Early Head Start Specialist

Community Action Agency of Oklahoma City & OK/CN Counties, Inc.; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Action Agency of Oklahoma City & OK/CN Counties, Inc. seeks an EHS Specialist to lead program content areas and support day-to-day operations with a focus on teamwork and high standards.

You will collaborate with the Head Start leadership and center staff to implement EHS content areas and ensure a culture of mutual respect. Your role includes training staff, maintaining staffing stability in classrooms, and aligning with federal/state regulations and performance standards to deliver

Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills are required to monitor program data and systems.
• Demonstration of good judgment and the ability to act as a problem-solver.
• Coordinate between management, staff, and families effectively.

Responsibilities

• Assist with training Early Head Start staff in formal and informal settings.
• Ensure appropriate staffing in classrooms by collaborating with the management team to maintain operational stability.
• Work closely with the MH/Disabilities Specialist regarding children with special needs and IFSPs.
• Work closely with Health Education Specialist and Head Start Director to ensure compliance with regulations and standards.
• Review Early Head Start family records for accuracy and privacy, maintaining accountability for data privacy.

Skills

Analytical skills

Judgment

Coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, or Child Development

Job description

Job Summary

The Early Head Start (EHS) Specialist serves as a key Leader and Partner, working closely with the Head Start Director, Center Directors, and staff. You will facilitate the implementation of all EHS content areas and provide Service-oriented support for day-to-day operations, ensuring a culture of teamwork, high expectations, and mutual respect.

Duties and Responsibilities

Partners

• Assist with training Early Head Start staff in formal and informal settings, acting as a support and ally to foster professional growth.
• Ensure appropriate staffing in classrooms by collaborating with the management team to build strong connections and maintain operational stability.
• Work closely with the MH/Disabilities Specialist regarding children with special needs and IFSPs, practicing no judgment and active listening to ensure inclusive classroom implementation.
• Work closely with the Health Education Specialist and Head Start Director to ensure Federal and State regulations and performance standards are met.
• Value all stakeholders by providing input to the Head Start Director regarding classroom functioning and management needs to build a better service environment.

Integrity

• Review Early Head Start family records for accuracy and appropriateness, maintaining accountability for data privacy and program standards.
• Monitor child health records for program compliance and needed follow-up; take responsibility for ensuring no child falls behind on health requirements.
• Maintain required files and appropriate storage of documents according to applicable guidelines, ensuring trust and consistency in record-keeping.
• Accountable for the successful completion of FBI/OSBI background checks and adherence to all safety protocols.
• Fair and honest preparation of correspondence and statistical data reports to the Head Start Director to ensure transparent reporting.

Exceptional Service

• Assist in all Early Head Start content areas to facilitate and ensure a high-quality program that consistently Exceeds Expectations.
• Monitor Early Head Start program needs and requisition of supplies, proactively managing resources to ensure classrooms are always equipped for excellence.
• Attend and participate in training (pre-service, in-service, and out-of-agency) with a curious mindset to bring best-in-class knowledge back to the agency.

Innovators

• Develop and maintain systems for monitoring relevant aspects of the EHS program, staying Responsive to new data and Executing Change when quality improvements are needed.
• Data entry and processing of end-of-month data, utilizing Research and precision to ensure the management team has the most current information for decision-making.

Technology

• Must be proficient in technology, both software and hardware. This includes utilizing ChildPlus, KidKare, and Online LAP.

Other

• Performs other Head Start/Early Head Start duties required to accomplish the Head Start/Early Head Start mission.
• This position requires frequent travel to off-site locations.

Working Conditions

The environment is varied to include the Head Start Support office, Head Start Centers, and various Community Resources. Must be mobile and agile to perform required tasks such as lifting up to forty-five (45) pounds, reaching above the head and below the knee, or positioning the body to be on the child's level and floor level. Must be able to bend, stop, kneel, crouch, and run or walk hurriedly for a child's safety.

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, or Child Development or equivalent Early Head Start experience.
• Prior experience working in an Early Head Start program.
• Experience in directing staff and making critical decisions regarding service delivery.
• Experience working directly with both children and parents to build community connections.
• Strong analytical skills are required to monitor program data and systems.
• Demonstration of good judgment and the ability to act as a problem-solver.
• Coordinate between management, staff, and families effectively.
• Must possess a current Oklahoma driver's license, have reliable transportation, and provide current insurance verification in the employee's name.
• Must maintain health status and undergo a work physical.
• Strict adherence to health and safety protocols as directed by ACF/OHS, HSPS, and company policy.
• Follow all regulatory requirements and maintain high standards of performance.