Position Summary

The Education Specialist is responsible for overseeing the educational and developmental needs for children in shelter care (Preschool – Age 17). To ensure that children are intellectually challenged by adapting the environment to support each child's skill acquisition and success.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensures the initial Academic Diagnostic Assessment is administered to students within 72 hours upon arrival to the program and administer the post Academic Diagnostic Assessment within 30 days from the date of the initial assessment.
• Promotes children's active exploration, creativity, and development in all domains by designing indoor and outdoor environments based on knowledge of how children develop and learn.
• Organizes and prepares materials for daily instruction while ensuring the inventory of classroom materials
• Creates a safe and inclusive classroom environment by ensuring that classroom learning centers and materials reflect children's cultures and communities.
• Facilitates Life Skills classes, Physical education classes, Special education events, Acculturation activities and Enrichment outings for school age children.
• Utilizes the CCA adopted curriculum to ensure compliance with National Academic Standards.
• Individualizes lesson plans to meet each students' academic level.
• Develops Individualized Educational Plans to report and document student's developmental progress (cognitive, emotional, social and physical).
• Uses effective instructional strategies to meet the academic needs of the students.
• Meets departmental and program deadlines to ensure contractual compliance with reporting requirements.
• Supervise students indoors and outdoors as necessary.
• Maintains a healthy physical environment by following health and safety procedures (universal precautions, regularly sanitizing equipment, child-proofing environments)
• Models Center's expectation for sensitivity and competency relating to diversity and cultural awareness.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must be able to display verbal and written communication skills that meet the requirements of the position and needs of clients
• Must be able to work a flexible work schedule.
• Must have a valid driver's license and be able to be added to the Agency's vehicle insurance policy.
• Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of hire.
• Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds.
• Must possess valid Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card or able to obtain one prior to employment.

Education & Experience

• Must have a High School Diploma
• Must possess 2 years' experience with children in an education setting
• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish)
• Computer experience in a Windows environment required
• Must be able to obtain Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) certification and First Aid Certification (CPR).