Early Childhood Program Specialist

Job Goal:

The Early Childhood Services Specialist ensures the delivery of comprehensive, high-quality services that support childrens health, development, mental health, disabilities, and family well-being across all program options.

This position provides both direct services to children and families and programmatic support to staff and contracted sites through training, technical assistance, monitoring, and compliance activities. The specialist promotes inclusive, trauma-informed, and family-centered practices aligned with Head Start Program Performance Standards, IDEA, and agency policies.

Essential Responsibilities:

Family & Direct Service SupportRecruitment & EnrollmentRecruit and enroll eligible children and families, prioritizing children with disabilities, developmental delays, and high-risk needsMaintain full enrollment and track applications, eligibility, and referralsEnsure compliance with disability enrollment requirementsFamily Engagement & SupportConduct home visits and complete Family Partnership AgreementsPartner with families to establish goals and connect to community resourcesMaintain referral systems and follow up to ensure services are accessedBuild trusting, culturally responsive relationships with familiesHealth & Nutrition ServicesConduct or coordinate vision, hearing, and developmental screeningsSupport families in establishing medical and dental homesTrack immunizations, exams, and follow-upsConduct nutrition assessments and connect families to supports (e.g., WIC and community resources)Coordinate referrals to health specialists as neededEducation and Mental Health Component SupportDisabilities & Inclusion ServicesCoordinate developmental screenings and referrals to Early Intervention (Part C) and Local Education AgenciesSupport children with disabilities or suspected delaysMonitor and support implementation of IFSPs and accommodations in classroomsEnsure documentation and service tracking in ChildPlusCollaborate with teachers to integrate IFSP goals into daily routinesCoordinate transition planning for children entering kindergartenPromote inclusive practices and individualized supportsMental Health & Social-Emotional SupportCoordinate services with mental health consultantsSupport early identification of social-emotional and behavioral needsAssiststaff with behavior support plans and classroom strategiesPromote trauma-informed practices and emotionally supportive environmentsSupport implementation of Conscious Discipline, PBIS, and other social-emotional frameworksEducation & Classroom SupportSupport curriculum fidelity and implementation of the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes FrameworkCollaborate with education staff on inclusive instructionIntegrate screening and assessment data into planningProvide resources for classroom accommodations and tiered supports Early Childhood Contract Site CoordinationTraining, Technical Assistance & Professional DevelopmentDevelop and deliver training for staff on:

Disabilities and inclusionMental health practicesCompliance requirementsProvide ongoing technical assistance to classrooms and contracted sitesCo-facilitate professional development and prepare training materialsSupport staff in using screening and assessment tools (ASQ, DECA, etc.)Program Monitoring, Compliance & DataMonitor contracted sites and classrooms for compliance with:

Head Start Performance StandardsIDEA requirementsAgency policiesMaintain accurate service and referral documentation in ChildPlusTrack service timelines and outcomesPrepare reports for stakeholders, PIR, monitoring, and continuous improvementComplete monthly monitoring and progress reportsIdentify areas for improvement and recommend solutionsCollaboration & Community PartnershipsPartner with community agencies and service providersCoordinate cross-agency supports for familiesParticipate in staffing meetings, case conferences, and planning effortsSupport community needs assessments and program planning

General Staff Responsibilities:

Participate in staff meetings, conferences, training sessions and workshops as assigned Demonstrate familiarity with employment policies, performance standards, work plan and objectives of Agency Maintain congenial and respectful relations with staff, children, families and community Keep current and accurate records and file reports on time Maintain confidentiality in regards to staff and family informationMaintain objectives and professional standards Improve selfskills and education Fulfill role as mandated reporter as stated in Child Abuse and Neglect Policy Be present at work in order to provide consistency of servicesBe a contributory team member in a positive/productive manner Demonstrate commitment to mission, values, and policies in the performance of daily duties And or any other duties deemed necessary by your supervisor

Education Requirements:

Associates degree in Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Psychology, or related field requiredBachelors degree preferred

Experience and Skills Requirements:

23+ years working with children birth5 and familiesExperience with disabilities, developmental delays, or behavioral/mental health supportsExperience in training, coaching, or technical assistance preferredHead Start or early childhood program experience preferredKnowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and IDEAStrong family engagement and case management skillsUnderstanding of trauma-informed and inclusive practicesStrong documentation, organization, and data tracking skillsAbility to collaborate across teams and community partnersCultural responsiveness and ability to work with diverse familiesExperience with ChildPlus and screening tools preferred

Certifications:

CLASS Certification or willingness to obtain upon hireInterrater Reliability Certification or willingness to obtain upon hireFirst Aid/CPR (or willingness to obtain)Valid drivers license and reliable transportation

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands and work environment described below 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 is required to:

Sit for long periods of time with daily use computer screen;Do tasks involving repetitive arm and hand movements, such as heavy word processing/keyboarding, using various office tools to collate, punch, cut, or stamp paper and other repetitive or highvolume tasks such as bulk mailings, filing projects, etc.;Occasional filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bending as necessary;Occasionally required to stand, walk and reach with hands and arms;Occasionally lift and/or move up to50 poundsReasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment/Conditions:

Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment. Job tasks are performed in close physical proximity to other people Observing and responding to childrens needsFrequent movement between sites

Safety:

Apply safe practices in the performance of dutiesReporting of unsafe or hazardous working conditions and/or any injury immediatelyComplying with Agency safety standardsParticipate in emergency drillsPromote a culture of safe environments in the workplace

AgencyWide Requirements:

Current enrollment in the Child Care Licensing Divisions Central Background RegistryCurrent physical examination, drug screen, and TB screen documentation prior to hireAbility to drive a private or Agency vehicle; must possess a valid driver's license and personal automobile or provide a plan that will allow fulfillment of position requirements. A DMV Record check will be conducted prior to hire.

Desire to work with lowincome children and their familiesCommunicate effectively with staff, families, children, and the public using the telephone and in facetoface, onetoone, and in group settingsFluent in English both verbally and writtenThe job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subjectto change by theemployer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Umatilla-Morrow Head Start, Inc. is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals in all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, job assignments, promotions, career advancement opportunities, working conditions, scheduling, disciplinary action, termination of employment, compensation, and access to benefits and training. We recruit, hire, and promote into all job levels the most qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics.