Early Head Start Coordinator at Bucks County Intermediate Unit (Bucks IU)

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary/Objective

The Early Head Start Coordinator works as a part of the Early Head Start Team to coordinate Early Head Start services for children and families. 

The Early Head Start Coordinator is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Early Head Start portions of the Head Start Program Performance Standards.  This includes implementation of a research-based Home Visiting curriculum and providing educational resources for staff and parents, ensuring compliance with performance standards, and recognized best practices in the field of early childhood education.

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

• Supports no more than a half caseload of Early Head Start families through weekly 90-minute home visits.
• In collaboration with the Early Childhood Programs Leadership Team, coordinates the education and early childhood development content areas as well as child placement and program options of the Early Head Start program.
• Coordinates and oversees Early Head Start in collaboration with the Early Childhood Programs Specialist Team.
• Works with Family Educators and Family Support Providers to ensure a smooth transition for all children into and out of Early Head Start.  Assists with developing a program transition procedure for children moving from Early Head Start into the Head Start program or to other preschool placements in the community.
• Assists Early Head Start staff with a system for maintaining an inventory of program materials and supplies that is checked at least annually.
• Assists Early Head Start staff in understanding and interpreting child observation data and establishing appropriate individual child and family goals based on knowledge of child development and family needs.
• Assists the ECP Specialist Team with the collection of data for the submission of the PIR, as it relates to Early Head Start.
• Develops and implements a plan for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of curriculum delivery and learning activities within the program to ensure compliance and continuous quality improvement.
• Must be trained or willing to become trained in the EHS home visiting curriculum

Supervisory Responsibility:. This position requires management and oversight of Early Head Start Family Educators.

Work Environment: This job operates in a professional office environment and/or early childhood classrooms with related exposure to communicable diseases. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Physical Demands: 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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to lift and carry a child weighing 45 pounds in an emergency.  The employee must be physically capable of performing CPR (with appropriate training).  The employee must also be able to bend, sit on the floor or in a child’s chair and/or squat when working with children.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time 260-day position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Travel:  Travel is required throughout Bucks County to meet the needs of families and children. Occasional travel to professional learning opportunities may be required.

Education and Experience: Bachelors’ degree required. Experience in Infant/Toddler Development and Home Visiting preferred. Must have reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and provide proof of insurance.

• Level of Degree: Bachelor’s degree preferred. (i) Have a minimum of a home-based CDA credential or comparable credential, or equivalent coursework as part of an associate's or bachelor's degree; and,
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• (ii) Demonstrate competency to plan and implement home-based learning experiences that ensure effective implementation of the home visiting curriculum and promote children’s progress across the standards described in the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five, including for children with disabilities and dual language learners, as appropriate, and to build respectful, culturally responsive, and trusting relationships with families.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Excellent computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet)
  • Excellent collaboration skills
  • Experience working with data from disparate sources
  • Ability to manage and prioritize multiple assignments, work independently, think critically, show good judgment, and seek out support or guidance where appropriate.
  • Demonstrates initiative and curiosity
  • An understanding of Head Start Program Performance Standards
  • An understanding of child development particularly as it relates to infants and toddlers

Work Authorization/Security Clearance (if applicable):  Citizenship or work authorization to work in the United States required.

EEO/AA/VEVRAA Employer:  The Bucks IU is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. Bucks IU does not discriminate on the basis of disability, veteran status or any other basis protected under federal, state or local laws.