Teaching and Learning Support Services Specialist

Smart Start of Forsyth County

Job Title: Teaching and Learning Support Services Specialist

Department: Programs

Reports To: Manager of Early Education Support Services

Direct Reports: N/A

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Effective Date: Revised – August 2026

Smart Start of Forsyth County (SSFC) was founded in 1994. For more than 30 years, Smart Start of Forsyth County has supported the infrastructure of Forsyth County’s early care and education system. Smart Start’s budget of over $11 million includes funding from the federal government, the state of North Carolina, Forsyth County, the City of Winston-Salem, and private donations and grants.

SSFC funds approximately 17 programs annually. Smart Start of Forsyth County (SSFC) has been a cornerstone of early childhood success, serving over 20,000 children and families annually. SSFC leads programs and partnerships that improve early education, strengthen families, and promote the health and well-being of young children. The organization works collaboratively with community partners to ensure every child enters school healthy and ready to learn.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Administers a lending…