Early Childhood Specialist

Blue Ridge Community Action; Lenoir (NC); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Ridge Community Action seeks an Early Childhood Specialist III to lead classrooms, ensure compliance with licensing and Head Start standards, and support staff development. You will plan curricula, supervise staff, and maintain required documentation.

The role emphasizes family engagement, data entry, and collaboration with teams to promote school readiness and program quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• 1 year verifiable day care experience with children birth to 5 years.
• Must meet North Carolina licensing and Head Start requirements; TB test and background check.
• CPR and First Aid certification within required timeframe.
• Ability to work as part of a team; maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement age-appropriate curriculum and activities.
• Lead daily classroom operations, including routines and supervision of children.
• Ensure compliance with NC licensing, Head Start, NC Pre-K, CACFP, and agency policies.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized classroom environment.
• Supervise, support, and mentor classroom staff.
• Maintain accurate attendance and document absences; data entry.
• Observe, document, and assess children’s development, behavior, and health concerns.
• Develop and follow lesson plans aligned with program standards; support IEP/IFSP requirements.
• Communicate regularly and professionally with families; conduct home visits and referrals.
• Support family engagement activities and program requirements; monitor attendance and follow up on concerns.
• Maintain confidentiality of child and family information; meet deadlines.
• May be assigned to assist other classrooms to maintain ratios and operations.

Skills

Early childhood

Licensing knowhow

Head Start standards

Classroom operations

Staff supervision

Documentation skills

Family communication

Family engagement

Program data entry

Professionalism

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's/Associate in ECE

Job description

Position Summary

The Early Childhood Specialist III provides leadership within the classroom and is responsible for planning, implementing, and maintaining a high-quality learning environment for children. Leads classroom operations, ensures compliance with program standards, and supports the development of classroom staff.

Essential Duties / Responsibilities

• 1. Plan and implement age-appropriate curriculum and classroom activities
• 2. Lead daily classroom operations, including routines, transitions, and supervision of children
• 3. Ensure compliance with NC licensing, Head Start Performance Standards, NC Pre-K, CACFP, and agency policies
• 4. Maintain a safe, clean, and organized classroom environment
• 5. Supervise, support, and mentor classroom staff
• 6. Maintain accurate attendance and document absences
• 7. Observe, document, and assess children’s development, behavior, and health concerns
• 8. Complete required documentation and data entry in ChildPlus (or assigned system)
• 9. Conduct screenings and ongoing assessments as required
• 10. Develop and follow lesson plans aligned with program standards
• 11. Support children’s individual learning needs, including IEP/IFSP requirements
• 12. Conduct home visits and provide referrals based on family needs as assigned
• 13. Communicate regularly and professionally with families
• 14. Support family engagement activities and program requirements
• 15. Monitor attendance and follow up on attendance concerns
• 16. Maintain accurate records and submit required documentation on time
• 17. Meet or exceed CLASS performance standards
• 18. Support onboarding and training of new staff
• 19. Participate in required trainings and professional development
• 20. Maintain confidentiality of child and family information
• 21. May be assigned to assist or temporarily fill in within other classrooms, age groups, or centers as needed to maintain ratios, supervision, and program operations
• 22. Perform other related duties as assigned

Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrates strong knowledge of early childhood development and classroom practices
• Demonstrates understanding of NC child care licensing requirements and Head Start Performance Standards
• Leads classroom operations, curriculum implementation, and daily activities
• Supervises and supports classroom staff
• Maintains accurate documentation, assessments, and compliance requirements
• Communicates effectively with children, families, and staff
• Supports children’s development, learning, and school readiness goals
• Maintains a safe, structured, and high-quality classroom environment
• Manages classroom routines and multiple priorities effectively
• Uses sound judgment and demonstrates professionalism
• Demonstrates strong computer and data entry skills, including program systems

Certificates / Licenses

• Must meet North Carolina child care and Head Start licensing requirements for assigned position, including required TB test, physical examination, NC qualifying letter, and applicable documentation
• CPR and First Aid certification required or obtained within the required timeframe

Education

• Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education, Birth-Kindergarten, or related field

Experience

• One (1) year verifiable day care experience with children, birth to 5 years old.

Other Requirements

• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to interact professionally with children, families, staff, and external partners
• Must pass a criminal background check and substance abuse screening
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of child and family information
• Ability to lead classroom staff and support team development
• Ability to stay organized and meet deadlines
• Dependable and consistent
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. Blue Ridge Community Action, Inc. is an at-will employer. Either the employee or BRCA may terminate employment at any time, with or without cause or notice.