Education Specialist for Early Learning Center bei CORNERSTONES INC

Description

Reports to Job Role: Division Director

FLSA: Exempt

Level: Supervisor

Descriptive Summary

The Education Specialist provides instructional leadership, curriculum guidance, and quality assurance to ensure that all classrooms at the Laurel Learning Center (LLC) meet the highest standards of early childhood practice. This role focuses on teacher coaching, creative curriculum implementation, assessment systems, and continuous improvement aligned with Virginia licensing regulations and Cornerstones’ mission. The Education Specialist partners with the Director and Assistant Director to ensure staff have the tools, training, and support needed to create inclusive, developmentally appropriate, and culturally responsive learning environments for all children.

Qualifications

Essential Functions

Curriculum & Instruction

• Support teachers in planning and implementing the creative curriculum aligned with early learning standards.
• Ensure intentional integration of social-emotional, language, cognitive, and physical development across all classrooms.
• Review and provide feedback on lesson plans, classroom schedules, and learning environments.
• Model effective teaching strategies and co-teach as needed to support instructional quality.

Assessment & Child Outcomes

• Lead the implementation of child assessment systems (e.g., Ages & Stages Questionnaire [ASQ], Teaching Strategies GOLD, or other tools adopted by the center).
• Train and support staff in conducting observations, documenting child progress, and engaging families in the assessment process.
• Analyze classroom- and program-level data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
• Partner with teachers and families to develop individualized plans that support children’s growth and learning.

Teacher Coaching & Professional Development

• Provide individualized coaching, feedback, and professional learning to teaching staff.
• Conduct regular classroom observations to monitor instructional quality and provide actionable improvement strategies.
• Collaborate with the Director and Assistant Director to identify staff training needs and coordinate workshops, in-service trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Foster a culture of reflective practice and continuous growth among staff.

Family & Community Engagement

• Partner with families to share assessment results, developmental progress, and strategies to support learning at home.
• Support culturally responsive curriculum and family involvement in classroom learning experiences.
• Collaborate with community partners to enhance classroom learning opportunities.

Compliance & Accreditation

• Ensure all creative curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices align with state licensing requirements.
• Maintain documentation needed for accreditation, program reviews, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Director and Assistant Director on ProCare integration for documentation and parent communication related to learning and development.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Serve as a member of the center’s leadership team, collaborating on decision-making, program evaluation, and continuous improvement.
• Represent the center at professional conferences, training sessions, and community events when appropriate.
• Support classroom coverage as needed to maintain quality and ratios.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Oversees the implementation of the approved early learning center curriculum.
• Supervises and coaches Teachers, Teacher Assistants and Teacher Aides in implementing the approve curriculum.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Bachelor’s degree in childcare or related field plus at least 2 years or related experience.
• 1 years of experience in providing and coaching teachers, teacher assistants and aides.
• Current certification in childcare preferred.
• Verbal and written proficiency in English and Spanish.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite or related software.
• Experience with early learning center curriculums.
• Advanced skills in lesson plan writing.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with staff, clients, volunteers.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Detail-oriented, with strong attention to follow-through.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others and as a member of a team.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate them when necessary.
• Must be detailed, flexible, and able to work accurately under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Must be responsible, dependable, and display the highest level of integrity. 
• Must have a valid drivers’ license with no history of significant accidents or moving violations.

Attitude

• Attentive to constraints of time and funds in setting stretch goals.
• Respectful of staff, volunteers, funders and clients.
• Forward thinker, considering not just today but what are the implications for tomorrow.
• Collaborative leader, working with others individually and in teams.

Work Environment

• The work is performed in a typical office environment.
• Some work is performed outdoors in both the winter and summer.
• Occasional driving or personal or Cornerstones’ vehicle.

Physical Requirements

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

• Prolonged sitting and a desk and working on a computer.
• Regular in person interaction with the public, clients, and stakeholders.
• Handle or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 15 pounds.
• Occasional navigation of (stairs, ramps, ladders).
• Nosie level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
• Must be able to safely operate a company vehicle.