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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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: HighScope Curriculum, Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS), and HighScope 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

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 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 and enrollment for all programs
• Demonstrate professionalism and ethical decision-making in working with others
• Support and coach teaching teams to implement the curriculum and assessment tool with fidelity
• Regularly attend Early Childhood Specialist meetings and professional development
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure accurate and timely documentation for all required activities
• Perform other duties as assigned

OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Proficiency in computer/software use including Google Suite, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Zoom
• Demonstrated experience exercising confidentiality and sound judgment in dealing with local districts, staff, students, and operations
• Ability to successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously, work independently, and maintain proactive communication with stakeholders
• Ability to deal with issues in a fair manner, treat diverse populations and personalities with dignity and respect, and act in a highly ethical manner
• Professional appearance; professional and positive attitude

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

• Must keep the affairs of Marquette-Alger RESA, CBOs (Community Based Organizations), and LEAs confidential at all times
• Must exercise confidentiality and sound judgment in dealing with families, children, administrators, and staff
• Must demonstrate excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Must effectively orchestrate multiple activities/projects simultaneously to accomplish goals and use resources effectively
• Must be organized, self-motivated and enthusiastic
• Must successfully adapt/function independently within a variety settings
• Position routinely requires regional travel in Marquette and Alger counties
• Occasional travel to other areas of the State may be required

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop and kneel.
• Frequently required to talk, hear, and communicate effectively in person and by phone/video.
• Regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate office equipment, computers, and instructional materials.
• Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms above shoulder level.
• Occasionally required to lift and/or carry materials weighing up to 25 lbs (e.g., training materials, curriculum resources, classroom supplies).
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus (e.g., reading documents, observing classroom environments).
• Work is performed in a combination of office, classroom, and community-based settings across Marquette and Alger Counties.
• Noise level varies from quiet (office setting) to moderate (active preschool classrooms).
• Regular exposure to typical early childhood environments, including contact with young children ages 3-5.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT (Continued):

• Occasional exposure to outdoor environments during classroom observations or events.
• May require work outside of standard business hours for meetings, training, or family engagement events.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Must have regular and reliable job attendance, performance, and the physical ability to do the job

REPORTS TO: Director of Early Childhood Education

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS : According to Marquette-Alger RESA MEA Collective Bargaining Agreement

Please direct any questions to [email protected]

Marquette-Alger RESA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex (including gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, or a related condition), age, height, weight, familial status, marital status, military service, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or any other legally protected basis, and prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment and retaliation, in any education program or activity that it operates, including in admission and employment. Marquette-Alger RESA’s Non-discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Non-Retaliation Policy, as well as the grievance procedure for reporting concerns or complaints, are available at maresa.org/about-us/notice-of-nondiscrimination .