Education Specialist (External Partners)

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Position Summary

This role will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the education curriculum and assisting with the diverse learner’s referral process. This position will also be responsible for providing training, technical assistance, and support staff across assigned Community Partner sites, as needed. 

Education & Certification Requirements

Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or related field and a minimum of 5 years of direct teaching experience.

Experience & Training Requirements

•  Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
•  Must be a fast learner and good at following very detailed instructions.
•  Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment. 
•  Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with others. 
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.
• Must be able to travel to multiple schools in diverse communities.

Desired Outcomes

Provide regular support and assistance to Partners to achieve the following goals:

• Teachers will use outcome data and tailor the curriculum according to children’s individual needs.
• Families will receive services and support during the referral process.
• Children with suspected and identified disabilities will receive services in the least restrictive environment.
• Children’s records will be complete, accurate and up to date in the electronic tracking system (COPA).

Essential Job Requirements & Duties

• Visit schools regularly to support teachers in the implementation of the education curriculum.
• Monitor education files at the sites and utilize the computerized tracking system to ensure accurate record-keeping and compliance.
• Monitor education services to ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards.
• Ensure timely tracking and follow-up with findings.
• Assist staff and parents with the diverse learner evaluation and referral process.
• Support staff in the coordination of diverse learner services and interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Assess classroom equipment and materials regularly. 
• Assist sites with completing annual self-assessments.
• Provide training and technical assistance to assigned Community Partner sites, as needed.
• Assess program quality and make recommendations for program improvements to ensure compliance with funding requirements and quality programming for children.
• Represent Chicago Commons at applicable meetings and maintains a liaison with the community, neighborhood institutions, and other relevant organizations. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to speak and read English proficiently. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. 

Employment Conditions:
This job description is to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee’s ability to perform the duties as described. This job description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned as deemed appropriate commensurate to the position. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and Chicago Commons reserves the right to change this job description and /or assign tasks deemed appropriate.

Working Conditions: 

(The unavoidable, externally imposed conditions under which the work must be performed, and which create hardship for the incumbent including the frequency and duration of occurrence of physical demands, environmental conditions, demands on one’s senses and mental demands.) None

To learn more about Chicago Commons' benefits package, please click HERE.