Early Childhood Specialist - State Support Team

Job Description

Job Title: Early Childhood Specialist Contracted Days: 90

The Region 10 State Support Team (SST 10) under the direction of the Department of Children and Youth Services is looking for a knowledgeable, skilled, and high-energy early childhood specialist to support early childhood programs operated by public and chartered nonpublic schools.

The Ideal Candidate

• Equity-Driven: You hold a core belief in access to high-quality, evidence-based educational programming and services for all students.
• Systems Leader: You have a documented history of working within a district or building to promote collaborative leadership.
• Relationship Builder: You are adept at fostering collegial relationships across a diverse six-county region.

SST10 team members operate in a fast-paced environment where we encourage our staff to be creative, collaborative, and self-motivated. SST10 needs a consultant who can fit well in our environment. Candidates must have reliable transportation and be willing to travel.

Early Childhood Specialist

The following are the minimum qualifications of the personnel:

• A bachelor's degree or higher in one of the following areas early childhood education, child development, family studies, or a related field with a focus, concentration, or licensure in early childhood education.
• A master's degree or higher in a related field.
• Three to five years of successful classroom teaching that includes reading/literacy instruction in the early childhood years.
• Two years of experience providing support and/or services to those who work with preschool age children in one of the following capacities: administrator/supervisor, professional development provider, technical assistance provider, or teacher mentor.

The following are preferred qualifications:

• Licensed educator with a reading or literacy endorsement.
• Experience in providing support and technical assistance with Step Up to Quality.
• Experience with programs that serve infants and toddlers.

Qualifications/Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

KNOWLEDGE

A thorough understanding of the following is essential:

• Early childhood development;
• Coaching and consultation skills;
• Delivery of high-quality professional learning and technical assistance;
• Early childhood education curriculum and assessment;
• Evidence-based processes and instructional practices, including development and implementation of academic and behavior supports;
• Universal design for learning and differentiated instruction;
• Implementation and monitoring of improvement efforts;
• Parent, family and community engagement.

SKILLS

Proficiency in the following is essential:

• Communication - Clear verbal and written communication with colleagues, parents, families and educators.
• Collaboration & Teamwork - Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams/groups, share ideas, and support team goals.
• Empathy & Emotional Intelligence - Understanding others' perspectives and responding appropriately, accepting of constructive criticism.
• Conflict Resolution - Handling disagreements constructively and maintaining positive relationships.
• Active Listening - Paying attention to details and showing respect for others' input.
• Adaptability - Adjusting communication style depending on audience or situation.
• Leadership & Influence - Inspiring and motivating others, even without formal authority.
• Data Analysis & Interpretation - Collect and organize information, identify patterns, trends, draw meaningful conclusions, and communicate insights that supports decision-making.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EXPECTATIONS

• Early Childhood Specialists shall complete professional development and training as required by DCY.
• Early Childhood Specialists shall participate in DCY-required in person meetings, which will occur at least quarterly and virtual meetings.

Montgomery County ESC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.