Education Specialist

Make an Impact as an Education Specialist

As an Education Specialist, you will be responsible for the educational component of Head Start classrooms, including overseeing developmental screenings and the on-going assessment process, mentoring/coaching and teacher training; evaluating classroom environments, facilitating parent interactions as needed, implementation of continuity of care, assisting teachers with classroom behavior strategies and children transitioning from the program, and integration of the Office of Head Start Performance Standards for the education content area. In this position, you will provide teacher support for the completion of lesson plans, Child Assessments, Portfolios, Home Visits, Parent Conferences, Transition Folders, Field Trip Forms, etc. Additionally, you will train new teachers on the agency's guidelines for implementation of a high-quality early childhood program as outlined in the CCG teacher handbook.

Why work for ChildCareGroup?

Founded in 1901, ChildCareGroup's (CCG) mission is to champion a strong early childhood system that teaches children and parents, trains early childhood professionals, and assists families. ChildCareGroup believes that children do better as their parents do better. When families thrive, communities succeed.

ChildCareGroup offers a generous benefits package including Paid Parental Leave, (12) Company Holidays, 401(k) match, Paid Time Off, Medical, Dental, Vision and more!

Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions

• Supervises the teaching staff and assists Center Manager in hiring new staff for vacant positions.

• Provides on going mentoring and coaching for teachers at assigned centers and models effective teaching behavior through demonstration lessons in the classroom.

• Participates in the design and implementation of staff development training based on assessment data, classroom observations and Office of Head Start, NAEYC and TX Minimum Standards requirements, and best practices.

• Maintains appropriate documentation of training provided for teachers throughout the school year.

• Provides ongoing training for teachers and other Support Staff at assigned centers on Wellness Wednesdays and as scheduled throughout the school year. Also provides training and updates on applicable federal, state, local program standards, policies, and CCG guidelines that will promote program quality.

• Ensures that each staff member records and maintains required documentation for licensing and Head Start purposes and shares this documentation with the Center Managers.

• Assists teachers in preparation and completion of the requirements for CDA/CDA renewal or continuing education upon request.

• Ensures that child assessments are conducted in a timely and accurate manner. Responsible for analyzing child assessment data on a classroom and center level and using that information to inform professional development plans.

• Reviews education records and portfolios of all children in assigned centers quarterly to ensure they are current and compliant (Home Visits, Parent Conference forms, and screening results for all children). Uses this data to inform professional development plans and program policies.

• Ensures teaching staff adheres to all program timelines as outlined in the CCG Teacher Handbook and Performance Standards.

• Facilitates the CLASS observation of each classroom and uses that data to inform professional development and teacher performance reviews.

• Reviews lesson plans for compliance and best practices.

• Conducts classroom observations for monitoring and mentoring.

• Participates as an integral part of the administration team at the center.

• Maintains effective and positive collaborations with the Center Manager to ensure classroom quality and successful teacher performance and interactions with students.

• Serves in a leadership role in the absence of the Center Manager; assignments are made by the Center Manager in accordance with the Minimum Standards.

• Participates in staffing as needed to assist children experiencing challenges, serving as the early education expert.

• Attends professional development trainings and conferences for personal and professional growth at least twice per school year.

• Assists in the inventory of and requests for equipment and supplies.

• Participates in the entry and classroom placement process for children enrolled in the program.

• Shares responsibility of setting up classrooms for daily activities.

• Ensures that daily sanitation standards are maintained.

• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelors degree required in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, or Family and Human Development plus 30 hours of Early Childhood Education

• At least three years teaching in an early childhood setting required

• At least two years supervisory experience preferred

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, CLASS instrument/training and training early childhood staff/adult learners required.

Travel and Compliance

• Must have a valid Texas driver's license if applicable

• Driving record must comply with CCG's automobile insurance carrier requirements

• Must have liability insurance coverage and reliable personal transportation

• Ability to travel locally or out of town as required

• Mileage reimbursement is offered when applicable

• Must successfully meet all compliance background check requirements required for federal funding throughout employment

Physical Demands

• Work requires normal physical effort with minimal lifting requirements of items weighing 25 pounds or less

• Visual attention

• Manual dexterity/coordination

ChildCareGroup's Generous Health and Wellness Benefits

• Paid Parental Leave

• Short-Term, Long-Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance at no cost

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Telemedicine at no cost

• 401(k) with a company match

• Paid Time Off

• 12 Paid Company Holidays

• And more!

Become a part of the team that supports the education and assistance of over 50,000 lives per year in Texas!

ChildCareGroup is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.