Education Specialist

Description

 The Education Specialist is responsible for leading and supporting the implementation of high-quality early childhood education services across the Head Start and Early Head Start programs. This position ensures curriculum fidelity, school readiness, effective instructional practices, teacher development, and compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards related to education services. The Education Specialist provides coaching, mentoring, technical assistance, classroom monitoring, and professional development to education staff to promote positive child outcomes and continuous program improvement

Duties and Responsibilities:

• 1. Education Leadership and Curriculum Oversight- 

    Oversees implementation and fidelity of approved curriculum models across all classrooms.

    Supports school readiness goals and child outcome initiatives program-wide.

    Assists teachers with lesson planning, individualization, classroom management, and ongoing assessments.

    Provides technical assistance regarding developmentally appropriate practices.

    Monitors classroom quality through observations, file reviews, and site visits.

   Supports implementation of CLASS-aligned teaching practices.

• 2. Coaching and Professional Development

     Provides coaching and mentoring to teaching staff.

     Develops and facilitates professional development and training activities.

     Assists staff with instructional improvement plans and corrective support strategies.

    Supports new teacher onboarding and classroom readiness.

• 3. Quality Assurance and Compliance

   Conducts classroom monitoring and follow-up activities.

   Reviews child assessment data and educational documentation for compliance and accuracy.

   Supports continuous quality improvement initiatives.

   Assists with preparation for federal reviews and monitoring.

• 4. Collaboration and Communication

   Participates in interdisciplinary staffing and management meetings.

   Collaborates with Center Directors, Family Services, Health, and Disabilities staff.

   Assists with transition planning from EHS to HS and HS to Kindergarten.

   Maintains effective communication with staff and families.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education required; Master degree preferred OR Bachelor degree in a related field with equivalent coursework in Early Childhood Education and teaching experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in early childhood education.
• Experience with curriculum implementation, coaching, and classroom assessments preferred
• Knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards.
• Experience with CLASS, school readiness, and child assessment systems preferred.
• Strong computer and documentation skills.
• Current enrollment in Texas Child Care Division Central Background Registry.
• Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification within 30 days of hire.
• Successful completion of all required background checks in accordance with Head Start Performance Standard 45 CFR §1302.90 and Texas Child Care Licensing requirements.