Education Specialist

The Education Specialist is charged with promoting the school readiness of children by implementing and evaluating the educational curriculum and providing technical assistance and training to the teaching staff that supports high-quality early education. The Education Specialist acts as a mentor/coach providing guidance on curriculum, classroom management and child development techniques that promotes children's cognitive, language, and social and emotional growth for later success in school. The Education Specialist ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local educational regulations governing childcare, Head Start, Early Head Start, Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) and School Readiness funded programs as well as ensure the implementation of all accreditation standards and agency policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Coaching and Mentoring

Purpose: Provide technical assistance, training and mentoring to teaching staff to enhance teaching strategies and classroom management.

1. Provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and technical assistance to teaching staff to strengthen instructional practices and classroom management.

2. Conduct regular classroom observations (e.g., Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) observations, Environment Rating Scale assessments, etc.) and facilitate reflective feedback and improvement planning.

3. Identify training needs and coordinate professional development to ensure staff competency and continuous quality improvement.

4. Support staff in meeting credentialing and professional development requirements in accordance with regulations.

Curriculum Development and Implementation

Purpose: Develop and oversee the educational curriculum, ensuring it aligns with program standards and effectively promotes child development.

• Ensure implementation and fidelity of research-based curriculum aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework and Florida Early Learning Standards.
• Support teaching staff in planning and delivering developmentally appropriate, individualized instruction for all children, including dual language learners and children with disabilities.
• Monitor lesson plans and classroom environments to ensure alignment with school readiness requirements and best practices.
• Support the implementation of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) to children with developmental disabilities.

Child Assessments

Purpose: Monitor and evaluate children’s progress using designated assessment tools and ensure educational goals are met.

1. Oversee implementation of child assessment systems (e.g., Teaching Strategies GOLD) to monitor developmental progress, school readiness outcomes and appropriateness of classroom environment.

2. Observe and provide support with children’s individualized instruction.

3. Ensure accurate and timely data entry (e.g., ChildPlus), documentation, and reporting.

4. Analyze data to inform instruction, individualization, program improvements, and strategic plan.

Program Monitoring

Purpose: Monitor classroom operations, curriculum implementation, and classroom management.

• Ensure compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, DCF licensing regulations, VPK requirements, and other applicable federal, state, and local guidelines.
• Conduct site visits, classroom observations, and monitoring activities to ensure quality service delivery.
• Complete program monitoring requirements (Health & Safety checklists, Environment Rating Scales, , CLASS, Fidelity checklists, etc.).
• Support program readiness for federal and state reviews and implement corrective action plans as needed.
• Maintain accurate records and submit required reports in a timely manner.

Family Engagement

Purpose: Collaborate with parents, caregivers, and staff to support children’s learning at home and during transition between programs.

1. Partner with families to support their role as their child’s first teacher and promote school readiness at home.

2. Collaborate with family services, disabilities, health, and other program areas to ensure comprehensive, integrated services.

3. Collaborate during internal staffing meetings or multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meetings.

4. Participate in family meetings, trainings, and community engagement activities.

Performance and Quality Improvement

Purpose: Ensure continuous program improvement through data drive practices, monitoring, and strategic action aligned with federal, state, and local standards.

• Collaborate with leadership and component coordinators to implement education services and achieve program goals.
• Support development and implementation of program plans, policies, and school readiness requirements.
• Lead continuous quality improvement efforts using data, observations, and performance outcomes.
• Promote a culture of professionalism, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Assist Centers in the absence of Management and ensure all school readiness requirements are met.

Administrative Responsibilities

Purpose: Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant documentation and reporting to support effective program operations and regulatory accountability.

• Report and document suspected child abuse and neglect, child incidents, accidents, and unusual incidents when necessary.
• Prepare and submit monthly, quarterly, and annual reports related to education services, staff performance, and child outcomes.
• Maintain documentation including observations, coaching logs, Inservice training requirements, and compliance records.
• Participate in grant planning, program evaluation, and strategic initiatives as needed.
• Utilize data management systems (Child Plus, ProCare, etc.) to run reports and aggregate School Readiness, Classroom Assessment and Child Assessment Data and compile reports.

Professional Development

• Complete and maintain annual Inservice Training Requirements.
• Attend and participate in trainings and appropriate professional development activities.
• Attend and participate in agency and/or Center meetings.
• Engage in ongoing self-assessment about job performance.

ADDITIONAL JOB RESPONSIBLITIES

• Respond appropriately to emergencies and follow health and safety protocols, including mandated reporting requirements.
• Assume Substitute Center Director role in the absence of the Center Director or when needed.
• Perform First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality of children, families, and staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong knowledge of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and Florida childcare licensing regulations.
• Experience with CLASS, Teaching Strategies GOLD, and data-driven instruction.
• Ability to coach and mentor adult learners effectively.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse staff, families, and community partners.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to sit, stand, bend, kneel, and engage with children at their level.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to travel locally between program sites as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Education

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field with equivalent coursework in early childhood education, in compliance with 45 CFR §1302.91(d).

Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in early childhood education.
• At least two (2) years in a supervisory, coaching, or mentoring role preferred.
• Experience in Head Start/Early Head Start or other federally funded programs strongly preferred.

Credentials & Requirements

• Florida DCF Child Care and Education Program Director Credential with VPK Endorsement (or ability to obtain).
• Completion of required DCF training and VPK coursework (or ability to obtain within 90 days).
• CLASS Certification (or ability to obtain).
• Pediatric First Aid/CPR certification (or ability to obtain within 90 days).
• Successful completion of Level II Background Screening.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish or other languages) preferred.

Pay: $49,000.00 - $51,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person