Early Childhood Specialist

SUMMARY

The Early Childhood Specialist (ECS) is responsible for ensuring the implementation of high-quality preschool programs and compliance of the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) and Pre‑K for All classrooms across Marquette and Alger Counties through regular, ongoing classroom support, professional development, coaching, observation, and feedback. The ECS provides program support in implementing the curriculum and assessment tool with fidelity and guides teachers and teams in decisions that impact student and family outcomes.

In addition, the ECS collaborates with other early childhood education team members to ensure quality, cohesive programming and ongoing learning opportunities for early childhood educators and service providers. The ECS uses multiple evidence‑based resources in a continuous quality improvement model that includes data collection, analysis, and goal setting.

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field
• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in Early Childhood Education
  • Demonstrated experience coaching and mentoring adult learners to support professional growth and the implementation of effective practices
• Knowledge of child development, developmentally appropriate practice, early childhood education and special education topics related to the field
• Knowledge of the State of Michigan Licensing Rules for Child Care Centers
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Proven ability to demonstrate initiative and work independently
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills

• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field
• Valid Michigan Elementary Teaching Certificate with Early Childhood Endorsement (ZS) or (ZN)
• Prior experience in a GSRP classroom and/or early childhood special education setting
• Specific professional training, experience, and/or certifications in:
  High Scope Curriculum, Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS), and High Scope Child Observation Record (COR)
• Experience with the Essential Instructional Practices in Early Literacy and Math
• Knowledge of Michigan’s Preschool Inclusion Collective Action Plan
• Demonstrated experience with and knowledge of early childhood programs overseen by Marquette‑Alger RESA, including Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), Great Start Collaborative (GSC), and Early On

• Work collaboratively with Director of Early Childhood Education, early childhood education team members, local district staff, and community partners to meet program objectives
• Maintain knowledge of GSRP implementation manual and program flexibilities
• Ensure grant compliance and promote high quality programming
• Utilize professional resources and state networks to provide ongoing technical support for programs
• Regularly collaborate with colleagues in the planning, coordinating and delivering of professional learning opportunities to promote continuous growth
• Facilitate development of meaningful ongoing program quality improvement goals and objectives with each teaching team, and the program as a whole, based on assessment data
• Provide observation, feedback, and coaching for early childhood teachers and paraprofessionals
• Create well‑developed systems of reporting and data analysis utilizing the Child Observation Record (COR) Advantage system, CLASS observations and feedback resulting in continuous learning in the classroom for teachers and children
• Utilize well developed skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening effectively to successfully communicate/collaborate with teachers, educational service providers, administrators, children, and families
• Maintain status as a certified reliable trainer and/or assessor in the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS)
• Training in GSRP (Pre‑K for All) approved curriculums:
  Montessori, High Scope, Creative Curriculum, and Reggio
• Coordinate and facilitate early childhood data analysis meetings
• Lead family participation group meetings, sharing data and strategies for transitioning to kindergarten
• Participate in coordinated RESA‑wide efforts of recruitment…