Posted on December 10, 2012

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Early Education Experts (CSP)

FLSA: Exempt, Grade: 20, Contract position

Responsibilities:

The Early Education Expert (EEE) facilitates full and effective implementation of the Child Signature Program’s Program Elements and evidence-based instructional practices by providing staff with instructional leadership through the design, delivery, and coordination of intensive professional development; education program development and improvement; facilitation of interdisciplinary collaboration; and administrative support. Outcomes of the EEE work include exemplary early learning classroom quality, teacher-child interactions, and retention of staff.

Essential Functions:

Service Goal:

• Consistently promotes and models courteous LAUP/community service in a prompt and efficient manner. Maintains positive relationships with all LAUP internal and external contacts through professional honest interaction. Responds to requests quickly and professionally recognizing that a request serves an organization and/or community need.

LAUP Mission/Credo:

• Supports LAUP mission of providing high-quality preschool education to the children of Los Angeles County. Dedicated to the preschool cause (DREAM BIG), and along with LAUP team, upholds the organization to the highest standards.

Key Tasks:

Professional Development

Leads the design, implementation, and coordination of intensive staff development to build and enhance core competencies of the staff, specifically;

• Reflective Feedback - Provides classroom teachers with a predictable schedule of reflective feedback to support, develop, and observe their performance through a process of inquiry that encourages their understanding and articulation of the rationale for their own practices
• Coaching – Implements with classroom teachers a predictable schedule of coaching to support their implementation of core competencies and evidence-based instructional practices through a cyclical process of observation, reflection, and action
• Lesson Study – Facilitates or coordinates a predictable schedule “lesson study” strategy to solve practical implementation dilemmas related to curriculum and instruction through participation with other professionals in systematically examining practice
• Reflective Practice Groups/Communities of Practice – Facilitates or coordinates reflective practice groups consisting of staff sharing the same role to improve professional practice through shared inquiry, reflection, and learning

Education Program Development

Leads and coordinates the CSP’s education program for children ages 0 to 5 including implementation of the following core features and evidence-based practices:

• High quality curriculum, including standards, expectations, formative assessment, instructional planning, and alignment across classrooms;
• Responsive, intentional, and developmentally appropriate implementation of curriculum and instruction to ensure children are provided with socially supportive, organized, and instructionally meaningful interactions that support their development (i.e., social-emotional, physical, cognitive, and language) and learning (i.e., literacy, math, science, technology, social studies and arts)
• Primary care-giving and continuity of care
• Use of child screening, assessment, and progress data to inform lesson planning, individualization, and the intensification of instruction in the areas of oral language, dual language and literacy development and skills; social-emotional and self-regulation development and skills; and early math skills and problem-solving skills

Interdisciplinary Work and Collaboration

Facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration among the CSP staff and other program areas/staff, including:

• Participating in the local and statewide evaluation and processes of continuous quality improvement and, in conjunction with the Local Evaluator, ensuring completion of child screenings and assessments and coordination of timely feedback to teaching teams;
• Collaborating with Family Support Specialist (FSS) and the Child Signature Program Supervisor and participating in efforts to engage and involve parents with the program, staff and child development and learning;
• Collaborating with the Mental Health Specialist and/or mental health resource(s) to facilitate completion of Case Consultations and Special Education eligibility, planning, and implementation processes when warranted; and
• Participating with FSS to lead teams of education, family support, and other support staff (i.e., mental health, disabilities) to plan and implement targeted and intensive interventions for children displaying challenging behaviors

Administrative Support

• Ensures all CSP requirements are met.
• Reviews education plans and other required documentation for children and classroom for completeness.
• Participates in the development of program policies, service delivery plans, and ongoing monitoring of program quality.
• Works with the Child Signature Program (CSP) Supervisor to ensure all assigned program area reports are completed and submitted on a timely basis.
• Ensures all confidential information is protected.
• Participates in recruitment efforts of program participants to help maintain full program enrollment as time allows.
• Provides input to CSP Supervisor on education staff performance.
• Collaborates with the CSP Supervisor in determining training needs of classroom staff.
• Coordinates, schedules and conducts regular site visits according to agency policy and as needed
• Collaborates with providers to identify strengths and areas for improvement after analyzing data from multiple sources and facilitate the implementation of a Quality Improvement Plan
• Conducts on-site training of staff and/or coordinate of other training opportunities
• Collaborates with CSP staff on the implementation of Quality Improvement Plans, monitoring outcomes and feedback on progress.
• Collaborates with providers to ensure quality compliance that may include coordination with service providers and/or LAUP staff
• Identifies promising practices and supports implementation
• Promotes and models own continuous improvement and professional growth
• Conducting quality support visits and completing Activity Logs.
• Data entry within 5 days
• Attending trainings and meetings when appropriate
• Collecting resources to support providers with their goals.
• Conducting observations, providing feedback and trainings.

Physical Duties

• Work is primarily sedentary in nature, no special demands are required. May be expected to lift boxes up to 20 lbs. Coaches drive to and from sites daily.

Other Duties

• Other duties as assigned.

Safety Practices

• Adheres to LAUP general safety practices and any unique safety practices for the department and/or building.

Knowledge and Skills Requirements:

Knowledge:

• Comprehensive understanding of ECE best practices, including knowledge of Environmental Rating Scales, CLASS, and curriculum and assessments.
• Remain current on advancements and research in the child development field
• Demonstrated leadership abilities and ability to utilize reflective practices
• Knowledge of and ability to assess, analyze state and local licensing requirements and the organization’s philosophy
• Ability to work as a cooperative and supportive member of an interdisciplinary team
• Knowledge, skill, and ability to effectively work with culturally, linguistically, and diverse families, children, various professionals, and community groups
• Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials
• Intermediate knowledge of computer applications and the ability to learn and master computer technology/software programs as needed
• Ability to communicate and respond in a manner that consistently demonstrates respect and concern
• Knowledge and background of effective strategies addressing the unique needs of Dual Language Learners
• Expertise in adult learning techniques, facilitation skills, and technical assistance learning systems.
• Knowledge of at least two systems of preschool (i.e., Head Start, State Preschool, school district)
• Knowledge of child care licensing and the regulatory environment surrounding child care and preschool education as would normally be acquired through at least three (3) years of professional experience in positions directly involved in preschool education operating under Title 22 and Title 5 regulations.
• Knowledge of business vocabulary and composition of business documents.

Requirements/Skills:

• Working knowledge of correct English grammar, spelling and punctuation; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to learn and apply routine office policies and procedures.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook.
• Ability to learn moderately complex computer systems and adapt to changes in such systems.
• Strong interpersonal skills for interfacing with staff, providers, and stake holders.
• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills. Must be detail-oriented, flexible, and decisive with excellent customer service skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Strong organizational and time management skills and attention to detail
• Commitment to working with diverse individuals, groups, communities, and organizations
• Ability and willingness to work in a program located in a high-risk, low-income community
• Analytical skills applied to problem solving, planning and organization of services
• Ability to be empathetic with providers and address their programmatic concerns while remaining objective and consistent to implementation of quality indicators and contract guidelines.
• Ability to make decisions and to think critically
• Ability to develop multiple options or solutions to reach goals
• Must have a valid California Driver License
• Clearance of background checks as required by local, state and federal regulations.
• Physical examination and diagnostic tests as required by local, state and federal regulations

Preferred Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience working as a teacher, coach, site supervisor or director in an early childhood preschool-age program, or equivalent At least five years of Early Childhood classroom experience
• At least five years of classroom and /or supervisory experience with children ages 3 to 5
• At least five years of 0-3 classroom and/or supervisory experience and a certification in infant toddler studies or other credential such as PITC Trainer (For Early Education Expert, children ages birth to three)
• At leave five years of experience working with low-income children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• Bicultural and bilingual competence in the predominant language (other than English) of the children served is preferred

Formal Education:

• Master’s Degree in Child Development (CD), Early Childhood Education (ECE), or in related field (equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.)

Language proficiency required/preferred:

• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred

Application Instructions

http://www.laup.net