CA State Preschool Program Specialist

Posted: February 3, 2023

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Position Type

Full-Time Employee

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Salary Range

$29.00 - $35.00 per hour

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Job Description

PROGRAM: CSPP Program & Multiple Locations

STATUS: Full Time - Exempt

REPORTS TO: Early Childhood Education Manager

Human Services Association requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment.

The Organization:

Human Services Association (HSA) is a private nonprofit agency whose principal mission is to provide families with compassionate and comprehensive care to promote wellness and build strong communities. HSA was founded in Bell Gardens in 1940 and today, HSA serves over 20,000 clients annually on a non-sectarian basis with a range of services that addresses the unique and shared needs of clients of all ages.

Program Overview:

Our Early Childhood Education Department provides services to 600 children over three distinct programs (Early Head Start, Head Start and State Preschool) at ten school sites. The California State Preschool Program provides a pre-school experience for children ages 3 to 5 in the cities of South Gate and Huntington Park. The Early Head Start Program is a federally funded program that provides a home based and center based program for pregnant women and children ages 0-3 that reside in zip codes of 90201 and 90280. The Head Start Program offers a comprehensive child development program for low-income preschoolers ages three to five years old that reside in zip code 90280.

Position Summary:

The Education and Early Childhood Development content area is an integral part of the larger system of services provided by Head Start, Early Head Start, and State Preschool programs. It plays an important part in supporting the goals of the program. This position is responsible for the education and early childhood development portion of the State Preschool programs. This includes working to ensure implementation of an early childhood education curriculum and providing educational resources for staff and parents, ensuring compliance with Title V regulations and recognized best practices in the field of early childhood education. The position ensures the education and child development services are supported by staff with training and experience in areas that include the theories and principles of child growth and development, early childhood education and family support.

The CSPP Program Specialist is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operation and professional development within the California State Preschool Program (CSPP) programs within the Early Childhood Education Department. The CSPP Program Specialist is responsible for the monitoring of the provision of high-quality early childhood services that embed responsible and effective teacher-child interactions; the facilitation and implementation of a research-based curriculum that aligns with the Preschool Learning Foundation (PLF): Ages Birth-Five and may include information regarding the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (HSELOF) that ultimately prepares children to be school-ready. The CSPP Program Specialist monitors the instructional activities and classroom environments, including but not limited to child observations, child portfolio collection, lesson planning, parent and teacher conference activity and will review child assessment data for quality assurance and implementation. In addition, the CSPP Program Specialist will monitor general documentation of child data in the agency database for accuracy and completion. The CSPP Program Specialist works in collaboration with staff and community for the coordination of comprehensive program services for the children and families enrolled in the State Preschool (CSPP) program. The CSPP Program Specialist will maintain a supportive supervisory relationship with staff and volunteers; work with other Specialists and staff to ensure program compliance and monitors program activities; and ensure the program meets or exceeds funding source requirements based on Title V, Title 22, and the performance standards and other relevant regulations in all ECE programs.

In addition, this person will be assisting in carrying out administrative duties such developing and managing budgets, supervising education personnel, strategic planning, self-evaluation and monitoring, assisting in the development of funding applications. This person will also take the lead and/or assist in developing and administering the school readiness plan as it pertains to the State Preschool program, assist in developing and administering training plans and overseeing education staff.

Duties And Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Administration

Contract administration:

• Collaborate with the Director of ECE and ECE Manager to carry out funding contract administrative duties (e.g. program reviews/data analysis, monthly 801A reports, CDE Program Self-Evaluation, annual updates to service area plans, policies, and procedures, etc.)

• Support program quality improvement by aggregating and analyzing child outcome data, teaching practices data, etc. as required by contract and program need; collaboratively develop quality improvement plans based upon data results.

Compliance and records:

• Support efforts to ensure compliance with licensing, CDE requirements, CACFP standards, Title 5 & 22, in some cases the Head Start Performance Standard, and all other program regulations, policies and procedures

• Support efforts to ensure that all program documentation, reports, and files are complete, accurate, and current; ensure accurate, complete, and confidential maintenance of children’s records; conduct monthly review of program files

Policies and program planning:

• Participate in the planning, implementation, review, and updating of annual program goals/objectives, policies/procedures, and activities to ensure compliance with Title V regulations and achieve the implementation of the program’s mission, objectives and

• Assist in the creation of yearly timelines and scope of work for education staff

• Gathers data to prepare a variety of written documents including reports, records, files, evaluations, forms, newsletters, and memoranda.

Internal reporting:

• Complete monthly report of early education progress, assessment tools, quality improvement updates, progress toward school readiness goals, and other topics as requested by the Director of ECE

Program meetings:

• Participate in management meetings as needed and one-on-one semi-monthly supervision meetings with education staff and other specialists

• Work with the Child Development Coordinators to conduct meetings

Parents, Caregivers, and Community

• Together with the Family Services Specialist, Parent Engagement Coordinator, and Quality Systems & Planning Specialist coordinate implementation of annual parent survey across all early education programs, aggregate data, and create a plan of action based on the outcome of the surveys

• Serve as a representative to the community and attend meetings, as needed

Human Resources

• Participate in the hiring, orientation, supervision and training of early education teachers and other staff, as needed, to ensure that they have the support and guidance needed to provide quality services to children and families; monitor performance of staff and complete annual performance evaluations and development plans; plan and oversee performance evaluations of staff in collaboration with supervisors.

• Assist in the planning and provide training to teaching staff, as needed

• Assist in the review and update of staff records to ensure requirements are met, as needed

Supervision

• Responsible for operations of multiple CSPP sites; ensure smooth operations and promote a positive atmosphere in providing quality services.

• Work collaboratively to implement early childhood education programming in accordance with all applicable state, federal and local regulations; licensing, contractual and Agency requirements.

• Oversee CSPP Teaching staff to ensure that programs and services is delivered accordingly.

• Support the operations of the center-based program (including CACFP), as needed; support planning for daily staffing at the center as needed

• In collaboration with Child Development Coordinator complete and conduct performance evaluations and professional development plans for teaching staff.

• Keep track of sick leave and/or PTO and compensatory time for all staff supervised

• Responds to inquiries, complaints, and requests for program information and guidelines; prepares written responses as required; resolves conflict between parents and staff.

Education Supervision & Monitoring

• Align classrooms with Head Start and State standards (e.g. ensure teachers use child data to individualize weekly lesson plans); responsible for communicating feedback from educational observations to teaching teams and ensuring proper training and follow up

• Ensure compliance of center-based programs with funding sources requirements; responsible for communicating feedback from educational observations to assigned teaching teams and Director of ECE and ensuring proper training and follow up

• In collaborations with the Child Development Coordinator review and provide weekly feedback on lesson plans, individual learning plans, and school readiness goals.

• Responsible for ensuring that teachers are meeting or exceeding national benchmarks for teacher quality and CLASS.

• Provide support, feedback, and guidance to all education staff on the implementation of: Parent-Teacher Conferences, DRDP assessments, Environment Rating Scales (ECERS), PQI, CLASS, Child School Readiness Goals, center school readiness goals, and all other education related programmatic goals/plans

• Work closely with the ECE Manager to ensure that all needed services are being provided, that all data is being collected, and that reports are being reviewed to ascertain child outcomes and make improvements to services and to program design.

• Ensure the health and safety of all children, parents and staff participating in the ECE programs.

• Monitor/support program teams with program timelines deadlines

• Complete/ensure completion of Environment Rating Scale (ECERS) and CLASS, yearly

Training and Professional Development

• Working with other Specialists, develop annual training calendar

• Develop and execute annual professional development plans and goals for education staff, incorporating topics identified in individual coaching plans; track teachers’ trainings, and other professional development activities, and meet semi-annually to review progress

• Responsible for maintaining early education program training/professional development plans

• Provide early education trainings, resources, and plans to support implementation of: High/Scope Curriculum, STEAM, CSEFEL, school readiness goals, trauma-informed care, culturally sensitive care, individualization for children, assessment, and other appropriate topics that are developmentally appropriate practice

• Support implementation of parent engagement calendar

• Provide leadership in the area of early childhood development research and best practices

Other

• Attend meetings and trainings, as requested, to keep abreast of trends in the various service areas.

• Model the Standard of Conduct Policy when interacting with parents, community members and Colleagues

• In accordance with our “team” philosophy, the person filling this position may occasionally be required to carry out or assist with other tasks in addition to the duties listed on this job description

• Staff must believe in and act in accordance with both the Agency’s and the program’s mission/vision statements, adopted theoretical frameworks, and philosophy.

• Identify and report any suspected incidents of child abuse (following the Mandated Reporter Guidelines)

• Communicates with children, families and other staff in respectful and culturally sensitive manner

• Maintains confidentiality of children, families and employees of HSA

• Works as member of agency team by promoting the mission and philosophy of HSA

• Represents HSA at community and professional functions, as needed.

• Attend department, agency, and community meetings and trainings, as assigned.

• Willing to work evenings, weekends and to travel locally and out of the service area for trainings.

• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or Department Director

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities:

• Organized and able to successfully meet daily objectives; have the ability to lead a positive team atmosphere; have mediation and negotiation skills; possess effective conflict resolution skills.

• Pertinent Federal, State, City and other laws, rules, regulations and guidelines including California Education Code, Head Start Performance Standards.

• Principles, practices, methods and techniques applicable to the Early Head Start and Head Start Program, including program design, objectives, assessment and evaluation.

• Principles of organization and work management, staff training and management development techniques.

• Knowledge of child growth and development, Head Start Performance Standards, Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework, Child Care Licensing Regulations, Quality Rating Improvement System (QSLA), CACFP, Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale (ECERS), Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS), Monitoring Review Protocols, and Teacher-Child Interaction Rating scales

• Ability to acquire knowledge and apply principles, strategies and skills necessary to assess the implementation of High/Scope Curriculum, Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ), Child Plus, Learning Genie, and early childhood environments.

• Applicable laws, statues, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, related to Head Start/ early Head Start and State Preschool programs. Rules, regulations, policies, procedures, contracts, and State and federal laws, codes, and regulations relating to non-profit agencies.

• Personnel management principles and practices, including selection, training, supervision and performance evaluation.

• Plan, organize, direct and coordinate a variety of administrative activities in the diverse multi-cultural, multi-ethnic communities served.

• Ability to maintain a well-balanced demeanor; demonstrate excellent interpersonal and intrapersonal skills.

• Ability to handle highly stressful and sensitive situations in a professional manner.

• Ability to interpret and implement complex policies and regulations.

• Develop and maintain appropriate internal program controls, coordination, evaluation and reporting mechanisms and recommend effective measures for appropriate solutions.

• Analyze, assess and interpret statistical and programmatic data and; prepare and present a variety of related reports mentioned in the ‘Responsibilities’ section.

• Plan, coordinate, schedule and administer the functions and activities of the program in accordance with applicable State and Federal laws, codes, policies, regulations and procedure.

• Select, train, supervise and evaluate subordinate personnel.

• Make public presentations to large groups, explaining complex issues in an understandable way.

• Grant funding and programs to support the strategic objectives of a Head Start program.

• Data, analysis, synthesis, and control procedures, statistical and narrative data analysis practices. Policies and objectives of assigned program and activities.

• Knowledge in the implementation of education program policies and procedures; experience with licensing requirements and guidelines.

• Communicate orally and in writing using correct English (spelling, grammar, vocabulary and punctuation).

• Preferred Bilingual (English/Spanish); effective oral and written communication.

Education And Experience:

• Hold Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized college or university preferably with a major in Early Childhood Education, Psychology or a related field. Master’s degree preferred

AND

• At least 5 years of direct management level experience, in an educational or similar program of 10+ employees or more is required.

• At least two years of successful teaching experience, preferably including hands-on experience in curriculum/program development and design.

• At least 2 years of experience overseeing a State Preschool program funded by CA Department of Education.

• Experience in meeting the needs of all children including at risk, special needs and culturally diverse populations.

• Established reliability in CLASS preferred.

• Knowledge of State Department of Education – Title V, and Dept. of Social Services Title 22

• Must maintain First Aid (infant/child/adult) and CPR certification

• Experience working with adult learners.

• Any other combination of training and/or experience that demonstrates the applicant is likely to possess the required skills, knowledge and abilities may be considered.

• Proficient in developing and maintaining cooperative staff relationships.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to receive and implement constructive feedback.

• Intermediate to advanced computer skills, internet and e-mail.

Licensing/Certification Requirements:

• CA Commission on Teacher Credentialing, Program Director Permit
• CLASS certified, preferred
• Occasional driving is required; Must provide own vehicle, valid California driver license and proof of full insurance coverage.
• First Aid certification, Child CPR certification (preferred)
• Health screening
• Physical
• Negative tuberculosis screen (TB)(required).
• TDAP or DTAP clearance (required)
• MMR Clearance (required)
• COVID Vaccine Clearance (required)
• Must pass criminal background check including Live Scan (fingerprinting)

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job or that an employee encounters while performing the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The CSPP Program Specialist work location can be in any one of the following cities: Bell Gardens, Huntington Park or South Gate, CA. As needed, the CSPP Program Specialist will drive to different site locations and training sites (this includes HSA’s main office, Clarendon office, or location to be announced). The majority of the job duties are performed within the office. These tasks require the following physical demands which include but are not limited to: constant walking, bending; occasional lifting (25 pounds), pushing, squatting and climbing stairs (as needed) in the office or at one of the preschool sites. The employee will complete required documentation (as indicated in the job description) in the office, a location with moderate noise levels, peanut free, and that is a non-smoking facility.

COMPENSATION:

In accordance with CA law, the expected pay range for this CA position is posted with this position. The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.

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Application Process

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