Education Coordinator

SOUTHERN MARYLAND TRI-COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION COMMITTEE INC; White Plains (MD); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

SOUTHERN MARYLAND TRI-COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION COMMITTEE INC is seeking an Education Coordinator in White Plains, Maryland. The role involves overseeing educational programs and ensuring compliance with state and federal standards, along with developing and delivering training to staff and parents.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, coupled with substantial experience in preschool teaching and special education. Effective communication and organizational skills are crucial for success in this position.

Qualifications

• 4 years of preschool teaching experience.
• 2 years in Mental Health Services or Special Education.
• CLASS Certification within six months.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with Education and Early Childhood Development Performance Standards.
• Develop training plans for teachers and assistants.
• Supervise teachers and teacher assistants.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Child development knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Outlook

Job description

Job Description Summary

The Education Coordinator reports directly to the Director of Educational Services. The Education Coordinator serves as a site coordinator for all Early Head Start or Head Start Centers and partnership sites. Work requires extensive development, training, and evaluation of staff and parents regarding educational programs and curriculum, including students with special needs and behavioral plans; capacity to aid teachers in implementing and adapting curricula to the group. Assess individual needs of children in centers and develop, revise, implement, and monitor written component plans.

Position Requirements Summary

Education & Experience

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field.
• Experience:
  • 4 years preschool teaching experience.
  • 2 years of experience in the Mental Health Service or Special Education field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in personnel management.
• Working experience and knowledge in Head Start and Early Head Start, and non-profit setting.
• Demonstrated successful record in managing services and programs, achieving program deliverables, outcomes, and compliance.
• Experience in program implementation.
• Ability to interpret and train others regarding federal and state regulations.
• Ability to develop, coordinate, and follow through on projects.
• Strong and excellent writing skills.
• CLASS Certification.

Technical Skills

• Good math and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, or other software applications for data retrieval, spreadsheet creation, and reporting.

Professional Standards

• Always maintain confidentiality.

Communication Skills

Ability to communicate effectively, appropriately, and professionally in both written and verbal formats with coworkers, supervisors, customers, and vendors.

Responsibilities And Duties

Ensure compliance with all Education and Early Childhood Development Performance Standards, including the Blueprint for Maryland requirements and Maryland Department of Education licensing.

• Thoroughly review the Head Start Performance Standards relating to the education and early childhood development work plan.
• Develop goals, objectives, and strategies to ensure the standards are implemented.
• Coordinate State Accreditation of all classrooms; provide orientation for the State Self‑Assessment, technical assistance to classroom staff, submit the final accreditation package and program improvement plan to the Maryland State Department of Education, attend state and center accreditation meetings, and lead the process to obtain higher level MD Excels for each center.
• Provide component orientation and training to staff and parents; attend center parent committee meetings to provide orientation on the education component.
• Develop training plans for teachers and teacher assistants covering: developmentally appropriate practices; curriculums, including creative curriculum; social/emotional development and behavior management techniques; assessment and individualization, including work sampling; classroom structure and lesson planning; and lead the School Readiness Leadership Team and maintain documentation and required paperwork annually.
• Monitor the effectiveness of Education and Early Childhood Development throughout the program; observe classrooms (within 30 days for new teachers, within 90 days for returning teachers), maintain documentation of classroom observations, clarify recommendations and expectations for improvement, coordinate follow‑up observations with the Director of Educational Services, develop tracking systems for monitoring EECD services, review education files for quality of Individual Child Plans, report on results and concerns, and ensure compliance with OHS Transitional Comprehensive Review (Focus Area 1 and 2).
• Coordinate with the Director of Educational Services to assure implementation of EECD services at each center; review policies and processes at central office staff meetings; participate in CAST meetings, program self‑assessment, program improvement plan, strategic plan development; submit requested monthly data and reports; monitor fiscal allocations and oversee classroom purchasing.
• Collaborate with other agencies to ensure optimal services for children; establish collaboration with early childhood specialists and Child Find and special needs services coordinators in each county school district; attend early childhood coordination meetings; sit on advisory boards as possible; develop MOUs with the school district to clarify coordination; plan and conduct three Education/Disabilities advisory meetings annually; collaborate with public school staff to facilitate smooth transition of children with special needs and their parents into the school system.
• Review and/or revise disability and mental health component plans annually and obtain approval of Policy Council; cross‑reference performance standards and work plans; conduct reviews with teachers and Policy Council.
• Ensure appropriate services and accommodations for children with IEPs or behavior concerns; observe classrooms at least twice each year; develop behavioral plans; assign special services aides; attend monthly CAST meetings; serve as a resource person for parents and staff; conduct home visits as needed; provide training and support, including ASQ screening and behavior intervention plan training.
• Coordinate referrals to mental health professionals and Child Find for diagnosis and treatment; develop and monitor contracts with mental health consultants annually; refer children as appropriate and follow‑up on referrals; ensure appropriate staff attendance at all IEP meetings; ensure children receive needed services; document changes; report disabilities and mental health referral and services data monthly; coordinate and track Brigance assessments.
• Supervise teachers and teacher assistants.
• Other duties as assigned.

Licenses or Certificates

• CLASS Certification within six months of employment; medical administration required.
• MSDE OCC Director qualification required or ability to obtain within six months.
• CPR and First Aid certification required.

Special Requirements

• State and Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal Background Check.
• National Sex Offender Public Registry Check.
• Physical examination and Tuberculin PPD Tine Test at hire and annually.
• Pre‑employment, random, and post‑accident drug and alcohol testing.

Physical Demands

• Effort Level: Moderate physical effort.
• Requirements:
  • Ability to lift preschool children or up to 50 lbs. unassisted.
  • Active participation in programs for young children.
  • Tasks include lifting children, getting up and down from the floor, engaging in lively outdoor activities, and moving furniture.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer