Early Learning Specialist

The NWESD aspires to be a racially and culturally inclusive staff that reflects the diversity of those we serve. We believe this strengthens our organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches staff engagement.

Summary:

The Early Learning Specialist uses family support and partnership principles to conduct ongoing outreach, recruitment, and enrollment of children for Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) services. This position is responsible for establishing and maintaining community partnerships to enhance quality services for children and families, and for ensuring compliance with data collection in early learning management systems.

Essential Functions:

Duties listed are intended to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position. Incumbent(s) may not perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional duties not listed, but within the general scope of the position.

• Develop and implement a recruitment process to actively inform all families with eligible children of the availability of services in the community. Considering linguistic, cultural diversity, and community needs when developing recruitment strategies.
• Work with neighboring ECEAP, Head Start and Tribal Nation programs to ensure enrollment of as many eligible, high priority children as possible; establish joint outreach efforts and referrals.
• Encourage and assist families to apply for admission to the program.
• Ensure compliance with data collection in an early learning management system (ELMS) and maintain documentation in accordance with ECEAP Performance Standards.
• Establish and maintain community partnerships to enhance quality services for children and families.
• Verify eligibility of each applicant and retain eligibility documents.
• Prioritize eligible children for enrollment in available slots, and maintain prioritized waiting lists for quickly refilling vacancies, demonstrating need for statewide ECEAP services.
• Independently enter and maintain accurate child and family information using the ELMS management systems, including documents such as enrollment applications, family assessments, family goals, referrals, follow-up information, and emergency contact cards.
• Regularly communicate and collaborate with ECEAP staff to identify and engage eligible families, maintaining enrollment and engagement.
• Analyze reports to ensure all children are supported and maintain 85% average daily attendance.
• Provide information to support regular progress monitoring and assist in problem solving.
• Develop and maintain written plans to support family and community partnerships.
• Recruit, train, and support volunteers in the program, including verification and documentation of background check, required immunization(s) or proof of immunity.
• Coordinate with site coordinators, teachers, and family support specialists to identify a variety of opportunities for parents to volunteer in the classroom or other aspects of the program.
• Coordinate with parents in the nomination of Policy Council members for each program year; assist the ECEAP Manager in the organization and planning of ongoing Policy Council meetings.
• Promote positive parent and community involvement in ECEAP by attending community events and activities where families are present.
• Assist the ECEAP Manager with compiling data and information for the community assessment and annual grant application.
• Develop and maintain a community resource guide for service areas.
• Create forms and processes to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and documentation of ECEAP Performance Standards.
• Respect and maintain confidentiality of pertinent information concerning children and families.
• Participate in staff meetings, conferences, training sessions and workshops as requested.
• Complete all requisite Department of Children Youth and Families ECEAP training related to the recruitment, prioritization and enrollment of children and families.
• Analyze data and recommend program improvements.
• Build and maintain positive relations with staff, children, parents, partners, districts, and volunteers.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Ability to embody NWESD’s Core Values: responsive customer service, open communication, regional collaboration, flexible teamwork, adaptable professional learning, and positive relationships.
• Ability to consistently meet deadlines and schedules: set priorities, work as part of a team, be flexible in changing conditions, make quick and accurate decisions, work with multiple priorities, deal with frequent interruptions, maintain confidentiality, facilitate communication between persons with frequently divergent positions.
• Ability to perform comfortably in a public facing role, encouraging families to participate in programming through outreach and recruitment activities.
• Ability to interact positively and respectfully with culturally and linguistically diverse children and families.
• Familiarity with and ability to implement ECEAP performance standards.
• Ability to apply policies and best practices.
• Ability to research and resolve situations outside of the norm.
• Ability to formulate work plans with clear objectives and outcomes.
• Ability to use a variety of strategies to monitor program deliverables.
• Ability to pay attention to detail and follow through with a task with a high level of self-accountability.
• Ability to be flexible with changing schedules to meet the needs of children and families.
• Ability to operate a computer using a variety of software to create presentations, forms, documents; managing workflows; monitoring deliverables; entering data and running reporting.
• Ability to remain committed to learning and applying practices of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written format with proper grammar, spelling, proofreading and punctuation skills with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and other information.

Qualifications:

Associate degree or higher in adult education, human development, human services, social work, early childhood education, child development, psychology or another field directly related to essential functions. Three or more years’ experience applying family support and partnership principles and performing detailed program support. Experience working in ECEAP in Washington state preferred. Equivalent education/experience can substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal or regulatory requirements, such as a license/certification/registration. WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance required. Valid Washington State driver’s license and proof of liability insurance required. Must provide proof of tuberculosis (TB) testing or treatment, and proof of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunization or proof of immunity.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Work is primarily performed in office and early learning environments; however, travel may be required for district visits throughout Western Washington, workshops or conference attendance. Work extended and flexible hours as necessary. Lifts and carries a maximum of 30 pounds. Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.

Hazards: Potential hazards are present based on the fact that the position requires the incumbent to drive a significant amount.  Hazards may include but are not limited to traveling alone, driving in inclement weather conditions, varied road conditions, rush hour traffic, etc.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship or immigration status.