Early Childhood Specialist

Early Childhood Specialist

The Early Childhood Specialist is an expert in early childhood development, effective instructional strategies, and varied developmental assessment practices. The specialist reports directly to the Early Childhood Supervisor with responsibilities to assist the Early Childhood Coordinator to plan curriculum, assessment, and professional development.

Minimum Required Qualifications

All positions require selected candidates to be fingerprinted and successfully pass a criminal background check. Additional minimum qualifications required for this position are:

1. Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or related field
2. Five years' teaching experience in early childhood education pre-k through grade 2
3. Three years' experience providing instructional coaching, academic coaching, and/or mentoring support to educators
4. Three years' experience planning curriculum, assessment, and professional development for Early Childhood instructors and paraprofessionals
5. Valid Drivers License and evidence of insurability
6. Reliable transportation to travel to various school sites
7. Speak, read, write, and present professionally, analyze, and interpret English written and verbal communications

Preferred Qualifications

These are examples of skills and experience that the best qualified candidates may have. Not having one or all of them does not disqualify any candidate from consideration.

1. Extensive knowledge of Utah Early Childhood Core Standards
2. Experience in Title I schools
3. CLASS Observer certification
4. Experience with IEPs and Special Education programs and supports
5. Experience training instructors to use and interpret T.S. Gold and PEEP assessment data
6. Spanish or other language proficiency, including ability to read, write, speak, and understand
7. Have an ESL endorsement or will obtain one within 4 years of hire

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

1. Demonstrates knowledge of Utah's Early Childhood Core Standards
2. Demonstrates excellence in early childhood teaching and learning and the ability to model effective strategies
3. Organize and manage substitute instructor and/or paraprofessional schedules and needs
4. Demonstrates specialized knowledge about early childhood developmental stages, and assists with implementing the National Association of Education of Young Children's developmentally appropriate practices
5. Ability to communicate effectively with district personnel, school administrators, and teachers
6. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build collaborative/cooperative relationships and consistently maintain composure and patience in challenging situations
7. Under the direction of the Early Childhood Supervisor, acts as a liaison/carrier for students with IEP's, monitors individual student's progress utilizing data, and participates as a member of the IEP team to provides general education input to the IEP goals
8. Works as a team member with the Early Childhood Supervisor, Early Childhood Coordinator, and Data Specialist to assess the quality and improvements needed for the dissemination of the thrice-yearly Early Childhood Developmental Assessment
9. Works with the Early Childhood Coordinator to plan curriculum and assessment, provide professional development, and to support staff with the CDA credentialing process, and to acquire classroom materials and equipment
10. Under the supervision of the Early Childhood Coordinator, works with the Early Childhood coaches to create developmentally appropriate classroom environments through professional development and mentoring
11. Completes necessary paperwork: approval of individual classroom teacher materials/supplies and assists the Early Childhood Coordinator with the professional development calendar.
12. Conducts bi-weekly staff professional development with assistance of coaches and Early Childhood coordinator
13. Work under limited supervision, utilizing time management and prioritization strategies, accurately processing detailed information and meeting deadlines
14. Work as part of a team in a collaborative environment for the purpose of fostering positive working relationships and a safe and positive learning environment; Assist other personnel as needed
15. Support a team environment by collaborating with own and other work units to effectively perform duties
16. Flexibility to handle changing work priorities
17. Participate in various meetings, and workshops to receive and convey information
18. Maintain regular and predictable attendance to fulfill job requirements efficiently and effectively
19. Communicate effectively with diverse individuals and groups of people while maintaining confidentiality and building positive working relationships with employees and stakeholders
20. Perform other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit

The Salt Lake City School District is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, and its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Human Resource Services Salt Lake City School District (slcschools.org) or call 801-578-8340.

Non-Discrimination Statement

No district employee or student shall be subjected to discrimination in employment or any district program or activity on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The district is committed to providing equal access and equal opportunity in its programs, services and employment including its policies, complaint processes, program accessibility, district facility use, accommodations and other Equal Employment Opportunity matters. The district also provides equal access to district facilities for all youth groups listed in Title 36 of the United States Code, including scouting groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries and complaints regarding unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation: Tina Hatch, Compliance and Investigations/Title IX Coordinator, 406 East 100 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111, (801) 578-8340. You may also contact the Office for Civil Rights, Denver, CO, (303) 844-5695.