Early Childhood Specialist - Instructional Support

The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has set ambitious goals to ensure that every child—in every school and every neighborhood—has access to a world-class learning experience from birth, resulting in graduation from high school college- and career-ready.

The Early Childhood Instructional Support Specialist will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Develop a continuous improvement cycle to support hiqh quality child outcomes
• Work to support the implementation of district initiatives, such as the P-2 Balanced Literacy Initiative
• Provide coaching and professional development for early childhood stakeholders (teachers, school leaders, network staff) focused on instructional quality in early childhood education
• Ensure curriculum and assessment supports individualized instruction for children
• Collaborate with other Early Childhood and district staff to ensure the quality of early childhood programs
• Provide support to teachers, principals, and network staff on Office of Early Childhood strategy, guidance and approaches
• Support alignment of practice and structure from preschool through second grade

Type of Education

• Master’s Degree in Early Childhood preferred or in an aligned field with a focus on curriculum and instruction

• Valid Professional Educator License or early childhood endorsement issued by the Illinois State Board of Education (or out-of-state equivalent) required. Early Childhood certification required
• Minimum 5 years of work experience working in early childhood classrooms, Chicago Public School experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with all stakeholders

• Works collaboratively with staff to develop effective partnerships promoting early learning experiences for students and development of all children
• Able to possess a valid driver’s license and a car to travel to various locations throughout the district to meet the needs of the individual schools
• Ability to use a range of technology and tools, including but not limited to Microsoft and Google
• Able to work independently as well as to function effectively and collaboratively in a temporary environment
• Excellent organization skills and ability to effectively multi-task
• Project management skills
• Understand developmentally appropriate early childhood practice in school settings
• Able to analyze and use data to monitor, assess, and improve program quality, complete reports, projects, and other tasks in a professional and timely manner.
• Knowledge of The Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies GOLD, and Teachstone CLASS preferred
• Strong technology skills preferred

Residency Requirement:

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of his or her CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district.