Teaching Learning Services Specialist

Smart Start of Forsyth County; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Smart Start of Forsyth County seeks a Teaching and Learning Support Services Specialist to coach early childhood educators in childcare facilities, using evidence-based practices.

The role delivers CE/T and professional development, follows IACET standards, and supports licensing, CLASS, ITERS/ECERS, and PAS to improve preschool readiness.

Qualifications

• Two to five years of verifiable experience as a director or technical assistance professional in early childhood education.
• Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education; Bachelor’s preferred in related fields.
• CLASS Observer Reliability Certificate or ability to obtain within 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Implements a coaching framework with planning, observation, practice, reflection, and feedback.
• Documents coaching interactions using standardized protocols and tools.
• Supports educators in creating positive classroom environments with high-quality interactions.
• Monitors progress on TA Plans using measurable metrics.
• Conducts observations with tools like CLASS, ITERS/ECERS, and PAS.

Skills

Coaching

Documentation

Trauma-informed practices

Effective feedback

Education

Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Teaching Strategies Gold

Outlook

Job description

The Teaching and Learning Support Services Specialist is a non-exempt position that reports to the Manager of Early Education Support Services. This position provides evidence-based technical assistance that promotes child development and pedagogical best practices through structured coaching and modeling to early childhood educators in childcare facilities.

The specialist delivers continuing education, training (CE/T), and professional development to early educators following IACET standards for quality and effectiveness. These efforts aim to increase the level of education, competence, quality, and depth of degrees and certifications in the Early Childhood Education workforce, and to enhance the quality of early learning experiences and kindergarten readiness, equitably, for children aged birth to five, including children with special needs.

The specialist supports and administers the lending library that offers a variety of materials to support child care providers with young children’s learning and development.

EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

TIES

Technical Assistance and Coaching

• Implements a systematic coaching framework using joint planning, observation, action/practice, reflection, and effective feedback to guide work with teachers and directors.
• Documents coaching interactions and progress using standardized protocols and tools.
• Supports early educators in creating positive classroom learning environments with high-quality teacher-child interactions.
• Assists early educators with age- and developmentally appropriate classroom arrangements based on research-informed practices.
• Focus on coaching around trauma-informed practices and improving participating facilities’ star levels.
• Develops, in conjunction with the teacher, Technical Assistance (TA) Plans with measurable objectives and specific timelines.
• Monitors progress and achievement of goals on Technical Assistance Plans using quantifiable metrics.
• Conducts observations using validated assessment tools, including the Classroom Assessment Scoring System™ (CLASS™).
• Assesses classrooms using the Environment Rating System scales (ITERS/ECERS), Preschool (POEMS), and Program Administration Scale (PAS).
• Provides NAEYC Accreditation support to participating facilities.

Professional Development Delivery

• Designs and conducts workshops, training, and professional development aligned with IACET standards, including: clear learning outcomes with measurable objectives; evidence-based content and methods; appropriate assessment of participant learning; and systematic evaluation of training effectiveness.
• Provides training for DCDEE credit hours on child care-related topics.
• Coordinates CEU opportunities for providers.
• Provides structured follow-up to ensure implementation of practices in the classroom and outdoor learning environment.
• Creates professional development materials that reflect adult learning principles.
• Differentiates instruction to meet the diverse needs of adult learners.

Lending Library Management

• Administers a lending library offering a variety of materials to support child care providers with young children’s learning and development.
• Provides access to child development resources and materials, including books, manipulatives, reference materials, curriculum kits, etc.
• Makes items available for check-out to educators and participants of apprenticeships.
• Guides the appropriate use of materials.
• Manages the resource room with access to laminating machine, die cuts, books, and other age-appropriate classroom materials and activity kits.

Documentation and Continuous Improvement

• Maintains comprehensive documentation of services provided (e.g., observations, assessments, training, technical assistance, plans developed, communications, visits) using standardized workflow report templates.
• Collects and analyzes data to evaluate the effectiveness of technical assistance and professional development.
• Uses evaluation data to improve future training and coaching interventions.
• Stays current on trends in early childhood education and development, early childhood special education, brain research, childcare licensing, conscious discipline, trauma-informed care, and family engagement via ongoing professional development.
• Contributes to the continuous improvement of organizational quality assurance processes.

Collaboration and Representation

• Represents Smart Start in collaborative efforts with other professionals and community stakeholders.
• Accepts ownership for accomplishing goals identified in the Smart Start of Forsyth County strategic plan.
• Participates in communities of practice to share knowledge and resources.
• Administers cash grants for providers participating in QM (Quality Maintenance) if funds permit.
• Administers non-cash grants for providers participating in QI (Quality Improvement) if funds permit.
• Administers education incentives to providers if funds permit.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Follow all SSFC policies and procedures.
• Attend required meetings and training (including some evenings and/or weekends).
• Attend and participate in SSFC-sponsored community events.
• Engages in local travel to visit childcare providers.
• Maintains proficiency in the most current NC Child Care Rules and Regulations.
• Participates in ongoing professional development to maintain current knowledge and skills.

EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Two to five years of verifiable experience as a director of a childcare center, technical assistance specialist, quality enhancement professional, classroom teacher, or other related experience in early childhood education.
• Minimum of an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education; Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Family Consumer Science, Birth to K, Child Development, or a related field.
• CLASS Observer Reliability Certificate required (or ability to obtain within 90 days of employment).
• Must have or be able to obtain NCICDP Level 11 Certification and Technical Assistance/Professional
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher), Teaching Strategies Gold, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of adult learning principles and experience delivering professional development aligned with IACET standards.
• Understanding of quality assurance processes in educational contexts.
• Familiarity with IACET standards for continuing education and training.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work is usually sedentary, and may require long periods of standing, walking, and/or bending, and some light lifting.
• Work is performed in office settings and childcare environments.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to walk, bend, stoop, stretch, squat, kneel, push, pull, and sit.
• Ability to travel to all centers and meeting/training locations.
• Ability to detect unsafe situations by sight or sound.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, and responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.