Job Title: Head Start Early Learning Consultant

Position Summary:

This position provides the comprehensive services of Head Start in both home based settings and community based early childhood programs. The Early Learning Consultant will facilitate quality improvement initiatives, including child outcome assessments and shared services. The Consultant will also provide coaching on best practices in a family setting or childcare setting to help all reach their fullest potential.

By leveraging strengths in AIU's Core Competencies, the Early Learning Consultant works closely with staff to provide families with a positive experience in engaging their children in AIU's educational programs and activities.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

Accountability - Understanding of the importance of being accountable and ability to focus on those activities that have the greatest impact on meeting work commitments.

Effective Communication - Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.

Establishing and Maintaining Trust - Knowledge of methods and ability to develop trusting business relationships and provide solicited, respected and valued perspectives to clients/peers that guide thinking, facilitate issue resolution and enhance client/peer capabilities.

Teamwork - Knowledge of the necessity and value of teamwork; experience with and ability to participate effectively as part of a team.

Professionalism and Ethics - Knowledge of and ability to demonstrate professionalism and integrity in all aspects of conduct and appearance, and adherence to applicable codes of practice-including confidentiality. In addition, must have the ability to comply with the AIU Conduct Policy.

Job-Specific Competencies:

Decision Making and Critical Thinking - Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.

Partnering for Clients' Success - Knowledge of and insight into clients' key goals and ability to work and think alongside clients to achieve clients' current and future aspirations and successes.

Conflict Management - Understanding of how to anticipate, recognize, and deal effectively with existing or potential conflicts at the individual, group, or situation level; ability to apply this understanding appropriately to diverse situations.

Flexibility & Adaptability - Knowledge of successful approaches, tools, and techniques for dealing with changes and adapting to a changing environment; ability to adapt as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Work cooperatively with administrators and teachers to successfully utilize web-based platforms to manage and track Head Start child, family and teacher data. Perform recordkeeping, including written documentation, scheduled reports, and mandated reporting, in a timely, accurate, and confidential manner.

2. In the community partner sites, meet weekly with the teachers and/or other key personnel to develop classroom and individual child goals. Lead teachers and directors to assess program needs and planning strategies for process improvements, development of early childhood education, disabilities, and mental health. Assess the implementation of the Head Start performance standards through regular, weekly visits.

3. Maintain on-going contact with families in the Home-based model through 90-minute weekly home visits and work with all other Head Start service components including health, nutrition, family services, mental health, special services, resource and referral and parent education. Document home visits, prepare and distribute additional resource information on medical and social services, parenting skills, and other relevant information.

4. Complete initial screenings of community provider sites within 45 days and development assessments three times a year. Assess parents' success in meeting goals documented on family partnership plan, monitor barriers to successful training and employment. Coordinate with parents, staff and community professionals to ensure that well-child exams, immunizations, health screenings, and nutrition assessment are complete and necessary follow up occurs.

5. Complete twice yearly family partnership plans and provide recommendations and referrals for relevant community resources. Ensure regular communication with families regarding screenings, assessments, and surveys in order to provide needed information regarding medical, psychological, and social services.

6. Observe and document specific skills of the children in order to complete screenings and the assessment tool (three times per year) and develop IPPs for each Head Start child.

7. Attend professional development opportunities to develop knowledge of current research and practices to apply to work with children and families.

8. Report to Education Specialist or designee.

9. Contribute to the success of the AIU by performing all other duties as assigned.

1. Education B.A./B.S. degree in Early Childhood/Child Development or a degree in a field related to Early Childhood Education, with experience in teaching preschool-aged children (Required)

2. Certifications Pennsylvania Private Academic Certificate to teach in a preschool program (Preferred)

Additional Requirements:

1. Current Act 114, Act 34, Act 151 and NSOR clearances are required prior to an offer (Must be dated within 1 year of hire date).

2. School Personnel Health Record (Form H511.340) must be completed and received by Human Resources prior to hire date.

Working Conditions:

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

* Be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time.

* Be able to sit on preschool-size chairs and floor as necessary.

* Walk up and down stairs, walk/run to implement services.

* Be able to lift, carry, push, and pull 50 pounds.

* Be able to kneel, crouch, bend and reach to retrieve and handle teaching materials and supplies and interact and facilitate the learning of the students.

* Be able to speak clearly and distinctly when communicating.

* Be able to hear clearly.

* Adequate vision to perform duties.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

Disclaimer: The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of this position.

Reports To: Head Start Supervisor

Department: PKC/Head Start

Position Schedule: August to June, 200 days

Salary: $33,465.65 ($20.92/hour)

Benefits: Per HSEA Benefit Guide (Health, Dental and Vision, Paid Entitlement Days, PSERS and more)

To Apply: Create an on-line application and upload a cover letter, resume and transcripts at .

Please send any questions to:

The Allegheny Intermediate Unit is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, handicap, or limited English proficiency in its educational programs, services, facilities, activities or employment practices as required by Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 504 Regulations of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1975, Section 204 Regulations of the 1984 Carl D. Perkins Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or any other applicable federal or state statute.