Job Description

Educational Specialist

Under the direction of the Center Support Specialist and Education Manager, manages the Head Start education services in the center. Ensures that such services are comprehensive, culturally relevant, and developmentally appropriate in a learning environment that maximizes opportunities for each child's physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth. Ensures teachers support parents in their role as the child's first teacher.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Manage all aspects of the education services in the center in accordance with the Head Start Act, Head Start Performance Standards, developmentally appropriate practices, early childhood education best practices, and the CDLF School Readiness Plan.
• Stay current on the early childhood education field of knowledge, including assessments and screening instruments.
• Provide ongoing training, mentoring, and technical expertise to teachers, teacher assistants, and center aides. Create in-service training plans based on the needs of the children and teachers.
• Work with the Center Support Specialist and human resources to ensure education personnel meet Head Start credentialing requirements.
• Complete staff development plans with all teaching staff and update them on a quarterly basis. Conduct annual performance evaluations of teaching staff.
• Review lesson plans weekly, ensuring activities are developmentally appropriate; meet individualization requirements; are in accordance with the CDLF School Readiness Plan; and include a variety of nutrition, health, and safety activities.
• Work with developmental specialists to ensure all children are properly screened and that screenings are documented and appropriately followed up on in a timely manner.
• Conduct, aggregate, and analyze the data from four assessments each season. Present assessment results at parent meetings.
• Work with the developmental specialist to ensure that IEP/IFSP/RTI and Behavior Plan goals are embedded within the classroom curriculum.
• Ensure each child's paper and electronic files are accurate, complete, and up to date. Attend case reviews as needed.
• Participate with the center team in coordinating child transitions.
• Ensure teachers complete the Health and Safety checklist daily.
• Manage all classroom and education resource inventories.
• Maintain an ongoing flow of information between teaching staff and support staff, to include facilitating teacher meetings and attending center and agency meetings as required.
• Ensure home visits and parent/teacher conferences occur as per Head Start performance standards.
• Submit an education report monthly or as directed.
• Assume the Center Support Specialist responsibilities in the event of his/her absence.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

About Us:

At Centro de la Familia, we are not just educators, we are dream builders. Our warm, vibrant environment is designed to cultivate curious minds, explore boundless possibilities, and create lasting memories. We believe that every child is a unique story waiting to be written, and we take pride in walking alongside families as trusted partners in early learning and development.

Just as we nurture the potential of every child, we are deeply committed to supporting the growth and success of our staff. At Centro, you're more than an employee—your part of a mission-driven family that values your voice, your expertise, and your well-being.

Why You'll Love Working with Us:

• Great Pay & Benefits – We offer strong compensation and comprehensive benefits to support your health and financial well-being.
• Professional Growth – Access to continuous training, certifications, and clear career development opportunities.
• Supportive Mentorship – Work alongside experienced mentors and coaches who are invested in your success.
• Work-Life Harmony – A positive, respectful workplace that values balance and healthy boundaries.
• Wellness & Inclusion – Thrive in a culture that prioritizes wellness, connection, and a strong sense of belonging.
• Recognition & Appreciation – Your dedication doesn't go unnoticed — we celebrate your contributions regularly.

Who Are We:

We are passionate about our work and the incredible children and families we have the privilege to support. We have been dedicated to Community and Family Engagement since 1975, have been operating Head Start Programs since 1991, and have experience managing programs in challenging, isolated, and underserved areas. Our curricula and programs are rooted in science, and we are committed to the professional growth of minority communities. Plus, our team includes bilingual and bicultural staff to ensure inclusive and culturally sensitive care.

Requirements:

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education/Child Development or related field.

Emphasis or experience in special education, social work, or psychology.

A plus if you have experience in management and/or group process experience.

Bilingual in English and Spanish Preferred

Physical ability for extended periods of sitting or standing, lifting to 50 lbs., and performing actions associated with caring for young children and infants.

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