhood Specialists within the organization to ensure quality, cohesive programming and ongoing learning opportunities for our teaching teams. The position is grant funded by the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Great Start.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work collaboratively across assigned schools with instructional staff and administrators to build capacity for data collection, problem solving and data-driven instructional decision making processes that support implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) across core instruction, strategic and intensive intervention and assessment practices to positively impact student growth and achievement.


• Provide written and verbal feedback to program staff throughout the year to promote program improvement.


• Assist with curriculum and assessment planning and implementation.


• Facilitate the development of meaningful program quality improvement goals and objectives with each unique teaching team.


• Plan and deliver early childhood professional development and training experiences for teachers and paraprofessionals working in early childhood programs based on identified classroom needs.


• Coordinate Early Childhood data committee of GSRP teachers, parents and required community members. Develop meeting agendas, schedule and necessary materials for work of data committee.


• Serve as a liaison between the Eaton RESA, local school districts, and early childhood community stakeholders. Advocate for local Great Start Readiness Programs.


• Support GSRP program staff with ongoing, regular technical assistance to ensure grant compliance and high quality programming.


• Prepare and submit all plans, applications, reports, needs assessment and evaluation data required by funding sources, school and community agencies.


• Collaborate with Great Start to Quality Resource Center staff as it relates to the work of supporting GSRP classroom staff to comply with State guidelines.


• Participate in coordinated countywide effort to recruit and enroll children in preschool.


• Develop program evaluation schedule annually. Solicit feedback from GSRP Advisory Council.


• Use universal precautions at all times for personal health and safety.


• Complies with and monitors all GSRP and Eaton RESA State and Grant Requirements.


• Assist Early Childhood Coordinator with projects on an as needed basis.


• Other duties as assigned.

The listed tasks are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by a person in this position. This is not an exhaustive list of all job duties performed nor is it expected that all positions will be assigned every duty.

QUALIFICATIONS

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS (If Applicable):

Required

• Must have, or acquire, Reliable Assessor of the Classroom Coach, formal training in Connect 4 Learning Curriculum and screening tools.


• Obtain and maintain Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) – Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Certification
  o NOTE: Initial and/or Refresher Training provided by District as necessary

Desired

• Michigan Teacher Certification in Elementary Education with Early Childhood endorsement.

EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE:

Required

• Possession of a master’s degree in early childhood education, early childhood, or a related field.


• Three (3) or more years of experience within early childhood education, early childhood development, or a related occupation.

Desired

• One (1) or more year(s) of experience with curriculum and assessment planning and implementation.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the Early Childhood Standards of Quality for PreK (ECSQPK).


• Knowledge of GSRP requirements, policies and procedures.


• Knowledge and experience with implementing positive behavior supports, classroom management strategies, and individual student strategies e.g. communication supports, other accommodations and modifications as appropriate.


• Knowledge of child development and behavioral health.


• Skills with use of technology to implement work responsibilities.


• Ability to develop and maintain positive and effective coaching and consultative relationships with administrators, staff, parents, community partners and youth.


• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences both orally and in writing.


• Ability to maintain emotional control under stressful situations.


• Ability to exercise discretion and confidentiality in dealing with all stakeholders.


• Ability to work independently and within teams to accomplish identified goals and strategies.

PHYSICAL EFFORT & WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Sitting – possibility of long periods of time


• Standing/Walking/Bending/Stooping – some


• Lifting – involves minor lifting


• Ability to sit on the floor and get up and down from the floor

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Position may require work in the evenings or summer months as requested


• Position requires the employee to provide his/her own transportation for job related travel.


• Position requires regular and predictable attendance at the workplace.

Updated 09/28

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Eaton RESA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and transgender identify), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, genetic information, or any other legally protected category (collectively “Protected Classes”), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. In addition, arrangements can be made to ensure that the lack of English language proficiency is not a barrier to admission or participation. Civil Rights Coordinators are located at 1790 E. Packard Hwy, Charlotte, Michigan to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and grievance procedures. Telephone [phone].