Education Specialist

Job DescriptionThe Education Coordinator is responsible for developing and executing a quality education curriculum that supports the learning goals of the center. The Education Coordinator coordinates ordering of supplies and materials to conduct the lessons and maintain a classroom that serves as the third teacher. The Education Coordinator works with the Teaching Team to ensure that they are prepared to deliver the lesson plans, that the lesson plans meet the curriculum guidelines per the program and governing agencies and receive support and coaching for skill development. S/he oversees the professional development plan for individual teachers. S/he also manages the quality improvement activities including environmental rating scales (ERS) and accreditation self-study.

This position reports to the Executive Director.

Key Responsibilities

• Understand the program’s curriculum(s), develop and ensure that the curriculum execution plan meets the learning goals of the center and supports the cognitive development of the children.
• Work with Teachers to develop lesson plans that support the curriculum(s); ensure they have access to appropriate materials and understand and can execute the curriculum as required.
• Provide coaching, support and continuous quality improvement around early childhood education and skill development.
• Review Teacher child observations and child assessments; making suggestions for improvement.
• Collaborate with Teachers to prepare means of sharing curriculum and activities with parents.
• Identify educational opportunities to further develop skills of teaching staff.
• Conduct classroom observations ensuring appropriate and effective classroom management, effective teaching skills, education policies and compliance are met and to provide coaching and support.
• Stay abreast of new developments in early learning curricula; introduce curricula improvements.
• Provide teacher, family and program support around children’s academic needs and special needs children and circumstances.
• Understand, review and provide input around a child’s IFSP/IEP needs.
• Assist classroom teaching staff with children’s IFSP/IEP goals and effective implementation strategies.
• Support classroom teaching staff with instructing and managing special needs/behavior needs children.
• Follow all center policies and state regulations.
• Maintain personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement.

Additional Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required

• Minimum of 3 years experience in high-quality STARS 3 or 4 early childhood setting, preferably Head Start/PreK Counts or School District of Philadelphia program/partner site; significant curriculum development skills and experience.
• Strong understanding of child development.
• Strong understanding of Creative Curriculum and able to quickly learn, understand and implement new curricula, as needed.
• Ability to work well with others and to foster a team environment.
• Ability to work with, support and coach staff to cultivate positive relationships and a positive work environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Experience and education around special needs/child behavior, a plus.
• Must clear full background check.
• Must pass health screening assessment and TB shot.
• Educational Requirements
• Bachelor’s Degree in early childhood education or related field of study required.
• Education in Special Needs, a plus.
• Master’s Degree preferred.

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift at least 35 pounds, ability to walk and stand for long periods of time.

Employment Type

Full-time.

Wage Range

$18.00 - $23.00.