Position Type: Student Support-Licensed Professional Areas/Early ChildhoodDate Posted: 5/21/2024Location: Duneland School CorporationDate Available: 2024-25 Sc YrClosing Date: when filled
This position has been revised since it was initially posted in January. You must meet the minimum requirements to be considered.SUMMARY OF POSITION: The Early Childhood Coordinator will spearhead research and development efforts aimed at expanding early learning opportunities across the Duneland District and throughout Porter County. Leveraging Duneland's Birth-to-School initiative as a cornerstone, the candidate will strengthen the array of resources and partnerships to support children and families throughout the county. The ECC will strive to enlighten influential stakeholders about the significant impacts of purposeful early childhood initiatives, aiming to inspire positive changes in policies, funding allocations, and support systems. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Masters Degree in Elementary and/or early childhood (early childhood is preferred)
- Eligible to teach concurrent enrollment dual credit, as approved by Indiana Commission for Higher Education preferred
- Eligible for a work-place specialist license preferred
- Have a minimum of five years of experience, and a working knowledge of early childhood development for children ages 0 - 5 (before kindergarten), based on the Indiana Standards, National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and Division of Early Childhood (DEC) standards
- Experience in project and people management/leadership.
- Experience in action research, data collection, and analysis.
- Communicate effectively with administrators, principals, teachers, and parents/families both orally and in writing
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
- Research, Development, and Advocacy:
- Conduct research to advocate for the benefits of early childhood education.
- Develop strategies to advocate for early childhood education at local and state levels.
- Assist the Associate Director of First Things First Porter County in executing the E.A.R.L.Y. grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.
- Leadership and Coordination:
- Lead the Porter County Birth-to-School Alliance, fostering collaboration among various stakeholders.
- Coordinate opportunities for Zero to Five early childhood and pre-kindergarten programs in Porter County.
- Coordinate DSC early childhood and pre-kindergarten programs.
- Instruct and Facilitate Professional Development:
- Teach and/or Supervise Capstone Classes for high school students as part of the Early Childhood Pathway, if needed.
- Lead professional development opportunities for staff and community partners.
- Partnership and Collaboration:
- Foster collaboration among early intervention services, such as Help Me Grow, Head Start, First Steps, Parents As Teachers, and other relevant organizations.
- Facilitate regular meetings with preschools, child care centers, and DSC within the Duneland District.
- Collaborate with DSC's B2S Instructional Lead and assistants to enhance early learning activities.
- Family Support and Outreach:
- Develop a system of support for caregivers and families in Porter County.
- Create and implement outreach events and services connecting families to resources, including developmental screening.
- Plan and host events, including public awareness campaigns, educator forums, and various other events.
- Conduct regular networking sessions with area preschool and childcare providers that serve the Duneland district.
- Financial Sustainability:
- Seek financial support to expand and sustain early childhood earning opportunities, within DSC and Porter County.
- Identify potential local and private funding sources to sustain and expand DSC's Early Learning HUB program.
- Evaluation and Measurement:
- Measure and analyze the return on investment for children participating in early childhood programs.
- Work with the Porter County Birth to School Coordinator to assess program effectiveness and outcomes.
- Advocate for DSC children and families, promoting literacy and family engagement.
Perform other tasks and assume such other responsibilities as assigned by immediate supervisors and district administrators KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
- Interpersonal Skills
- Positive and motivated self-starter
- Excellent personal and professional communication skills ( writing, speaking, and listening)
- Excellent people skills and able to work with diverse school and community groups
- Professionalism in judgment, ethics, and all aspects of job performance
- Team player who enjoys motivating and involving others
Able to process, sort, and understand new information Capable at research and learning new concepts Persistent and creative problem-solver Enjoys learning and sharing information Effective time-management skills Able to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines Able to manage a variety of events Technology proficient using computers and mobile devices Can efficiently use or learn to use Google Docs, Forms, Sheets, and Slides Able to learn new software and assist families with technology SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (includes equipment, hours, physical demands) Work Environment: Typically works in a classroom and/or office setting with a controlled temperature environment. Occasional exposure to inclement weather conditions may occur depending upon assignments. Equipment: Required to maintain a working knowledge of all office equipment including personal computers and printers, audio-visual equipment, telephone systems, copiers, fax machines, etc. Hours: This position is typically expected to work 200 days. Evening or weekend meetings and/or activities will be scheduled as needed. This position may require travel to other offices, meetings, conferences and/or seminars. Physical Demands: Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, carry, push/pull, climb, bend, and stoop. Must be able to perform fine motor skills. Visual ability required to read handwritten and/or typed documents, computer screens, etc. Must be able to lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Must be able to sit for long periods. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.All applicants must have a current application through our electronic application center at www.duneland.k12.in.us The Duneland School Corporation is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity in all employment practices. Candidates will be screened, interviewed and employed based upon the successful candidate's qualifications, background, experience and needs of the Duneland School Corporation. Offers of employment are contingent upon the results of personal background Applicants selected for interviews will be contacted individually.