Educational Support Specialist

2 weeks ago


Chicago, Illinois, United States Mary Crane Center Full time
Position Overview

Reports To: Lead Educator and/or Program Director

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday

Work Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Extended hours may be required based on workload)

Role Summary

The Educational Support Specialist for Early Childhood and Head Start initiatives collaborates with Lead Educators to design and execute educational experiences that foster the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical growth of children in a nurturing and secure learning atmosphere. This role emphasizes the importance of family engagement and nurtures connections between children and their families.

Key Responsibilities

Engagement with Children:

  • Utilize suitable language and positive reinforcement techniques.
  • Exemplify constructive behavior.
  • Assist in guiding and overseeing children during educational activities.
  • Implement developmentally appropriate experiences aligned with Head Start standards, NAEYC standards, and the Creative Curriculum.
  • Promote family-style dining during meal times.
  • Continuously supervise children to ensure their safety and report any concerns regarding child welfare.

Child Assessment:

  • Conduct regular assessments of children.
  • Document observations and maintain anecdotal records for each child.
  • Administer developmental screenings and assessments as required.

Curriculum Development:

  • Research and plan age-appropriate activities in collaboration with the Lead Educator.
  • Assist in integrating necessary activities into lesson plans that support child development.
  • Help prepare resources and materials for planned activities.

Parent Communication:

  • Foster open communication with parents through scheduled conferences and home visits.
  • Act as an advocate for parents, addressing any concerns that arise.
  • Inform parents about classroom routines, expectations, policies, and volunteer opportunities.
  • Communicate significant incidents observed in the classroom.
  • Ensure all necessary parental signatures are obtained for documentation.

Documentation Responsibilities:

  • Create and maintain informative displays in classrooms and hallways.
  • Complete all required paperwork for classroom activities promptly.
  • Keep accurate educational records, including incident reports and permission slips.
  • Maintain updated portfolios and inventory lists.
  • Ensure timely completion of assessment documentation.

Supervision and Support:

  • Assist volunteers and aides in understanding classroom expectations.
  • Delegate tasks under the guidance of Lead Educators and provide constructive feedback.

Administrative Duties:

  • Collaborate closely with the Program Director, management team, and other specialists.
  • Participate in various meetings, including team and committee discussions.
  • Engage in ongoing professional development and training opportunities.

Classroom Maintenance:

  • Contribute to maintaining a clean and organized educational environment.
  • Sanitize classroom surfaces and materials regularly.
  • Ensure compliance with curriculum standards in room arrangement.

Additional Responsibilities:

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field, with at least one year of relevant experience, or two years of college education with a focus on Child Development and two years of experience in a related role.

Skills and Abilities:

  • Ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Ability to build effective relationships within a team-oriented environment.
  • Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills.
  • Flexibility to adapt to a dynamic work environment.
  • Proficiency in using word processing software.

Language Proficiency:

  • Proficient in reading and speaking English; bilingual in Spanish is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

  • Regularly required to communicate effectively, stand, walk, and sit.
  • Occasionally lift and move items up to 30 pounds.
  • May require more than 40 hours per week to fulfill job responsibilities.

Work Environment:

  • Primarily in an internal office and classroom setting.
  • Noise levels may vary from moderate to high.


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