Job DetailsJob LocationSchenectady-Bigelow - Schenectady, NYPosition TypeFull TimeSalary Range$27.00 - $30.00 HourlyTravel PercentageNoneDescriptionEarly Head Start Education and Disability SpecialistSign On Bonus - $3,500As an Education and Disabilities Specialist, you are responsible for the management and supervision of the Education component of Early Head Start, serving children from birth to age three, their families, and pregnant women. You will oversee the implementation of a comprehensive child development curriculum and provide oversight and direction to education and home-based staff. You will ensure that children are provided with inclusive learning environments and opportunities to help them develop physically, socially, cognitively and emotionally, and that parents are supported in their role as the child's primary teachers. You will report to the Executive Program Director, Early Learning Center and you will work onsite. Responsibilities:
- Support and help teaching staff to strengthen and improve effective teaching practices.
- Develop written policies and procedures that provide guidance on developmentally appropriate teaching practices for the education of infants and toddlers.
- Train teaching staff on the use of Creative Curriculum and provide follow up training and support to ensure curriculum is being implemented with fidelity.
- Monitor education staff's completion of 15 hours of training annually, including topics mandated by NYS OCFS, Quality Stars New York, and the Office of Head Start.
- Assist with the development, tracking and reporting of school readiness goals that are developmentally appropriate, and compliant with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF).
- Maintain oversight of and train staff in the use of online databases, such as Teaching Strategies GOLD, ASQ, Child Plus and others to implement programming.
- Identify the training needs of the education staff and develop/implement an annual education training calendar; this includes direct presentation of some trainings.
- Coordinate timely screenings and assessments of children in the EHS program and provide follow up to families and staff.
- Work with parents and staff to facilitate referrals to the Schenectady County Early Intervention Program and the Committee for Preschool Special Education for child evaluations, and attend meetings to support parents as they advocate for their children.
- Provide oversight and work in partnership with the Schenectady County Early Intervention Program and the Committee for Preschool Special Education, therapists, and other providers to ensure that the needs of children are met.
- Help select educational and assessment materials for use in the program.
- Inventory child development supplies semiannually to ensue that classrooms have needed supplies.
- Supervise Supervising Teachers and support them in their role as supervisors. Supervise home-based staff and other staff as assigned and follow relevant agency guidelines.
- Maintain confidentiality in all matters.
- In partnership with home-based staff plan and facilitate socialization groups that provide children with age-appropriate activities that are aligned with school readiness goals, the Head Start Learning Outcomes Framework, and the home-based curriculum.
- Participate in ongoing quality assurance activities and annual Self-Assessment Review Team.
- Coordinate program and community-based activities as assigned.
- Participate in Parent Committee when requested and other Committees as assigned.
- Co-facilitate parent workshops.
- Provide management coverage at the center.
Requirements and Education:
- A Bachelor's degree and four years of experience in Early Childhood Education or related field.
- A Masters degree with two or more years experience working with infants and toddlers, knowledge of disabilities, special education and child care services preferred.
- 2 or more years of supervisory experience in an early childhood educational setting.
- Must be sensitive to the needs of low income and diverse families and have flexibility in hours available.
- Requires a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
- Must be able to lift 35 pounds.
Benefits
- Health care package: medical, dental, and vision
- Tuition reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Holiday Pay
- 401 (K) plan
- Life Insurance
- Loan repayment assistance
- Free training/CEU opportunities
About Northern RiversAt Northern Rivers Family of Services, we work together to make a difference in our client's lives. Northern Rivers empowers children, adults, and families to change their lives and build stronger communities.Northern Rivers Family of Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We hire great people from a variety of backgrounds, not because it is the right thing to do, but because it makes us stronger! All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. We cherish the unique contributions of our diverse staff and are building a culture where everyone has the opportunity to do the meaningful work.