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OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → INSTRUCTIONAL SPECIALIST, PREKINDERGARTEN/HEAD START, TITLE I AND EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

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Instructional Specialist, Prekindergarten/Head Start, Title I and Early Childhood Programs and Services

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Instructional Spec CODE: 0833 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Instructional Specialist, Prekindergarten/Head Start, Title I and Early Childhood Programs and Services GRADE: BD MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under direction provides direct support to schools and county stakeholders in planning and implementing state and local Prekindergarten/Head Start mandates and programs. Provides direct support to elementary schools with Pre-K/Head Start curriculum and program, provides professional development, supports the management of Pre-K/Head Start Entrance process; coordinates, prepares material, and supports system wide Pre-K/Head Start orientation process; support schools in the design and delivery of research-based instructional practices; conducts parent information meetings; develops, writes, and edits grant proposals; serves on various MCPS committees and collaborates with community early childhood stakeholders, supports Professional Learning Community (PLC) work, technical support for state program accreditation and child care, some evening work required, other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of Early Childhood Programs, philosophy and organization. Knowledge of current research and trends in Early Childhood Education with special emphasis on developmentally appropriate culturally competent curriculum, instructional practices, assessment. Ability to work effectively with administrators, principals and teachers in providing schools assistance in the implementation of the early childhood programs with an emphasis on children impacted by poverty, mobility, and ELL status. Ability to plan and develop training sessions and collaborate with other departments and agencies, and units, to design staff development opportunities. Excellent written and oral communications and human relations skills required.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Masters degree (or equivalent) from an accredited college or university in early childhood education. Course work in staff development, supervision, curriculum development and instruction desirable. Five years successful teaching experience in the Grades Pre-K- 2 level range with a preference for Pre-K/Head Start teaching experience. Required to support children across all instructional and economic levels. Experience in curriculum writing/editing and experience conducting training for a variety of audiences preferred. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Meets Maryland state certification requirements in early childhood education, and or elementary education field. Certified as a Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) observer or must receive certification in CLASS within six months of hire date.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) Must be able to move materials/equipment to and from different sites on a regular basis. As required by the duties and responsibilities of the job.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Will be required to work occasional evenings to meet deadlines or to attend Board of Education, committee, or other teacher or community meetings. Has some knowledge of the Head Start Program Performance Standards.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides guidance to schools for state and local early childhood education mandates and programs.

Provides direct support to elementary schools with Pre-K/Head Start curriculum, assessment and instructional program.

Provides professional development.

Manages and collaborates with other staff on the Early Entrance to Pre-K Processes.

Prepares materials and grant proposals, conducts parent and community information meetings.

Serves on various MCPS committees and collaborates with community early childhood stakeholders.

Supports PLC work, technical support for state program accreditation and some evening child care work required.

Applies Practice-Based Coaching in observing, diagnosing, and recommending instructional activities/processes to facilitate student learning, including classroom instructional strategies for students with special needs and or limited English proficiency.

Identifies, evaluates, and selects instructional materials to support MCPS Early Childhood Education efforts.

Works with staff to monitor student performance and encourage careful observation of young children¿s achievement.

Participates in system wide and community presentations to help parents and others prepare their children for kindergarten.

Prepares written proposals, correspondence, evaluations, progress reports, etc., as required.

Develops and coordinates training with other MCPS departments and divisions.

Conducts training sessions on Head Start curriculum and state accreditation for parents, child care providers, community organizations, etc. Reviews and evaluates early childhood materials and equipment.

Assists classroom teacher(s) in observing, diagnosing, and prescribing instructional strategies to facilitate student acquisition of skills, including activities for students with special needs.

Understands and applies the six performance standards established for the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Teacher Professional Growth System (TPGS).

Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.
Class Established: 7/2015
Date(s) Revised: 4/2018
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.