Head Start Education Specialist

Education Specialist

The Head Start Education Specialist provides leadership and guidance in the design, implementation, and evaluation of the education component of the Head Start program. This position ensures that all education services comply with Head Start Performance Standards, and that they meet the developmental needs of young children, with a focus on school readiness and quality teaching practices. The Education Specialist supports classroom staff, coordinates professional development opportunities, and collaborates with families to ensure a high-quality learning environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Curriculum Development and Implementation:
• Oversee the implementation of the Head Start curriculum, ensuring alignment with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework and best practices in early childhood education.
• Collaborate with teaching staff to develop lesson plans that meet the developmental needs of all children, including dual language learners and children with special needs.
• Monitor and evaluate classroom environments and teaching strategies to ensure that they are culturally responsive, developmentally appropriate, and effective in promoting school readiness.
• Teacher Support and
  
  Coaching:
• Provide on-site coaching, mentorship, and technical assistance to classroom teachers and teacher assistants to enhance their instructional practices.
• Conduct regular classroom observations using tools such as CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System) or other approved methods to assess teaching quality and provide feedback.
• Assist teachers in setting professional goals, implementing individualized improvement plans, and addressing areas for growth.
• Child Assessment and Data Management:
• Oversee the use of child assessment tools (such as Teaching Strategies GOLD) to track children's progress in cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
• Support staff in interpreting data from assessments to individualize instruction and ensure children's progress toward school readiness goals.
• Ensure timely and accurate entry of assessment data.
• Prepare reports on child outcomes and program effectiveness.
• Professional Development:
• Plan, coordinate, and deliver ongoing professional development and training sessions for teaching staff, including workshops, webinars, and in-service days.
• Stay current on research and best practices in early childhood education and use this knowledge to inform program improvements.
• Facilitate reflective practice and promote a culture of continuous improvement among staff.
• Collaboration and Family Engagement:
• Collaborate with Family Support Specialists and other Head Start staff to ensure that educational services are integrated with health, nutrition, and family support services.
• Work with families to support their role as the child's first teacher, including conducting parent workshops on child development and school readiness.
• Maintain open communication with families regarding their child's progress and educational goals.
• Program Monitoring and Compliance:
• Ensure that the education component of the program complies with Head Start Performance Standards, state licensing requirements, and other regulatory guidelines.
• Assist in preparing for federal and state monitoring reviews, and ensure that corrective actions are implemented as needed.
• Participate in the development and revision of program policies, procedures, and strategic plans.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Required:
  
  Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• Preferred:
  Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in early childhood education, with at least 2 years in a leadership, coaching, or mentoring role.
• Experience working in a Head Start or other federally funded early childhood program preferred.
• Experience with child assessment tools, including Teaching Strategies GOLD and CLASS, is highly desirable.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Strong knowledge of early childhood development, instructional strategies, and child assessment techniques.
• Familiarity with Head Start Performance Standards and PA early childhood education…