Classroom Support Specialist

What You'll Do

• Work under the direction of the Program Manager for Education and Special Services to provide  hands-on support to children that use persistent challenging behaviors including being available for immediate assistance as needed
• Facilitate and support  the process of collaborative team-based intervention  planning for children that need behavior support
• Collect, review and interpret child data and engage in data based decision-making in collaboration with the teaching team, parents, center leaders and other team members as appropriate
• Teach, model and support teaching team members on strategies to use with a child using challenging behaviors
• Complete classroom TIPITOS and TPOT observations and collaborate with teaching team, center leader, and/or early learning coach as needed to assess  and  problem solve around Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 strategies in the classroom
• Collaborate with disability and mental health coordinators and resource teachers as needed to provide seamless support of children, families and teaching staff
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with families, providing resources, support, and guidance to promote their active involvement in their child’s education and development
• Stay updated on the latest research, best practices, and policies in early childhood education in order to support education staff in delivering quality services
• Ensure program compliance with relevant regulations and standards (e.g., TN Dept. of Human Services Child Care Licensing, Head Start Program Performance Standards, etc.)

Requirements

• B.S./B.A. in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Child & Family Studies or related field  (AAS in Early Childhood Education can be considered in lieu of B.S./B.A. degree with 5 years of successful Head Start teaching experience)
• Minimum of 2 years experience in teaching children 8 week - 5 years in a classroom setting
• Demonstrated knowledge of early childhood development, effective practices in early education and the Pyramid Model for Promoting Social-Emotional Competence in Infants and Young Children
• Experience effectively supporting children using persistent challenging behaviors in a classroom setting
• Prior Head Start experience preferred
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with staff, families, and community partners
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast paced environment
• Commitment to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in early childhood education
• Ability to pass a criminal background check (fingerprint, vulnerable person's registry, etc.)
• Vehicle for work related travel
• Legally eligible to work in the U.S.

Benefits